How Does LAFD Determine Wildfire Danger in Los Angeles?

How are decisions made by the Los Angeles Fire Department to pre-deploy resources on days of high wildfire hazard?

The answer is science.

To learn more, we spoke with Captain Daniel Curry, lead for the LAFD Fire Weather Program, who explains...

The LAFD utilizes a Burning Index (BI) to determine the Department’s commitment to pre-deploy resources. A number of procedures occur each day to determine the BI in Los Angeles.

First, dead vegetation fuel moisture readings are taken in the early afternoon at Fire Station 108 on Mulholland Drive near Coldwater Canyon, and communicated to LAFD's North Division Headquarters located at Fire Station 88 in the San Fernando Valley.

Second, a group of federal meteorologists at the Southern California Geographic Area Coordination Center (SCGACC) in Riverside, California provide a "fire weather forecast" consisting of a predicted high temperature, low relative humidity, wind speed and direction for the next day.

Third, historical data (high/low temperature, high/low relative humidity and hours of rainfall in the last 24 hours) is mixed into the brew.

All of this information is fed into equations that make up the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). The result is the BI. Theoretically, fire danger is elevated when BI’s reach high values.

The daily BI level is stated as a numerical value:

BI 0 to 37 = Low
BI 38 to 47 = Moderate
BI 48 to 110 = High
BI 111 to 161 = Very High
BI 162 and above = Extreme

On days of Extreme Fire Danger, the Los Angeles Fire Department may pre-deploy resources at select Neighborhood Fire Stations in-and-near areas prone to wildfire.

Not all forecasts become reality, so LAFD North Division staff conduct real-time weather surveys, monitor Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) in and near the City of Los Angeles and consult the National Weather Service (NWS) to stay abreast of fire weather conditions and forecasts.

Please remember that radio and television weather reports are broadcast to a wider community than the City of Los Angeles, and pass along information on "Red Flag Warnings", for instance, that may not apply to the area served by the LAFD.

The NWS and SCGACC may come to different conclusions on the forecast as well, based on which computer model each agency trusts. Ultimately, the LAFD makes decisions on pre-deployment based on all of these inputs – with a lot of experience mixed in.

Kindly note that LAFD uses the term "Red Flag Alert" to indicate forecasted or existing "Red Flag" conditions inside the City of Los Angeles. A "Red Flag Alert" is called when the wind speed is 25 miles per hour or more and the relative humidity is 15% or less. History has proven that a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

For this reason, parking restrictions may exist on certain narrow streets in brush areas during “Red Flag Alert” conditions. To determine current Red Flag Alert Parking Restrictions within the City of Los Angeles, please call 3-1-1 or visit:

lafd.org/redflag

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Bereaved Father on 10K Mile Trek Inspires Water Safety in Los Angeles

SHERMAN OAKS - The bereaved father of a six year-old girl who died in a tragic drowning, was warmly welcomed by members of the Los Angeles Fire Department this week, as he continued his 10,000 mile nationwide journey by motorcycle to highlight water safety.

Russell Reddick addresses the Los Angeles Fire Department
during his nationwide journey to improve drowning prevention.

Escorted locally by members of the Fire Hogs Motorcycle Club, Russell Reddick arrived in Sherman Oaks on September 18, 2013 to the cheers of Los Angeles Firefighters who staff LAFD's seasonal Swift Water Rescue Teams.

Those rescuers are among many nationwide tracking Russell's self-funded "Four Corners Ride", which will take the Casper, Wyoming man to distant points of Washington state, California, Florida and Maine in honor of his 6 year-old daughter, who senselessly drowned during swim lessons.

The nonstop ride is also raising awareness and funds for the Drowning Support Network (DSN), which offers peer support to those who have lost loved ones to drowning or other aquatic accidents, including when no physical remains have been recovered - or the recovery process has been lengthy and difficult. Families dealing with near-drowning injuries also receive support through DSN.

Joining firefighters to welcome Mr. Reddick was DSN Founder Nancy Rigg, a Southern California resident who knows all-too-well the heartache that accompanies drowning.

Rigg reminded the audience at Fire Station 88 that drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death among children four and younger - and the second leading cause in kids 4-14. Citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she offered the sobering fact that 10-12 Americans drown each day - a number that does not include flood, hurricane, tsunami deaths or those related to boating.

