Your House In Order

FEMA to test emergeny alert system...are you on board?

2011-10-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

"One of the most important communications tools that helps federal, state, local, territorial and tribal authorities issue emergency information and warnings to the public is the Emergency Alert System. This system is frequently used and tested at the local level, but to date it has never been tested on the national level. Chances are you have seen or heard the Emergency Alert System tested in your area many times, whether while watching your favorite TV show or listening to the radio."

Click here to read more! : http://blog.fema.gov/2011/10/emergency-alert-system-test-one-month.html

Do you know what to do?

2011-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

A major part of being prepared is having a plan. Know two exits...know what to do.

Today is the eighth anniversary of the tragic fire that killed 100 and injured more than 200 more nightclub patrons at the Station Night Club fire in Rhode Island. As I watch the half time show of the 2011 NBA All Star game that is less than a mile from the location I am typing this, I think about..."how many people inside Staple Center have thought about knowing at least two ways to exit in case of and emergency?" As the father of four, I always scan stores, arena, church and any other large gathering places for exits, hazards and concerns. Always have a plan. Learn from those who lost their lives by not knowing how or where to exit eight years ago in Rhode Island.

Don't stop being ready...

2010-11-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

Disasters can come at any time. If you stay prepared, you don't have to get prepared. It's simple, but not easy. This past weekend we moved our clocks back an hour... Did you change the battery in your smoke detector? Did you cycle your food items and water in your disaster kits? If you think about these two extra actions on the days we move our clocks back/forward, you are taking steps to keep your family safe and prepared. It's only twice a year... Is your family worth being thought about twice a year? I hope so. Be safe...Be well...Be prepared.

Los Angeles & American Red Cross join together

2010-09-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

In time of need, Los Angeles Fire, Police & Sheriffs Department stand ready to respond. Here we see a firefighter with her rescue dog and a LA County Sheriff as they take questions from students of the Los Angeles Unified School District Preparedness Fair held at The Nokia Center inside LA Live, across from Staple Center.

Today, the city of Los Angeles along with The American Red Cross signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) memorializing an ongoing agreement of mutual aid. By having this MOU in place, it helps Los Angeles continue to blaze an impressive trail in the

preparedness community.

Dates set for free training in Pasadena & Los Angeles

2010-09-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

I am honored to be a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Health Fair being held in Pasadena CA. on September 25, 2010. I have been asked to present a brief disaster preparedness micro DAC (Disaster Awareness Course).

Location: Jackie Robinson Community Center/1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA.

Time: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

I will also be presenting a 2 hour full DAC at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles on October 9, 2010, starting at 9:30 AM. Hope to see you at either session.

Back to school! A great place to start!

2010-08-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time and if you are like me, it's time to buy new back packs for the little ones. Here's a great idea for your church, schools and after school programs...

Instead of throwing away the old backpacks from last year, go green! Yes, recycle those old backpacks into "Go" bags for your children and/or the children in your neighborhood. By including kids in projects like this, you empower them with the skills of disaster preparedness as well as teach them to be good stewards of the earth by recycling. It's a win, win for everybody!

The Shakeout is coming! October 21, 2010

2010-08-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.shakeout.org/

Tell me, who in the house in prepared for the quake?

2010-07-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

New York is a reminder

2010-05-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

The events of the past 48 hours in New York is a reminder to the potential for disaster terrorist can inflict at any time. If you would like to know more about how to be prepared, come to a free disaster preparedness seminar in Altadena CA. on May 22, 2010. For more information, email me at Rescue911Jay@gmail.com

The earth is speaking...are you listening?

2010-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

The recent disaster in Haiti was not the only earthquake activity in the past few weeks. The earth is a living, breathing life that works in cycles. We are familiar with the four seasons...(winter, spring, summer and fall), but science has shown us that earthquakes can also be tracked in cycles.
The last major earthquake to hit Southern California was in 1856. Science tells us that major earthquakes come about every 150 years. If you add 150 to 1856, you get 2006...it is now 2010. We are over due for a earthquake larger and possibly more destructive then Haiti...are you prepared? The earth is speaking, are you listening?

U.S. cellphone users donate $22 million to Haiti earthquake relief via text

2010-01-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

The American Red Cross has received more then 22 million dollars via text message donations since the earthquake in Haiti this past week. Through a nonprofit mobile phone giving foundation established by the big four cell companies AT &T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon and an aggressive campaign supported by the National Football League, cell phone users can text the word "Haiti" to the number 90999 and a $10.00 donation will be a added to the users bill and sent to earthquake relief.

In an act of good faith, Verizon has not waited for the cell users to pay to forward 3 million dollars to get money in the hands of the people who need it most.

Haiti knocked to it's knees by 7.0 earthquake

2010-01-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told CNN Wednesday the death toll from the earthquake that rocked his country could be "well over 100,000."
The 7.0-magnitude quake struck Tuesday afternoon, and has left Port-au-Prince, the capital city, in ruins.

No official casualty numbers have been released yet.
Haitian President René Préval told the Miami Herald Wednesday he has been stepping over dead bodies and estimated thousands of people were killed.
He said Bellerive's projection may be high because it was based on the extent of the destruction rather than firm counts of the dead.
"We have to do an evaluation," Préval said, describing the scene as "unimaginable."
"All of the hospitals are packed with people. It is a catastrophe,'' he said.
"Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed,'' he told the paper. "There are a lot of schools that have a lot of dead people in them."

