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	Memphis International Airport Prepares for a Natural Disaster David S. Washington, Director of CERT Development In the event of a major natural disaster that immobilizes the City of Memphis, passengers at Memphis International Airport can rest assured that help is on the way
This is due to the formation of the Airport's Community Emergency Response Team, (CERT). Memphis lies along the fault line of the New Madrid, Missouri fault. During the winter of 1811 and 1812, a series of three magnitude-8 earthquakes struck the region. These earthquakes were so violent that they caused church bells to ring in Boston, Massachusetts and the Mississippi River flowed backwards for three days creating the 10 square mile, Reelfoot Lake. Scientists predict that there is a 90 percent chance of a magnitude 6 to 7 earthquake occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the next 50 years. In response to this threat and the possibility of widespread loss of life,
	Memphis requested volunteers to begin training. After eight weeks of extensive training, Memphis International Airport graduated its first CERT team, Airport CERT Team One, on June 1, 1998. Airport CERT members undergo an additional training week because of the unique glass architectural design of the terminal building complex and the potential injury hazard of this design.
Airport CERT members are volunteers from all technical fields employed by the Airport Authority, airfield and building maintenance, clerical and management personnel. Team members are equipped with the standard issue of CERT supplies such as, helmet, vest, goggles, gloves, and an emergency response carryall bag. Also strategically placed around the aircraft parking apron are metal emergency storage boxes filled with additional medical supplies, tools, food, and water.

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