Rigg joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in reminding local residents of all ages to respect and prevent the dangers that remain in any body of water, including pools, spas and bathtubs, as well as rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Learn more about the work of DSN at:

drowningsupportnetwork.wordpress.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Student Housing: Are You Asking the Right Questions?

As thousands of parents bid farewell to college-age children entering student housing at universities across our nation, the Los Angeles Fire Department joins the U.S. Fire Administration and Campus Firewatch in highlighting the life-taking danger that lurks in on- and off-campus living environments.

The horror of fire in a college setting is something that few discuss, yet a tragedy that has taken more than 150 lives in the past dozen years. It is something that these families will never forget:


Among the findings of a recent National Fire Data Center Report:

• An estimated 3,800 U.S. university housing fires occur each year.
• Eighty-eight percent of university housing fires are cooking fires.
• University housing fires occur most frequently in late summer and fall.
• Fires in September, October, and November account for 33 percent of all fires.

Clearly we can do better to prevent such fires, and prepare college students to survive them. Considering the risk, our friends at Campus Firewatch suggest you ask these 18 questions:

How many fires have occurred on campus in the past year? How about fires in off-campus student housing?

Schools are now required to track and report residence hall fires to the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Are the residence halls, Greek housing or off-campus housing equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system?

Sprinklers provide a vital line of defense when it comes to controlling a fire. Many residence halls are not sprinklered – ask for your student to be put in sprinklered housing.

 

Does every student’s room have a smoke alarm? Does it send a signal to campus security or the fire department?

 Fire alarm systems will give everyone the warning that there is a fire, and let them know it is time to get out.

 

How many false alarms have occurred in the residence halls?

False alarms cause students to stop paying attention to the alarms, which can be a fatal decision. False alarms are avoidable, but only if the school takes action.

 

What are the disciplinary steps taken against anyone who causes a false alarm, doesn’t get out during an alarm or tampers with fire safety equipment?

 

Is the fire department immediately notified whenever any alarm system is activated?

Some schools investigate the alarm first and then notify the fire department, This delay can put more people at risk and be deadly. The fire department should be automatically notified of all alarms.

 

What items are prohibited in residence halls because of fire safety? Are smoking, candles, and Halogen lamps prohibited in the residence halls?

If not, they should be.

 

Does the school have policies that electrical appliances and power strips be certified as safe and reliable?

 

How much fire prevention training does the residence hall staff receive?

 

How often do the students themselves receive fire prevention education?

This should continue throughout the academic career, not just while they are living in the residence halls.

 

How often are evacuation drills conducted?

There should be at least one per semester.

 

How often are fire safety inspections of the residence halls and student rooms performed? Are the results made available to students and parents?

 

For off-campus housing, are there smoke alarms in each bedroom and on each level?

 

Are couches or upholstered furniture on the front porch or deck?

Many communities are banning these outright, as fires have started in couches and then rapidly spread into the house, killing those inside.

Make an informed decision when choosing both a school and student housing. Learn more today at:

campus-firewatch.com

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD: Keep Hot Weather Safety in Mind

LOS ANGELES - With a peak in hot weather expected through the weekend, your LAFD Paramedics say: don't underestimate the heat or overestimate your abilities!

The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages you to stay safe during a heat wave by following the links below - and sharing these hot weather safety tips with your family, friends and coworkers:

• LAFD Paramedics Stress Hot Weather Safety
• Children, Hot Weather & Cars = Danger!
• Hot Oven, Hot Car... It's the Same Thing
• Extreme Heat Safety Information

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Neighborhood Firefighters Stress BBQ Safety

The seasonal migration to decks, balconies and backyards continues, as Americans fire up gas and charcoal grills. With an increase in outdoor recreation comes a spike in barbecue fires. To keep your family safe, the Los Angeles Fire Department and U.S. Fire Administration offer simple tips for outside cooking safety.


Use All Barbecue Grills Safely:

• Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.
• Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill. Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone".
• Use long-handled grilling tools to give yourself clearance from heat and flames.
• Keep the grill clean. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.
• Use only outdoors! Grills used indoors or in an enclosed space, such as a tent, poses an extreme risk for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Charcoal Grills:

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
• Dispose of charcoal coals only after they are cool. Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals. Place the container away from anything that can burn. Never empty coals directly into a trash can.