This is a re post of CBC News...all writing credits and photo credits belong to CBC News. Thank you for the courtesy of allowing the re post of this vital information.

6.5 Earthquake Shakes No.California

2010-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

A 6.5 magnatude earthquake shook the northern portion of California.

Ring of Fire

2010-01-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

The USGS reports several earthquakes in the last few hours in the Solomon Islands located in the South Pacific. The largest being 7.2 in magnitude and causing tsunami waves. The Solomon Islands are a part of the "Ring of Fire" which is located in the same subduction zone as the west coast of the United States. The term "none of us are an island" is true and understanding that keeping watch with happens to other parts of our world, helps us be better prepared in our corner of our planet.

Remember Newton's third law of motion: "To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". Are you prepared?

2010 starts off with some shake'n bake

2010-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

While out tourist friends and snowbirds from the mid-west and back east enjoy our beautiful Southern California weather, the earth does not disappoint with some shake to go with our 70 degree bake weather. A 2.4 earthquake was registered just short of an hour ago near Twentynine Palms California. While 2.4 may not concern most, it a continued and constant reminder that a 7.5 earthquake has been predicted to hit Southern California and that everybody needs to be prepared.

How did Santa stay safe this season?

2009-12-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Even Santa is prepared...are you?

Getting ready for 2010!

2009-12-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

From me to you...a very safe and prepared holiday season. I have taken a short break from my blog the last couple of months, but please know that I am excited to share many new tips, stories and preparedness information. May you always have light, stay low and be prepared.

What about my pets?

2009-10-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Above we see an emergency "GO" bag for a small dog or cat. Your pet is just like a child. It is depending on you to include them with your disaster preparedness.

Here is a more detailed list of the type of items you may consider for your animal.

Pet Disaster Supplies Kit or Go-Bag
It may include:
Copies of medical records including vaccination dates, stored in a waterproof container
Medications and information about each medication. List each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication. Include the name and number of your veterinarian
Information on diet. List the diet for each pet, including what not to feed in case of allergy
Information about any behavioral issues
A first aid kit (include flea and tick treatment and items recommended by your veterinarian)
Collapsible cage or carrier for each animal, labeled with your contact information. (Cat carriers should be big enough to hold a small litter pan and food dishes and allow your cat to comfortably use the litter and to lie down. Dog kennels should be spacious enough to hold two non-spill bowls and allow room for your dog to stand and turn around.)
Muzzle and leash
Handling gloves
Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Include yourself in some of the photos as further proof of identity.
Information about your pet's species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing traits
Proof of ownership (registration and microchip information; adoption papers)
Food and water for at least three or more days
Food bowls, cat litter/pan/scoop, and manual can opener
Plastic bags, newspapers, containers and cleaning supplies
Pet beds, toys and treats to make animals feel comfortable

Tell me L.I.E.S.

2009-10-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

Part of disaster preparedness is disaster prevention. If you have cleaning supplies stored in common areas, such as under the kitchen sink or hall closet, you may have a potential disaster waiting to happen. Imagine a 6.4 earthquake like Los Angeles experienced in 1994. The cleaning supplies could spill and cause a hazardous material problem when they combine. (Many cleaners have either chlorine bleach or ammonia. If bleach and ammonia mix, it can be deadly.)
L- Limit the amount you keep in common areas.
I- Isolate items that could become deadly if spilled or if mixed.
E- Eliminate chemicals/products you no longer need or use.

S- Separate inside items vs. items to be stored in garage. Make sure there is good ventilation.

If you do not know how to dispose of hazardous materials, call 311 or check with your local fire station for information regarding haz-mat round up.

Poison Exposure?Call Your Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Free, professional, 24/7/365Don’t guess, be sure…

Don't know what to do with your old batteries? If you live in or near Los Angeles, check with your local Jiffy Lube and dispose there. Thank you Jiffy Lube for helping keep our planet healthy. Practice "responsible disposal".

Do you know how to get down?

2009-10-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today at 10:15 a.m. millions of Californians will participate in the largest earthquake drill ever! Are you "in the know"? Do you know how to get down? (Get down meaning DUCK, COVER & HOLD!)If you do not, check out the video below to start to build your plan for survival. To fail to plan...is to plan to fail! Let's learn from our brothers and sisters around the world. Don't be a victim, be victorious!

Its Shake Out Time...Do You Know What To Do?

2009-10-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you Red Cross for your continued aid- Red Cross in American Samoa

2009-10-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

(Please note this is a reprint from the American Red Cross. Thank you to the American Red Cross for the use of this article.)

The American Red Cross is on the ground in American Samoa where a tsunami swept across the island after a powerful earthquake hit the South Pacific.
Red Cross has dozens of volunteers already providing food and supplies to those on the island. A team of 50 volunteers is being sent in to supplement the efforts of the local Red Cross team. The Red Cross has a warehouse on American Samoa supplied with cots, flashlights, and cooking and clean-up supplies, and will be sending in additional supplies as quickly as possible.
“We will get there as quickly as we can with what we can,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president for Red Cross Disaster Services. “Our first priority is to provide food and water.” After yesterday’s 8.0 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami, a significant portion of American Samoa is without power or water amid widespread damage.
Getting information out of the island is very slow at this time. The Red Cross urges those who have been able to contact loved ones on American Samoa to register them with Safe and Well, the best way to share information about their status. You can register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website at http://www.redcross.org/. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS to register your loved ones. The information you post will let other loved ones know about the well-being of those on the island. Please note - Safe and Well works only on American Samoa. The service will not work on Samoa.
American Samoa, a group of seven islands about 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaii, is a United States Territory. American Samoa and the independent country of Western Samoa make up the Samoan group of islands in the center of Polynesia. According to news reports, four tsunami waves about 15 to 20 feet high came ashore on American Samoa after the earthquake in the South Pacific.
Your financial support will help the Red Cross respond to disasters like this situation in the Samoan islands. You can make a donation by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or visiting redcross.org, and choosing whether to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or American Red Cross International Response Fund.
Help people affected by disasters like the recent earthquakes and floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.

