Emergency events will involve first responders, usually from the local police or fire department. This document shares tips on how to be prepared for their arrival and how to help maximize their effectiveness.
Prior to the emergency, first responder best practices:
Relationship Creation A. Prior to the emergency get to know your first responders.
i. Police Department – Community Relations/Area Senior Lead Officer (SLO)
ii. Fire Department – Local fire station/inspectors/special response crews (i.e. high-rise)
1_Both agencies are always looking for volunteer buildings to conduct live training and offer FREE CERT Training Courses http://lafd.org/cert.htm (slide).
a. This is a win, win, win situation for all sides and a terrific way to build relationships.
B. Understand the basic language of emergency responders - ICS 100, so you can communicate effectively and talk their language.
i. Orgchart (slide).
ii. Go online for more info: http://www.fema.gov/incident-command-system (slide)
1_NOTE: Fire Safety Directors in the City of Los Angeles must complete the FEMA online ICS 100b training course to be certified; but everyone in the management office should take the course.
a. Here is the link http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is100b.asp (slide)
2_Understand that during some incidents the Incident Commander or agency in charge of the scene might change. For example if the incident becomes a crime scene, the police will take over.
C. Ask you emergency responders how they would like you to manage your onsite CCTV recordings and incident site(s). Knowing what they want and how they want it saves lots of time.
2. Emergency Plan
A. Have a complete and up to date emergency plan.
i. In the City of Los Angeles you must have an LAMC 57.33.19, LAFD compliant and certified manual if you are in a high-rise building (over 75’)
1_Properties outside the City of LA and low-rise properties should also have a plan.
a. All properties/employers in the State of CA have to comply with OSHA Code 1910.38 and CA Title 19 regarding training code requirements.
i. Check with your local fire department for more details
B. Review your emergency plans with first responders on a regular basis.
i. Invite first responders to your tabletop, planning and actual physical practice drills.
1_Ask them what information would help them:
a. Lobby floor plan
i. Main security desk, Fire Control Room, Building systems/controls, Engineering, etc. b. Building specific resources: Elevators, Stairwells, etc.
i. If you have these resources already online with a provider like BSS or RJWestmore, let them know they can access information online.
c. Keep critical emergency plan information (preferably in a grab and go format) updated and available for emergency responders available at the main security desk, fire control room and office of the building.
Note: There are specific diagram format and information requirements for the Lobby and “Typical” Tenant Floor Plans, as well as the Standing Pipe Riser (for FF & Sprinkler Water), Stairwell and Elevator, and a Building Special Information Sheet (which includes info on Hazardous Materials, Communications Water Supply, et al).
All of these diagrams are to be included in your building’s Evacuation Manual and on-line for LAFD to access. Your LAFD High-Rise Certificate of Fitness can create those diagrams and ensure they meet the City’s requirements.
• PREPARE BEFORE AN INCIDENT
• HAVE A PLAN TO ADDRESS INCIDENTS COMMON TO YOUR LOCATION
• HAVE AFTER EMERGENCY CONTACT LISTS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS/AGREEMENTS, business continuity plans for power, communications, space, etc.
During an emergency
1. Be sure to understand and be ready to communicate the following:
a. Status of tenants needing assistance (injuries, disabilities)
b. Location of tenants
c. Number of tenants
2. Be sure to understand be ready to communicate the status of communication and information systems (fire, voice evac, mass notification, telephone, CCTV, access control, intercom, electricity, etc.)
a. This is where your ICS-100 knowledge comes in handy!
As always, remain calm and in control.
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