Propane Grills:

• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.
• Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up and maintain the grill.
• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak by smell or soapy bubble test - and there is no flame:
• Turn off the propane tank and grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call the Fire Department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Light a propane grill only with the cover open.

Watch What You Heat...

• Lack of proper attention is the leading cause of cooking fires.
• Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, bags, food packaging and towels away.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can dangle and catch fire.
• Do not cook if you are sleepy, drinking alcohol or taking medicine that makes you drowsy.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Firefighters Remind You to 'Pool Safely'

The Los Angeles Fire Department joins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and partner agencies in reminding every American to Pool Safely!

Pool Safely is a national public education effort to reduce child drownings, non-fatal submersions and entrapments in swimming pools and spas. Los Angeles Firefighters support this effort through their belief in the campaign slogan:

Simple Steps Save Lives...

The 7 Simple Steps to Pool Safely...    

1. Constant Supervision
2. Proper Fencing
3. Pool & Spa Safety Covers
4. Door, Gate & Pool Alarms
5. Safety Drain Covers
6. Swimming Lessons
7. Learning CPR

To learn more, please visit:

poolsafely.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Paramedics Stress Hot Weather Safety

With high summer temperatures likely in Southern California, the Los Angeles Fire Department suggests you take action now to:

• Minimize the risks of hot weather.
• Prepare your household, pets and workplace.
• Plan to get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.

Plan to wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much of your skin as practical, and a well-ventilated hat with a wide brim - or carry an umbrella. Wear plenty of sunblock and stay in the shade whenever possible.

Adjust your attire and activities to limit heat exposure and exertion!

Water is normally the best drink during hot weather, and you'll need more than you think. If you have a medical condition or are under a doctor's care, consult with a physician.

Drinks with alcohol or caffeine can make the heat's effect on your body much worse. Avoid sugar-filled drinks and only use salt tablets if directed by a doctor. Plan on eating light, healthy meals.

Key Rules: Drink plenty of water before you become thirsty and rest in the shade before you become tired!

Limit your exposure to direct sunlight between 10AM and 4PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. If you feel ill, tell someone immediately. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, nausea, muscle cramps, headache and vomiting.

Many heat emergencies occur to people exercising, working or staying alone. Use a buddy system and check on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors on a regular basis. If you suspect someone is experiencing a medical emergency from extreme heat exposure, call 9-1-1.

If your home does not have air conditioning, consider a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day.

Schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls and community facilities such as senior centers and parks may offer an air-conditioned refuge. If activated by officials during peak temperatures, designated cooling centers in the Greater Los Angeles area can be found by calling 2-1-1.

Pets, horses, and livestock are also susceptible to hot weather. See that the special needs of your animals are met, including copious shade and plenty of cool water.

Never leave children, pets or dependent adults alone in a hot car. Even with the windows down, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can quickly rise to lethal levels.

Learn more about hot weather safety at:

emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Children, Hot Weather & Cars = Danger!

With 34 child deaths in the United States already this year attributed to children left alone in hot vehicles, the Los Angeles Fire Department is asking for your help:

We need to make sure no child dies as the result of being left alone in a hot vehicle.

It's a problem we can solve together!

• Always put something you'll need - such as your phone, handbag, a sunshade, lunch or briefcase on the floor in the back seat. This will make you open the back door of your vehicle every time you reach a destination. This way, making sure no child is left behind becomes a habit. Safety experts call this the 'Look Before You Lock' campaign.

• Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the teddy bear in the front passenger seat. It's a great visual reminder that anytime the teddy bear is up front, a child is secured in a child safety seat behind you!

• Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call them when your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. This is not only common courtesy, but makes sure everyone involved in the care of your child is informed of their whereabouts. Ask these caregivers to always phone you if your child doesn’t show up when expected.

• If you see a child (dependent adult or pet) alone in a hot vehicle, get involved. If they are hot or seem sick, get them out as quickly and safely as possible. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for assistance as necessary.

• Never leave your car keys where children can access them, and always make sure your car is locked so that children cannot get in without adult supervision.