USC & UCLA are getting ready...why aren't you?

2009-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

Members of USC Fire & EMS help keep the campus of University of Southern California safe, prepared and ready for day to day needs as well as disaster preparedness.

USC Fire & EMS teach faculty and students how to use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher.

UCLA has one of the best EMS support and transportation systems in Los Angeles.

If you think about most college campuses, they are like a city inside of a city. Our neighborhoods can take note on how most college campuses are prepared for disaster. Everything from medical support (take a first aid class) to fire suppression and search/rescue. Your neighborhood will need to be able to operate as it's own "city inside of a city".

United On Line is united in preparedness

2009-09-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

United On Line has had two training days recently that included both disaster preparedness and fire extinguisher training. Thank you to all of the United personnel who not only came to learn, but also treated me very well.
Knowing what to do when disaster strikes is one of the best insurance policies someone can have. What kills fear? Knowledge kills fear. Training supplies knowledge. Get in the know!

Woodland Hills and United On Line is prepared...are you?

It takes a village...

2009-09-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

“It takes a village to raise a child”…This African proverb is true. The updated Los Angeles version of this proverb is: “It takes a village to survive a disaster”. When the long arm of disaster reaches and taps you on your shoulder, are you prepared?
The neighbors of the west Los Angeles community of South Carthay Street gathered this morning and put on their own disaster simulation. The scenario was a 7.8 earthquake and the focus was on search and rescue, triage, transport and treatment. The drill was an excellent opportunity to stretch their CERT muscles and unite their “village”.
KUDOS and thank you from this firefighter to the members of South Carthay Street for you courage and vision to help build a safer and more prepared Los Angeles.

What the heck is Phos Chek?

2009-09-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

If you ever wanted to know what the red stuff that is dropped on brush fires is, it's called Phos-Chek. Phos-Chek is a fire retardant. Click this link to learn more.

http://www.phoschek.com/

Preparedness is a way of life...How are you living?

2009-09-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

In light of the current events in Southern California this past week, the need to be disaster prepared should be clear. Your vision into the future should be 20-20. There is no excuse to not be proactive in the education, implementation and the maintenance of your disaster preparedness. The potential of wild fires, earthquake, mud slides, floods and terrorism is as assured as the potential of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.

Red Flag...what does this mean?

2009-08-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

The city of Los Angeles follows a warning system that alerts citizens of when weather conditions are in a high hazard rating. The high hazard conditions are when wild fires can start and spread rapidly. This is not to say that other days can't be hazardous, but when the wind exceed 25 mph and the humidity drops below 15% the city will issue a "RED FLAG" warning.

Red flag warning can also mean no parking on streets that have been determined to be vital for entry and access for emergency apparatus and evacuation. These high hazard areas can be identified by a number of outreach methods of education. Here are a few of the ways to determine if you are in one of these areas:

call 311
local radio and television stations (AM 980 & AM 1070)
http://lafd.org/redflag/
check with your local fire station as well as look for a "red flag" on the flag pole

If you do not live in the city of Los Angeles, check with your local fire authority and ask what can you do to be prepared, be informed and to be empowered.

Are you ready for brush fire?

2009-08-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to connect with the Los Angeles Fire Departments Brush Clearance Unit Here you can find out about "RED FLAG", defensible space and requirements for the city of Los Angeles as well as increasing your preparedness IQ.

http://www.lafd.org/brush/

LA City & LA County dig in deep to fight fires in La Canada & Rancho Palos Verdes

2009-08-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

The need to be ready in unfolding before our eyes as we see evacuations of homes in many areas of Los Angeles County. We must be prepared for disaster...brush fires, earthquakes, floods. KISS- Keep It Simple w/ Safety. Keep checking this sight for tips and information regarding disaster preparedness. Remember..."If we stay prepared, we don't have to get prepared!"...Prepare as if your life depends on it...because it does!

Florida prepares for tropical storm/hurricanes

2009-08-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A REPRINT///THANK YOU TO THE WRITERS AND REUTERS

MIAMI (Reuters) - The first two named tropical storms of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, Ana and Bill, formed over the Atlantic on Saturday and moved westward, and the National Hurricane Center said Bill was expected to become a hurricane in 3-4 days.
At 1700 EDT (2100 GMT), Bill was located about 820 miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and was moving west with maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour, the NHC said.
"Strengthening is indicated and Bill is expected to become a hurricane in three to four days," it said, adding forecasts showed this would take place when the storm was very near the Northern Leeward Islands. The five-day forecast track showed it could threaten Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Tropical storms become hurricanes when their top sustained winds reach 74 mph.
Earlier on Saturday, the first named tropical storm of the 2009 Atlantic season, Ana, formed. It was heading toward the Leeward Islands, and could also threaten the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The NHC said some forecasts of Ana's likely track showed it could pass over or near the southern Florida peninsula within five days, but initial projections did not show this storm developing into a full-blown hurricane in that time.
With maximum sustained winds near 40 miles per hour, Ana was located at 1700 EDT (2100 GMT) about 805 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands.
The NHC said the government of the Netherland Antilles had issued a tropical storm watch for St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.
The 2009 hurricane season, which runs from June through November, has gotten off to a late start. By this time last year, there had already been five named storms in the Atlantic basin.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted this year's Atlantic hurricane season will see normal to below-normal activity, with seven to 11 tropical storms and three to six hurricanes.
Energy traders watch for storms that could enter the Gulf of Mexico and threaten U.S. oil and natural gas platforms and refineries along the coast. Commodities traders watch storms that could hit crops such as citrus and cotton in Florida and other states along the coast to Texas.
(Writing by Alan Elsner and Pascal Fletcher, editing by Todd Eastham)

