LAFD: There Is No 'Magic Triangle'. Learn What To Do When an Earthquake Strikes...

In light of recent seismic activity here in the Southland, your Los Angele Fire Department wants to -once again- remind you to prepare for whatever may come.

No one will dispute that we have had anything but consistent weather patterns in recent years. With "watches," "warnings" and earthquakes a reality for all that live in the greater Los Angeles area, we encourage you now, to not take Mother Nature's friendly reminders lightly.

"It's never too late to prepare, until it's too late to prepare!" Here, we thought to answer a frequently asked question about earthquake preparedness. How many of you have pondered: "What should I do, when an earthquake hits?" Surely, you've thought about that for at least moment!

Well, this may help...

Following catastrophic earthquakes that struck both New Zealand and Japan last year, a chain letter resurfaced, suggesting a "new" way to survive an earthquake; something called the "triangle of life". It sounds simple - and it would be if the advice were not just plain wrong - and potentially life threatening!

Instead, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the world's leading earthquake experts - including more than 600 scientists at leading institutions agree: When an earthquake strikes...

Drop! Cover! Hold On!

Learn exactly what to do when you feel an earthquake at:

www.dropcoverholdon.org

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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SO YOU WANT TO BE A FIREFIGHTER?

If the answer for you, without any hesitation, is unequivocally "yes" then we have some good news. If, perhaps, you are on the fence and not quite sure...well, then read on.

The good news is, as a result of recent retirees (a note to all retirees: "thank you" for your years of service and dedication!!), City Council has granted the Los Angeles Fire Department approval to get the hiring process rolling. That means, as we head into the Fall, our recruiting efforts will soon be in full-swing.

The last time your LAFD saw a new class of recruits sworn-in, was back in February of 2009. What that means for you, if you are interested, is that it will be competitive. Very competitive. But that element never seems to change. Again, back in 2009, nearly 17,000 potential candidates expressed interest. This go-around, we are expecting at least that number. Why? Because it's been quite a while since we last hired, the fire service has always been very competitive and a very sought-after career and it's no secret, that many have endured a very tough job market and economy for several years now. That often translates into people looking for a "change."

This is not meant to discourage anyone. In fact all are welcome! We do want you to be prepared and we want you to know what to expect. And make no mistake, you will need to be prepared. Mentally and physically.

In addition, there are a few other characteristics that a good, solid candidate should possess. Battalion Chief Steve Hissong, who heads-up the LAFD's Recruit Services Unit, summed it up best: "A good candidate for the fire service would be an individual of high character, morals and values; one that has a sense of wanting to serve others. That doesn't necessarily always have to be the individual that's pursued their fire service degree."

With perhaps only 350 firefighter slots available over the next couple of years, however, anything to give you a competitive advantage, will help.

So, how do you start this process? What are the minimum requirements (age, education, etc.)? All of these questions and more can be answered at a newly launched website, dedicated solely to our recruiting and hiring efforts:

www.joinlafd.org
To all potential candidates, we wish you the very best of luck! 

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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LAFD Provides Keys to Safe and Sane Independence Day

If you listen, the "U.S.A." chants are getting louder. "London Calling" you say? Absolutely. First, however, we celebrate our country's Independence Day! With that...red, white and blue will once again be the order of the day!  Despite its mid-week celebration this year, Wednesday, July 4, 2012, will no doubt bring out the best and in some unfortunate cases, the worst in revelers from coast to coast.

For the safety and security of all, your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) reminds you once again, that fireworks of all types, even those dubbed "safe and sane", remain illegal in the City of Los Angeles. We encourage everyone to join with firefighters everywhere in support of a safe Independence Day by attending or viewing a public fireworks show sponsored and produced by professionals. For detailed information please visit:

safejuly4th.org

You may choose to spend the mid-week Holiday at home with your family or a small group. But it is Summer and you may have opted to travel by air, road or rail and spend it with the masses elsewhere or perhaps with a huge group that just happens to resemble your family. Wherever you wind up and however you do it, your LAFD would like to offer a few tips on staying safe and perhaps keeping yourself sane. Additionally, we want you to rest easy knowing your LAFD stands always at the ready for anything that may come our way.

These 4th of July Safety Tips are provided with help from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and a few of our own, we thought were worthy of mention:

• Cook, grill or BBQ intelligently. Use clean plates, store food properly and prepare it correctly. Oh yeah, and watch out for over-exposure to the grill..yes, too much to eat!
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and sun damage...especially if it's your attempt to even-out that burn from the "fluorescent sun" in your office. Wear sunscreen. Apply it generously and often.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions. Find or tune into a news source.
• Be aware of changing traffic conditions, road closures and other delays.
• If in or around any body of water, please pool safely and always have someone watching the water.
• If you take to the mountains for some hiking or biking, don't go alone and please do so during daylight hours. Hydrate and pack a snack. Don't underestimate the terrain. And, if you have one, take a mobile phone with you and make sure it's charged.
• If you choose to imbibe, don't drink and drive! We all know the sobering statistics. Appoint a designated driver early, use a driver service (there are many), call a cab or just stay sober!
• Whatever you do and wherever you do it...have fun, but please exercise good judgment and common sense!

LAFD's Air Ops: "Patriotic Hydration"

Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy family and friends. Enjoy foods and libations (in moderation.) And enjoy the freedom and liberty that was made possible by those the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our independence!

May God Bless the United States of America!

And the crowd chants "U.S.A....U.S.A...U.S.A."

Submitted by, Matt Spence Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Follow @LAFD and @LAFDtalk on Twitter and find us on Facebook

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