• Do not underestimate a child's capabilities. Teach your children about the dangers of a car, especially the car trunk. Most children can differentiate between a tool and a toy. Make certain they know that a car is not a toy!

Please share word of applicable California law, as well as:

• safercar.gov/heatstroke
• kidsandcars.org
• ggweather.com/heat
• CDC Hot Weather Safety Information

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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What Parents Need to Know About Child Passenger Safety Seats

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for all children. According to our friends at AAA, child restraints (car seats) reduce the risk of injury by 71% to 82% and reduce the risk of death by 28% in comparison to children in seat belts alone. Booster seats reduce the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45% among 4 to 8 year olds.

All vehicle occupants need to be properly restrained by child safety seats or seat belts to prevent injury in case of a sudden stop, swerve or crash. Seat belts and car seats contact the strongest parts of the body, spread crash forces over a wide area, help the body slow down and protect the brain and spinal cord.


Did you know 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly?

Before you install a car seat, be sure to read both the car seat instruction manual and your vehicle’s owner manual. Also consider having an expert check the seat. The service is free! Though the Los Angeles Fire Department does not presently have certified technicians, locating a nearby expert for your free inspection is as simple as calling (866) SEAT-CHECK or clicking seatcheck.org

The best car seat is one that:

• Fits your child.
• Fits the vehicle.
• And you will use correctly every trip!

Research indicates that safety belts and car seats are the most effective devices in preventing serious injuries and deaths in vehicle crashes. For information on child passenger safety, visit:

seatcheck.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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West Nile Virus and Dead Birds: What Californians Need to Know

With increased public conversation about West Nile virus (WNV), your Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics want you to gain access to factual information.

Our friends at the California Department of Public Health, maintain the State's West Nile Virus website, a great resource that includes answers to common questions.

While most understand the necessity to Fight The Bite of mosquitoes, the most puzzled looks come from those wondering...

Why and How Should I Report Dead Birds?

The video below explains how Californians should handle an encounter with a dead bird, and the importance of dead bird reporting in the fight against West Nile virus.


To report a dead bird in California - at home, work or in a public place - and to learn more about WNV call 1-877-968-2473 or click on:

westnile.ca.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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May 8th is 'National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day'

With May 8, 2013 recognized as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Richard Serino joins the Los Angeles Fire Department in reminding you to plan for disasters with pets, horses and livestock in mind:


There are three simple steps you can take today!

• Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with your current contact information. Because you may be mobile in a crisis, be sure to include your cell phone number on your pet's identification tag.
• Create a basic disaster kit with enough dry food and water for each animal to last at least five days. Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container will prove helpful, as will garbage bags to collect pet waste.
• Have sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers you can use to transport animals safely in an emergency.

For more information on preparing pets for disaster, visit:

ready.gov/caring-animals

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Support National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, and the Los Angeles Fire Department is proud to support the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Safe Kids USA and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance in their effort to remind every American to Pool Safely!

Pool Safely is a national public education effort to reduce child drownings, non-fatal submersions and entrapments in swimming pools and spas. Los Angeles Firefighters support this effort through their belief in the campaign slogan:

Simple Steps Save Lives...


Los Angeles Firefighters agree that swimming is one of the best exercises and it also provides fun and enjoyment for friends and family, however as local temperatures warm up we want to remind everyone to get the most pleasure possible from swimming by following the Seven Simple Steps to Pool Safely...

1. Constant Supervision
2. Proper Fencing
3. Pool & Spa Safety Covers
4. Door, Gate & Pool Alarms
5. Safety Drain Covers
6. Swimming Lessons
7. Learning CPR

Don't think it will happen to you? The Galvin family almost lost their youngest child, Brooks, in a tragic accident at their family's pool...

poolsafely.gov

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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LAFD Explains Brush Clearance Process in Los Angeles

The residents of Los Angeles and those who protect them are no strangers to wildfire. Wildland blazes within LAFD's jurisdiction are well known - and for many, unforgettable.

Historical and Hurtful...

Along with conflagrations like the Sayre and Bel-Air wildfires that took hundreds of homes, or the week-long Fire of '38 that scorched vast expanses of land, wildfire in our City has also taken lives, such as the La Tuna Canyon wildfire that killed our Brother James Catlow, and the horrific Griffith Park Brush Fire during the depression, which is believed to have killed more firefighters than any wildfire in our nation's history.