Build a better "Sandtrap"?

2009-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

This past week, I was amazed when I saw a new machine that can help many of our Southern California neighborhoods as we transition from summer and into fall and winter (The rainy season). Anybody who has lived in Southern California understands the double edge disaster sword of brush fires. The first side is the devastation of the fire itself. To loose your home and all of your property inside can be devastating. However, the rhyme or reason how often a fire can ravish a community, but leave some house standing is a mystery. (Aside from proper brush clearance and defensible space) The reaction to this tragic action if sometimes felt months later when heavy rains come and the normal ground cover has been burned away. As a result the second side of the double edge disaster is flood and mud slide. The house left standing from the prior brush fires are often left vulnerable during wet and rainy weather. When mud slide is the case, it often requires tedious and back breaking manual labor of filling and placing sandbags to divert the flow of water and mud.
The new machine I referenced earlier is called the "Sand U Bag" sand bagging machine. This simple scoop and fill machine has simplified the sand bagging process to a place where home owners, block clubs, community groups...fire fighters can bag 300 sand bags an hour. (As per their claim) I have not seen an hours worth of work, but what I did see was quite impressive. To learn more, go to: http://www.sandubag.com/ or give them a call at (818) 243-1977.
Please remember to be safe.

ESPN has what it takes!

2009-08-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today's adventure in preparedness took me and my partner to the studios of ESPN. The crew was great and the training was a huge success. Thank you to Tiffany Taylor for organizing and supporting a safer and better prepared ESPN...BOO-YHOW!
JJ & Huddy tour the Sports Center studios...way cool!

Back to school means college too!

2009-08-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Back to school includes our college students. Many students, this may be the first time away from home. A perfect dorm present for the first time setting up "home" is a disaster preparedness kit. Use any old backpack or gym bag and fill it with the "JJ" top ten. (See right side of my blog for the ten suggested items to go into your "GO" bag.)

Thank you to the residence advisers from California State University Northridge for allowing me and my partner to come out and teach extinguisher proper use as well as have a awesome time rock'n the fire pit! Call us again if you would like more training or suggestions to have a safe and sane college dorm experience. GO MATADORS!
Old Matadors don't die, we become firefighters and teach disaster preparedness!

Back to School and your child's old back pack...

2009-08-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Back Pack-Back Pack

It's back to school and you are buying the new "Jonas" or "G Force" back packs for your child and don't know what to do with the old "HSM" or "Back Street Boys" back packs. Don't throw them away! Go green and recycle! Turn the old back packs into "GO"/disaster bags for your children. Wash then and make it a family project by including the children in packing the bags together. Make this a teachable moment. Empowerment through example.

Mechanical Engineering offers rare perspective by offering both Dry Chem & CO2 extinguisher training

2009-08-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

The CO2 extinguisher offers unique benefits that includes less mess. While the Dry Chem and the CO2 look similar, they reach their goal in different ways. Both are excellent front line fire suppression tools.

The use of the Class A, B, C/Dry Chemical extinguisher offers an affordable and portable front line fire suppression tool that everybody needs to know how to use. The Dry Chemical extinguisher is noted by it's common smooth hose tip and the sodium bicarbonate powder residue.

Employees of Mechanical Engineering did a great job with the fire extinguisher disaster training!

Venice Neighborhood Block Party

2009-08-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, sun setting on the horizon and warm Southern California breeze blowing as neighbors listen to representatives from the LAPD and LAFD (myself) share about strategies and tips to stay safe in their homes as well as how to be prepared in case of disaster. Thank you to Jeremy and the rest of the neighbors on Walnut Ave. The block party was great and I appreciate the opportunity to share what I know about preparedness.
Now lets take it to the next level and get that CERT class going!

West Angeles is on a roll!

2009-07-31T13:19:00.001-07:00

One of the greatest feelings for a person like me is to see people hear my presentation and then act on the advice given. Not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. West Angeles Church of God in Christ is a beacon in the Crenshaw community. What a blessing to see...what an awesome blessing indeed! Thank you to Earl Jordan and the other leadership under Bishop Blake.

UCLA is taking the first step!

2009-07-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Students at the UCLA school of public health made a great audience for the disaster preparedness presentation. Many great ideas and suggestions where shared as we dialogue about potential threats and disasters.

Thank you Downtown Womans Center

2009-07-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

No matter where you are in life...preparedness needs to be a part of your "wellness program". thank you to the women of The Downtown Woman's Center for your enthusiasm and attention today as we trained with fire extinguishers. Outstanding!

