LBFD Conducts Earthquake Drill
By Jackawa Jackson | November 6, 2008
On the morning of October 30th, LBFD conducted a large scale earthquake drill as part of this months COCEP training. The drill began at 10:00am with a simulated 7.8 earthquake and the implementation of our earthquake policy. Initial command and control functions were carried out from the back of the BC vehicles. Soon after, the DOC (Department Operation Center) was activated upstairs at headquarters. The DOC was staffed by the assistant chiefs and personnel from headquarters. multiple companies, in the large classroom at headquarters, acted as role players in a green-cell exercise. The room was divided up and each of the three tables represented a fire district. Role-players delivered a constant stream of realistic updates to the DOC and the BC’s concerning situations that may be encountered in an earthquake of this magnitude.
This drill was an excellent learning experience for all those involved. It was concluded by allowing members to comment on things that went well and things that they would change. One point that was emphasized by all of the BC’s involved was the need for an aid in these situations. Initially, there will be a large volume of radio traffic concerning emergencies encountered and an effective way to maintain track of units and developing conditions is to have one person listening and one writing.
At the end, it was agreed that the drill was a huge success. Although we all hope never to have to put the earthquake policy into action on a real incident, the day may come when we may. As the saying goes, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
Topics: Events, News | 25 Comments »
LBFD Kids Halloween visit at Miller Children’s Hospital
By Jackawa Jackson | November 4, 2008
The LBFD Kids program is now in it’s 10th year and continues to bring smiles to the faces of many of the children who are treated at Millers. This program continues to be a success due to the tireless efforts of Captain Greg Curiel and all of the rest of volunteers from the Long Beach Fire Department.
The next schedualed event will be Friday November 14th 2008 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. This will be the “Fall Fest” and will be similar to the annual “Beach Fest.” As with other events, this one is also anticipated to be a huge success.
Topics: Events | 28 Comments »
Earthquake Preparedness Drill
By frhayes | November 4, 2008
Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster and Fire Chief David Ellis encourage all city employees, residents, businesses, and schools to participate in the “Great Southern California Shakeout”. This event will be the largest earthquake drill ever planned and simulated in Southern California, and aims to be the nations largest public earthquake preparedness activity ever conducted.
At 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 13, 2008, millions of people in government offices, homes, businesses, schools, and public places all over southern California will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” as we practice a community-wide simulated drill of what we would do during a “Real” earthquake. Organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance, this 7.8 simulated earthquake drill will help us better understand how an earthquake of this magnitude could affect our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. It will provide us with valuable information on what we are doing right, and how we can make improvements to be better prepared in the future.
An earthquake of this magnitude could shake for as long as two minutes, with a sharp jolt of a few seconds before the strong shaking occurs. This is why it is imperative to act immediately at the first signs of an earthquake. Unprecedented damage would occur, with the potential for a large loss of life, numerous injuries, and a long-lasting disruption of services.
To get started and participate in this great event go to: www.shakeout.org at this site you will be able to register, where you will be added to the total number participating, and you will receive updates, and information in regard to the drill. At the site there is also specific information for businesses, schools, families, individuals, a calendar of events, and how you can go even farther with your participation.
For more information on earthquake preparedness, the Long Beach Fire Department, and the City of Long Beach please visit: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness.php
http://www.oes.ca.gov/ https://firechannel.org/blog/or http://www.longbeach.gov/
great-shakeout-audio-information
Topics: Events, Public Safety | 30 Comments »
ITA With A Trapped Patient – Extrication Video
By frhayes | October 28, 2008
See Josh Johnson’s story on the incident below.
Topics: Incidents, Video | 31 Comments »
ITA with a Trapped Patient
By JJohnson | October 23, 2008
On Thursday, October 23rd at approx. 3:30pm LBFD was called to an injury traffic accident (ITA) at the intersection of Los Coyotes Diagonal and Ximeno. Units arrived quickly and found 3 vehicles involved, with one on its side and a female patient who was 5 months pregnant with twins. She was alert and for the most part uninjured, but was in a precarious spot in the vehicle and it was decided to extricate her out. T-14 along with E-17 and R-17.
Topics: Incidents | 25 Comments »