And so it is with a penchant for our City's past and devotion to our fallen colleagues, that members of your Los Angeles Fire Department set out in earnest this time of year to inform those we serve about the danger of wildfire. It is also a time for us to enforce the City's long-standing Brush Clearance Regulations...

Owners Self Inspection:

We ask property owners in the City of Los Angeles to compare their native brush and landscape vegetation with information at the LAFD Brush Clearance Unit website:

lafd.org/brush
Property owners who are unable to do this themselves are encouraged to hire a professional who can both understand the information and apply it to their property.

Property must be cleaned as required prior to May 1st so that it can pass the 1st Fire Department Inspection, thus avoiding a time consuming 2nd Inspection, which leads to a costly 3rd Inspection.

We wish to emphasize that there is no need to call for an inspection, as an LAFD computer system keeps track of all properties. The appropriate Inspector is automatically notified when your property is in need of an Inspection.

1st Inspection:

The first inspection is done by the LAFD Brush Task Force, beginning the first week in May and continuing for six weeks until all 179,451 parcels in the brush zone have been inspected. Parcels found to be non-compliant are issued a Notice of Violation. The homeowner or person responsible has 15 days to comply with the Notice of Violation.

2nd Inspection:

Those issued a Notice of Violation on the 1st inspection will be inspected a 2nd time after the 15 day period to comply has passed.

If the property is then found to be in compliance, the owner will receive notification from the LAFD Brush Unit. If the property is not fully in compliance the owner will be notified via mail and the property will be assigned to the Area Inspector. The Area Inspector will then take pictures of the non-compliant parcel and create a package that will be presented to City brush clearance contractors for bid.

We wish to again emphasize there is no need to call the Brush Unit when your are ready for this inspection. It will happen automatically, and you will be mailed the findings.

3rd Inspection:

When a third inspection is required there is an automatic fee assessed to the property owner for the amount of $352. The fee is applied even if the property is found to be compliant as a result of this inspection. The fee is for an Inspector making a trip to the property for a third time.

The property should have been in compliance by the 1st inspection and no later than the 2nd inspection!

If your property fails a 3rd Inspection...

Property not in compliance with LAFD Brush Clearance Requirements following the 3rd inspection will be cleared by Fire Department order. The property owner will then be charged for the cost of clearance, PLUS the $352 3rd Inspection Fee, PLUS a $938 Administrative Fee.

Failure to clear your property in accordance with regulations in a timely fashion is not only expensive, but endangers the lives and homes of your neighbors and the firefighters who protect them.

To learn more, please visit:

lafd.org/brush

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Stay Prepared For Whatever Comes in 2013

Recent earthquakes, storms and wildfires across the globe remind us that disasters can strike without warning. Unforeseen emergencies can not only injure us, but force us to evacuate our neighborhood, workplace or school - or even confine us to home.

What would you do...

...if basic services - water, gas, electricity and telephones - were entirely cut off? ...if roads were impassible or Neighborhood Firefighters were committed to major emergencies and unable to reach you right away?

The answer is Preparedness!

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department want you and your family to be safe. Here are some tips for getting and staying prepared:

• Know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.
• Make a family emergency plan that coordinates with your school, work and neighborhood plans. Practice them with the every member of your household - and don't forget your pets!
• Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
• Teach children about emergencies, including when to call for help, where you'll meet and how you'll communicate following a disaster.
• If you commute to work, know alternate routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster kit in your car - and a compact kit with bare essentials such as a small flashlight and whistle when on public transportation.

Being prepared will not only help you survive a disaster, but greatly lessens the impact of common emergencies such as injury, fire and severe weather.

The LAFD suggests these resources to help you prepare:

• American Red Cross - Plan and Prepare
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT - LA)
• Dare To Prepare
• Earthquake Country
• Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities
• FEMA - Are You Ready? Guide
• Ready Kids
• LAFD - Daily Tips from Disaster Preparedness Month
• LAFD - Emergency Preparedness Booklet
• MySafeLA.org
• Ready.gov
• ReadyLA.org

The time to get ready for unexpected situations is right now - while you have time to listen, learn, plan and prepare!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Los Angeles Firefighters Offer Wind Safety Tips

With strong winds predicted for our area, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds Southern Californian's to use caution at home, in the workplace and on the road.