Let's get it started

2009-07-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

When looking at the many things to do to get your home and family disaster prepared, it can at times seem overwhelming. Many people have said to me, “Hey JJ, that’s too much for me to do. Besides, what good will it do if the earthquake is as large as predicted?”
A famous proverb says…: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.” The important thing to do is to take the first step. Here are some suggestions to help you and your family get that first step in motion. Remember, you can’t take the second step without taking the first.

START WHERE YOU STAND/SLEEP
Experts say, when disaster strikes, most people will be in one of three places. People will be home, work or in route to or from home and work. For children and college students, you can replace work with school. With a desired healthy sleep goal of at least eight hours, the odds of being either in bed or in your bedroom are significant. Remember, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake hit at 4:31 AM on a holiday weekend. Many Angelino’s where jarred out of their slumber to the crude reality that despite years of warning, they where not prepared.
I challenge you. Do not allow the day to end…this day…today, without taking the most important step in the preparedness journey…the first step.
Take an old plastic shopping bag and place three things inside.
1.) A pair of walking shoes.- In the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, many people failed to put on shoes and subsequently cut the soles of their feet on broken glass, ruble and debris. If any of these victims had diabetes, these cuts left unattended, could become infected and tragically end up with amputation. The simple act of putting on shoes could prevent significant injuries.
2.) Flashlights/Batteries- Store the batteries in a dry place and monitor the date you purchased your flashlights and batteries. There are some great alternative power source flashlights that are “crank” or “solar” powered you may consider. Make sure that what ever you have, that it is safe and in proper working condition. (Money saving/Earth friendly tip…buy your fresh batteries during the holiday season. Many retailers put batteries on sale to attract more customers. These sales mean increased saving for you when rotating your batteries in your families disaster supplies. When you buy the new batteries, label and date them and place them in your disaster supplies. Use the older batteries from your disaster supplies for your current regular battery needs. This way you minimize waste and maximize energy and value. Always remember to dispose of your batteries in a safe and approve way that is earth friendly.)
3.) Whistle- A whistle is an inexpensive and effective way of calling for help. The first 24 hours after a disaster is crucial in the recovery efforts of first responders. Citizens who arm themselves with this simple device can call for help. If yelling and screaming causes you to loose your voice, a whistle may be what USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) teams hear when searching for survivors.

Place this bag someplace so that if the disaster comes while you are sleeping or in your bedroom, you can have the simple and basic tools needed to increase your survivability. Some suggested places are under your bed, hanging from your bedpost, bedroom doorknob…just remember, you want to be able to get it as close to where you sleep as possible so you have high accessibility.
While there are no absolute preparedness tips that will save everybody, there are many tips that increase your survivability as well as increase your disaster IQ.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Some additional tips you may consider is having a battery operated radio in your nightstand. Check your local area and find radio stations will broadcast emergency information post disaster. It is important in the hours after an emergency that you are able to gather accurate and confirmed facts so that you are able to make the best decisions and safe plans for your family. Emergency broadcasts will share areas of high impact/epicenter, scope of damage, forecast for additional concerns and relief efforts as well as Red Cross and shelter information.

Under my mattress I have a crowbar. This crowbar does not disturb my sleep and is placed near the foot of my bed. In the event of a need to evacuate and the disaster has damaged my home, this crowbar allows me to have the ability to pry open my bedroom door, break open my window safely, go through dry wall and protect my family.
I have incorporated all of the above tips for less then $25. Taking this first step and making this minimal investment will give you priceless peace of mind. It is an incredible feeling when you see your family grow in their preparedness and everybody is empowered.

Thank you ARC (American Red Cross)

2009-07-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my friends at the American Red Cross who recently invited the Los Angeles Fire Department Disaster Preparedness Unit to supply their keynote speaker for their 2009 So. California training. The day was great and I truly enjoyed presenting facts, tips and strategies for disaster survival to over 400 employees of the American Red Cross.

KISS...Keep It Simple w/ Safety

2009-07-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Starting with the youngest, we must teach disaster preparedness to everybody. Above, I am showing a group of pre-school children "stop-drop & roll". The next step is to teach them "duck- cover & hold" during an earthquake. Keeping it simple...keeping it real.

Back in Stride

2009-07-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

I spent the last four days teaching a highly abbreviated CERT based class to a fire tech class of students from Banning High School. I truly enjoyed teaching and mentoring to an audience who was focused and eager. Thank you to Captain Leo Lopez for the opportunity to be a part of such a positive program. I hope to continue to support efforts that focus on our youth and that promotes a stronger and more diverse Los Angeles Fire Department.

Diaster Preparedness means Vacation Awareness

2009-07-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, I returned home from a family reunion held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event was wonderful, but a byproduct of being a firefighter is that even off duty, my firefighter, disaster preparedness brain is on. This is a good thing because if we train ourselves, our families and our neighbors to always be aware, be observant, anticipate and articulate what “the plan” is, we are on the way to truly being a safer Los Angeles. The following is a quick ten minute safety walk through I did with my son when we checked into our hotel.

AWARE- Be aware of the region you are in and what are the potential disaster scenarios you can reasonably anticipate. I was in the mid west during the Fourth of July weekend. Some of the common events that the Milwaukee, Chicago areas have experienced is flash floods, tornados and thunder storms. While I did not belabor these thoughts, I did run through my mind a coupled of “what ifs”. What if while at the picnic, there was a sudden thunder storm? What is the forecasted weather condition for our stay? Where is the local hospital if something happens? (I found an urgent care four miles south of our hotel) By having run through these thoughts prior to any emergencies, I felt a great sense of empowerment. (The one thing that kills fear is knowledge.)

