Emergency Exercises & Training
Every year San Francisco International Airport (SFO) conducts a full-scale emergency exercise to help ensure its readiness for a potential incident at the Airport. This exercise is a critical part of SFO’s emergency preparedness and the most high-profile element of its continuous training program.
Although federal regulations require U.S. airports to conduct such a drill every three years, SFO plans and conducts this multi-agency exercise annually, exceeding the compliance standard to ensure the highest level of readiness.
Security Screening
Covenant Aviation Security, a private company under contract with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), provides passenger and baggage screening at SFO.
Visit Covenant Aviation Security to learn more about security screening at SFO.
Visit the TSA's website for helpful travel tips.
Emergency Notifications While at SFO
In the event of an incident, emergency, or situation which requires the immediate dissemination of critical and potentially life-saving information, passengers, employees and the public at SFO receive messages accompanied by an audible alert via their mobile devices if “Emergency Alerts” are enabled.
Ensure government alerts are activated on your phone:
- iPhone - open the Settings app, tap on Notification Center and scroll to the bottom. Make sure the Government Alerts are toggled to the on position.
- Android - Go to settings and look for Cell Broadcasts. Toggle the emergency alerts to the on position.
International Arrivals Customs and Inspections
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is charged with the dual mission of securing the Nation's borders while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Please visit the CBP website for information on customs and inspections procedures for arriving passengers.
San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau
The San Francisco Police Department-Airport Bureau provides basic police services to the airport, enforces the airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security plan, and supports the individual security plans of the airlines. The San Francisco Police Department’s Airport Bureau also plays a crucial role in the airport’s emergency response capabilities. Read more about the SFPD Airport Bureau by visiting the SFPD website.
San Francisco Fire Department
The San Francisco Fire Department-Airport Division is responsible for providing fire protection, training, fire prevention, code enforcement, emergency medical (Paramedic level) services, hazardous materials abatement, and community-based fire safety CPR and Automatic Defibrillator (AED) training and recertification for San Francisco International Airport. Learn more by visiting theSan Francisco Fire Department website.
SFO Medical Clinic
The SFO Medical Clinic provides travel medicine, urgent care and occupation health services. The medical clinic is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal Main Hall. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program
SFO is committed to saving lives by promoting a public automated external defibrillator (AED) program. The SFO Life-Saver program strategically places AED units in highly visible locations throughout the airport. Each unit is housed in a cabinet and directly linked to the Airport’s Communications Center. Once it is pulled from the cabinet, San Francisco Fire Paramedics and San Francisco Police are immediately dispatched to the scene.
Additional Useful Links for Travelers
US Customs and Border Protection Global Entry program
US Department of State travel information
World Health Organization international travel and health information