Strong winds compound wildfire danger. We therefore ask residents - especially those in foothill and wildland communities, to use caution with flame, heat and spark producing equipment, including vehicles, barbecues and power tools.

Those living near flammable vegetation should remain vigilant to the possibility of brush or structure fires, and report nearby smoke and flames immediately to 9-1-1.

Additional preparation, such as a fire safety survey of your property and a review of household emergency and neighborhood evacuation plans can help remove the apprehension that many of us feel when winds begin to blow.

With the possibility of downed power lines causing local power outages, drivers should use extreme caution when approaching darkened traffic signals. Whether driving on a main thoroughfare or a side street, motorists should treat all non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way-stop.

If you encounter downed wires, assume them to be energized and potentially lethal. Be careful that such wires haven't electrically charged puddles of water, chain link fences or other conductive sources - and report them to authorities.

In many circumstances, but especially during high winds, firefighters discourage the use of candles, lighters, fire pits and fuel-powered lanterns.

If you experience a loss of electrical power, do not use devices designed for outdoor use to light, heat or cook within your home. Before you activate a portable generator, make certain you know how to use a generator legally and safely.

In fact, now is a good time to fully charge your cell phone, check your flashlights, portable radios and spare batteries. Place these items strategically, and make sure others know how to find them.

And finally, please take a moment now to secure household items, such as outdoor furniture, that could cause harm or damage if catapulted by a wind gust, and to remove flammable items from around your home.

When outdoors, wear sturdy glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful for toppling trees, wind-blown debris and high profile vehicles buffeted by turbulent wind. If you must get behind the wheel, Los Angeles Firefighters remind you: "Heads Up, Easy on the Throttle and Expect the Unexpected!"


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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National Public Health Week: Assuring a Healthy, Safe and Resilient L.A.

The men and women of your Los Angeles Fire Department join the American Public Health Association (APHA) in recognizing April 1-7, 2013 as National Public Health Week.

This year's national observance highlights the value of prevention and the importance of well-supported public health systems in preventing disease, saving lives and curbing health care spending.

This year, we ask you to join us in championing the work of public health systems and workers - including members of your LAFD, who provide a significant return on investment (ROI) in our communities.

This week, we ask you to be our partner in a Healthy, Safe and Resilient L.A. by...

• Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Home for Your Family
• Providing a Safe Environment for Children at School
• Creating a Healthy Workplace
• Protecting Yourself While on the Move
• Empowering a Healthy Community

Learn how you can achieve this and more by visiting:

www.nphw.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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National Tsunami Preparedness Week, LAFD: Are You Prepared?

During National Tsunami Preparedness Week, the Los Angeles Fire Department along with Cal EMA ask..

It's Been Two Years, Are You Better Prepared?

Two years ago a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Tohoku Japan, generating a massive tsunami that devastated many of the country's coastal areas and claimed the lives of over 22,000 people. The impact of the tsunami was also felt close to home, along the Pacific coast.

This disaster served as another stark reminder of California's vulnerability to such events. While LAFD and our state continues to be world leaders in our emergency preparation and response efforts, those efforts are of secondary importance.

It is the advance preparedness measures of each individual that provides the first line of defense against any emergency.

By taking the time to learn and understand your risks and working to prepare for those situations, you put yourself and those around you in a better position to survive and endure whatever Mother Nature may send your way...

But first, what is a Tsunami (SOONAHMEE)? Also commonly referred to as a "Tidal Wave", a Tsunami is caused by the displacement of a large body of water that can travel the speed of a Jumbo Jet. They often arrive as a series of waves which could be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

Although rare, tsunamis are a powerful and destructive force of nature. Since the year 1812, 14 tsunamis with wave heights higher than three feet have struck the California coast. Only six of these waves were destructive.

Is Los Angeles ready? We are proud to say, the City of Los Angeles was recently recognized by NOAA’s National Weather Service as StormReady® and the largest city in the nation to become TsunamiReady™.

This week (March 24-30) marks National Tsunami Preparedness Week. It is a time to not only reflect on past events, but to learn from them and take action.