OBSERVANT- One of the wonderful things about our country is most cities, counties, municipalities and jurisdictions have a fire code. These fire codes are what require motels, hotels, public assemblies and other places to have proper exit signs, fire extinguishers, and other emergency information posted for everybody to see. Take the time to walk through your hotel and see the exits. If you are out at night, are the exit signs illuminated? Take the fire escape at least once. It makes for good exercise, but you also insure that the routes are clear and are not being used for storage. Has the extinguisher near your room been serviced recently as well as properly charged? Often, on each floor near the elevator doors, there are signs that report the closest exit and sometimes an alternative exit route.

ANTICIPATE- This is in line with the “what if” questions. I anticipate somebody getting sick or injured. I travel with some simple medications such as aspirin, cold & flu medicine (I have a 4 year old and a 9 year old, so I include pediatric medication), cough drops, allergy medication, antacid, nausea/diarrhea medication. Rarely do we feel sick during business hours. Often the feeling of sickness hits at 2:00 AM when the local drug store is closed. This bag of medication can go into your family disaster supplies when you return home. Have extra copies of medical insurance cards as well as a copy of each traveling member’s medical history. A hard copy is preferred, but if you scan all of these items to a USB drive, you can make a spare copy to keep in your luggage, so no matter where you are in the world, you can have a complete set of your documents with you.

ARTICULATE- Share this information with your family. As you can see in my pictures, my son was an active participant is my safety walk through. I had him point to specific items so that not only did he feel he was apart of the family, but he was also apart of the team. His pride in being able to “show mommy the safe way to get out” is as special of a memory as meeting his cousins at the family reunion. The first night, take the whole family for a “ten minute tour” of your accommodations. This not only points out vacation essentials like the day spa, Jacuzzi, pool and gym, but it confirms the location of exits, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, food and beverage vending machines and ice. Make sure everybody is informed.
Disaster can happen at any time and while a vacation is our time to relax, it is also our time to “stay ready”.

Back from vacation

2009-07-09T01:54:00.000-07:00

I took a month off for vacation. I will post a new article soon. Glad to be back!

Katrina...never forget the power of nature-Preparedness is a must

2009-06-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Preparedness is not an option, it is a must! My grandfather's favorite song was "This Little Light of Mine". The words to this song is let your light shine. The common thread is that each of us has a light...alone, we illuminate a little, but together we illuminate more and if we all work together, we can light the whole world. It was Francis of Assisi that said..."All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of a single candle." You are that single candle...do not let your flame go out. Share, spread, pass your flame to others. Keep it going, pay it forward.

It starts with empowering our children...train by example

2009-06-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most effective ways to teach somebody a new skill is to teach by example. Do as I say and not as I do does not inspire many and has an even less long term success ratio when teaching children life skills. If you ever wonder what a child's home life is like, just observe them them at school. Often the child who is diligent with good hygiene, turns in neat homework and practices good manners around others, is a result of an adult spending time not only teaching, but also showing how to do those things. The opposite of this is a child who struggles because an adult may tell them: "brush your teeth and do a good job", but if nobody takes the time to explain: "watch me, brush up and down...get your back teeth, brush your tongue...floss, rinse and spit" that child will not have the same success.

EVERYBODY IS PART OF THE TEAM

The best way to help your child prepare for disaster is to include them in your families disaster preparedness and training. To see more about how to include your children or your children's school, look at a new web site called: http://www.mysafela.org/

From fire extinguisher demonstrations to how to put together disaster bags for each member of your family, the best answer for awareness is preparedness. Teach by example and get prepared as a family...as a community...as a neighborhood...as a church...as a city...get prepared. Thank you to the members of Fire Station 41 LAFD & the students of Gardner Street Elementary School for our super day!

Great Two Weeks w/ United States District Court

2009-05-26T00:37:00.000-07:00

Recently after completing a series of disaster preparedness presentations for the United States District Courts, I was humbled by being presented with a very nice certificate of appreciation. Thank you to all who attended, contributed and most of all learned something to help increase your disaster preparedness IQ.As wonderful as our time together was, it means nothing without action. Learn from the Wizard of Oz. (Yes, a children's story can teach you all you need to know about DP-disaster preparedness)
1.) As we learned from the Cowardly Lion-COURAGE. Have the courage to step up and be the one in your family, condo association, college dorm or where ever you live to start the DP ball rolling.
2.) As we learned from the Tin man-Heart/Love. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. A part of loving yourself is preparedness. You can not love anybody else, until you love yourself.
3.) The Scarecrow-A Brain. Put together a brain. A brain is a central location in your "GO" bag that contains your important documents (flash drive/CD rom or hard copy), spare eye glasses, money, out of state contact information, pack of checks, spare keys, emergency credit card.

Just like Dorothy, your ability to take care of your home is already inside of you. Just click your heels three times and repeat..."I will prepare my home and my family-I will prepare my home and my family-I will prepare my home and my family" then DO IT! After all-"There's no place like home!"