The LAFD along with our friends at FEMA provide the following guidelines for what you should do if a tsunami is likely in your area:

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.
• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
• Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.
• CAUTION - If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline, this is nature's tsunami warning and it should be heeded. Move away immediately. 

Whats the difference between a Warning, Advisory and Watch?
 

• Warning -> Inundating wave possible -> Full evacuation suggested
• Advisory -> Strong currents likely -> Stay away from the shore
• Watch -> Danger level not yet known -> Stay alert for more info
• Information -> Minor waves at most -> No action suggested

To learn more information on how your family can be prepared for a severe storm or tsunami, please visit:

stormready.noaa.gov

tsunamiready.noaa.gov

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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10 Things You Must Do During 'Poison Prevention Week'

During Poison Prevention Week, the Los Angeles Fire Department wants you to be aware of ten simple tips that can reduce the risk of poisoning in your home.

But first, put the Poison Control Hotline number (1-800-222-1222) on every phone to help save lives.

While household products such as cleaners and chemicals naturally come to mind as being hazardous, the LAFD suggests that any product bearing the words 'Caution', 'Warning' or 'Danger' be stored out of children’s reach, ideally in a locked cabinet or compartment.

It's also a good idea to survey your home, especially the kitchen, bathrooom, workshop and garage from a child's - or grandchild's point of view, so that you can know what items might be accessible or spark their curiosity.

Ten Important Poison Prevention Tips...

1. Know the things in and around your home that can poison you.
2. Put child safety locks on cabinets to safely store cleaners, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals and other poisons.
3. Keep products in their original packaging with the labels on them.
4. Look at labels for the words "Caution", "Warning", "Danger" or "Poison". Follow all directions carefully when using these products.
5. Be aware that fuels (such as gasoline), car fluids (such as anti-freeze), pesticides (such as bug killers), and lawn and garden products (such as fertilizer) are poison.
6. Do not mix household products together. Their contents could react with dangerous results.
7. Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near your bedrooms and furnace to warn you of high levels of CO, a deadly gas you cannot see or smell. Collected CO gas can quickly harm or kill you.
8. Have a certified service technician check heaters, stoves and fireplaces at least once each year to see that they work well.
9. Program the Poison Control Hotline number in every phone and place it near phones and on the refrigerator: 1-800-222-1222.
10. Know to call 1-800-222-1222 if someone takes poison**. This number works around-the-clock anywhere in the USA to connect you with a nearby poison control center. Call the hotline whenever you have a question about poisons. It’s free, private, and can save you a trip to the emergency room!

** If someone is unconscious or has trouble breathing call 9-1-1

To learn more, visit:

poisonhelp.hrsa.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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Do You Know Your Home's True Flood Risk?

LOS ANGELES - With today's release of the U.S. Spring Outlook and Flood Risk Assessment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Los Angeles Fire Department joins that agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in asking Americans to increase their personal knowledge of local flood risk during National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 18-22, 2013.

Join LAFD families in visiting FloodSmart.gov for these free resources:

• One-Step Flood Risk Profile, learn the flood risk for your address.
• Flood Risk Scenarios, various factors impacting your neighborhood.
• The Cost of Flooding, the financial impact to your home, inch-by-inch.
• The Levee Simulator, showing different ways a levee can fail.

You can further protect loved ones and help Neighborhood Firefighters by visiting:

ready.gov/floods

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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'Spring Forward' with Fire Safety in Mind

Many are surprised to learn that the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery!® campaign for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms is only a once-per-year event, officially taking place at the return to Standard Time each Fall.

What about Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 10, 2013?


Regardless of the season, firefighters perpetually emphasize:

• Test every carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your home at least once each month.
• Change the batteries for these alarms at least once each year.

If you haven't tested your alarms within the past 4 weeks, test them now. If you haven't replaced the batteries within the past 12 months, do it today!

But wait, there's more...

Along with a reminder to test every smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your home, there are three important facts you need to know:

• Your smoke alarms have a ten year maximum lifespan.
• The most effective smoke alarms use a combination of ionization and photoelectric technology.
• A free monthly message can be sent to your mobile phone or computer via Twitter, to remind you to test your @SmokeAlarm and @COalarm.

...and don't forget to set your clock ahead one hour this Sunday morning!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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