Natural Gas Earthquake/Seismic Shut-off and Excess Flow Valves

2009-05-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

A natural gas seismic shut-off valve automatically shuts off your gas service when an earthquake of a sufficient magnitude occurs at your home's location. An excess flow valve automatically shuts off your gas service when a significant gas leak or overpressure surge occurs at a pipe or appliance located beyond the point where the valve is installed.
If an earthquake or other significant event causes your seismic shut-off or excess flow valve to close, you may follow the manufacturer's instructions for resetting the valve so that gas flows again. However, The Gas Company recommends that you contact a licensed, qualified professional or The Gas Company to reset the valve, and to verify that no gas leaks exist, to ensure that all of your gas appliances are safe before being placed back in operation and to re-light your pilot lights. Remember that following a major emergency it may take many days or even weeks before someone can come to your location. (The Gas Company charges a fee to reset valves and re-light pilot lights.)

Seismic and Excess Flow Valve Installation Requirements
If you choose to have a seismic gas shut-off or excess flow valve installed, or are mandated to have one by your insurance company or the local Department of Building and Safety, the valve must be installed on the customer’s houseline. If installation requires gas service closure, you must contact The Gas Company to shut-off the service and restore service when installation is completed.

Under the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), General Order 112-E, only The Gas Company or its certified contractors are authorized to operate the gas service shut-off valve.

Gas service shut-off and restoration of service orders can be scheduled by contacting the gas company at 1-800- 427-2200.

NOTE: When you hire a licensed, qualified professional to install your seismic or excess flow valve, you must ensure that the valve is installed on your houseline, not on The Gas Company’s facilities. The Gas Company’s facilities include all of the pipe fittings installed and maintained by The Gas Company, up to and including the last elbow or tee connecting to your houseline. All unauthorized valve installations found on The Gas Company’s facilities will be removed. In addition, Seismic or excess flow valves are not permitted in utility curb meter vaults.
If you have any questions about your insurance company requirements, contact your insurance company or agent.

Did you feel that?

2009-05-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles experienced a series of "wake up" trimmers Sunday night as many families where settling down and getting ready for school and work the next day. At about 8:30 PM, a sharp jolt that rolled for about 20 seconds shook the metro Los Angeles area. While originally reported to be a 5.0 earthquake. It was later downgraded to 4.7 in magnitude.

No immediate reports of any major injuries or damage, however local first responders did go into "earthquake" mode and checked for structural and physical damage.
The magnitude-4.7 quake hit at 8:39 p.m., about 10 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, near Inglewood, according to a preliminary report by the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was followed minutes later by at least three smaller aftershocks, with the largest registering at magnitude-3.1.

Empower our children

2009-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the members of Fire Station 76 who participated in the fire extinguisher demonstration at Valley View School. OUTSTANDING!

The one thing that kills fear is knowledge. By giving our children the knowledge they need to be a part of the solution, we empower, educate and elevate. Make your children strong. Give them roots to grow deep and wings to soar high. Give them the tools to survive.

www.LAAnimalServices.com

2009-05-06T09:50:00.001-07:00

An additional resource for disaster preparedness and small animal preparedness is SmART. SmART stands for Small m Animal Rescue Team. To read more, learn more and prepare for your little buddies, check out: http://www.laanimalservices.com/info_prepemergency.htm

DOGS-CATS-PETS-OH MY!

2009-05-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions I get regarding disaster preparedness is: “What should I do to prepare my cat and/or dog for a disaster?” While much has been written regarding disaster preparedness, the data pool for pets and pet care is not as deep. Pets have always been special members of many of our families, but it has been the last decade or so that we have seen pet rescue get the attention that many have been seeking. Please keep in mind that while the rescues of pets are a high priority consideration, most first responders will not place pet rescue above human life.
To help streamline the information gathering process, I have made a 911/Pet Rescue Information sheet. Fill this out and place in your window near your door. (After you fill it in, fold the sheet in half to protect your personal information.) While placing this document in your window is not a guarantee, it will increase the chance of a rescue, providing that the first responding agency is able to safely search for your pets.
For additional pet rescue information, you can search the internet. Below are three web sites that I have looked up and found to be excellent resources.

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/

The Humane Society of the United
http://www.hsus.org/

Noah’s Wish
http://www.noahswish.org/

Recently I had the pleasure of meet Thea Martin of Noah’s Wish at the L.A. County Fire CERT refresher held on May 2, 2009. The people from Noah’s Wish had many great ideas regarding preparedness and strategies for pet care during and post disaster.
To reach Noah’s Wish, click on the above web link and be sure and tell them you read about them from “JJ”.
If you would like me to send you a copy of the “911/Pet Rescue” document, just email me at: jaysonajohnson@gmail.com and place “911 pet rescue” in the subject line.

Thank You To The US Army/Thank you for all you do, have done and will continue to do to keep this country safe and free.

2009-05-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the distinct honor of presenting my disaster preparedness class to the men and women of the US Army as a part of their annual safety stand down. I am truly grateful to be of service to those who dedicate themselves to the preservation of our safety, freedom and security. Our time together was fun, productive and I hope to be apart of future stand downs.

Reprint from the United States Department of Health & Human Services

2009-04-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

The CDC is actively investigating human cases of influenza A (H1N1) in several states and is working closely with Canada, Mexico and the World Health Organization. The CDC is continuously updating its investigation information.
As with any infectious disease, CDC recommends that people should take everyday preventive actions.
Read the WHO report.
Acting HHS Secretary declares a Public Health Emergency nationwide involving Swine Influenza A. Press Release
Questions and Answers on 2009 Flu

Get information direct from HHS at: http://www.hhs.gov/

Pandemic/Swine Flu ??? What does all of this mean?

2009-04-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

pan·dem·ic
1. Widespread; general.
2. Medicine Epidemic over a wide geographic area and affecting a large proportion of the population.

Swine Influenza (Flu)
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 28, 2009 11:00 AM ET)
State & # of laboratory confirmed cases:
California-10 cases
Kansas-2 cases
New York City-45 cases
Ohio-1 case
Texas-6 cases
TOTAL COUNT
64 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. Internationally, the situation is more serious too, with additional countries reporting confirmed cases of swine flu. In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4 . A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause “community-level” outbreaks.” The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.
CDC has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the agency’s emergency response. CDC ’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this swine influenza virus. Yesterday, CDC issued a travel warning recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico. CDC continues to issue interim guidance daily on the website and through health alert network notices. CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

For more information, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

The best way to prevent the spread is “universal precautions”

Universal Precautions
1. wash hands before and after each medical procedure (may use a waterless hand cleaner)
2. wear gloves whenever there is a possiblity of coming in contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (body fluids and tissues)
3. wear full-body gowns whenever there is a possibility of blood splashing onto the rescuer
4. wear face masks and eye protection whenever there is a possibility of blood splashing into the rescuer's face
5. dispose of all contaminated sharp objects in an appropriate puncture-proof container
6. dispose of all contaminated personal protective equipment in an appropriate container marked for bio-hazardous waste

Resources to stay informed:

Health Map
http://healthmap.org/

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
http://www.dhs.co.la.ca.us/wps/portal/

Here is a way to store your medical history on your cell or PDA

2009-04-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a down-loadable program that allows for you to have your medical history on your cell phone/PDA. While you have to weigh the pro and cons of having this information on your cell/PDA if it is lost or stolen...there is a definite benefit of having this info accessible if you are in a traffic accident or have a medical emergency and you are unable to articulate this information to first responders and/or ER personnel.

http://www.myrapidmd.com/

From 8 to 108...Each One Teach One...We Are All Connected...The World Village

2009-04-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Residents and friends of Pledgerville Senior Citizens Villa in Pacoima, CA. gather to learn the basics of disaster preparedness. With a focus on having a 7 to 14 day emergency supply of medications, preventing post disaster injuries (put on shoes, drop-cover and hold, securing non structural items around house/apartment), water and food supply that supports dietetic needs (low sodium, no sugar and packed in water), our meeting was very productive.
One of the FAQ's I get (frequently asked questions) is where to get the specific flashlight/radio combo that is in my "GO" bag. There are many great products on the market, but the specific one that I have is: The Power Station
The company I purchased it from is Quake Kare and in searching the web site, I could not find that specific product, but they have others. Click the link to see the web site as well as a few other preparedness suppliers.
www.quakekare.com
www.mothereagle.com
www.earthquakesolutions.com
www.sosproducts.com
I hope this is a good start, but there are many other great places to get preparedness supplies.

Foodology Hosts Fire Extinguisher Demonstartion/Empowers Employees

2009-04-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Foodology of Sun Valley California empowered it's employees by hosting a fire extinguisher demonstration and safety training. Above, Firefighter/Instructor Jeff Hudson stands with our class.

Before we do any firefighting, there is a class friendly lesson on safety, how to use a class A, B, C extinguisher and how to check and see if your extinguishers are charged properly.

Everybody gets to feel the heat, walk the line and fight the beast (put out the fire). Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, squeeze the handle and sweep slowly to put out the fire. By knowing the proper use, safety and maintenance of the class A, B, C extinguisher, you increase your preparedness IQ.

Taking a CERT Class Is A Great Way To Lead Your Community

2009-04-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Southern California is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. Earthquakes, fires, severe storms, power outages, and acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies we may encounter.
Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service. Imagine that all the businesses are closed and you are without any kind of emergency services. What will you do until help arrives?

The first step to getting your home prepared is talking. Talking to your family, friends and neighbors about what the plan is for "___________" (fill in the blank...earthquake, fire, gas leak, black out, act of terrorism, etc)

The next step is to take action. Make survival/"GO" bags, establish a meeting place, review the location and how to check/shut off utilities, check water and food supplies, copy, scan and preserve important documents (drivers licence, passport, insurance policy, medical records, bank accounts, etc.)

Make disaster preparedness a part of your families wellness program. A great way to inspire your community is to lead by starting a CERT training class in your neighborhood. In the city of Los Angeles, this training is free. In a time when budget cuts and staff reductions cause many programs to end, CERT is still available.

Recycle Your Children's Old Backpacks Into "GO" Bags

2009-04-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am not going to count on anybody else to save my family. It is my job as their father to prepare, educate and empower my family. The federal government will help after the incident, but have you given your friends and family the tools to make to that time?

I love having fun with my children, but more important I enjoy empowering my children. Instead of carrying my daughter after the disaster, by having her "GO" bag ready my daughter is empowered to survive. I have four children. Each of my children has a "GO" bag in our family’s disaster kit. If I was to go buy new backpacks and supplies, it could get to be very expensive. With expense comes procrastination. In the picture below, you see a pink backpack. That backpack was my middle daughter's back pack from last year. When the new school year started, when I bought new backpacks, I took the old backpacks and made "GO" bags. All of the items pictured below fit into one backpack. For a list of the items suggested to go into your "GO" bag click on this link: www.labt.org
1.) Water

2.) Food

3.) Cash/Documents

4.) Clothes

5.) Flashlight

6.) First Aid Kit

7.) Medicine

8.) Radio

9.) Toiletries

10.) Tools

Hillside hosts LAFD/DAC to educate employees

2009-04-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hillside Memorial Park offers a vision of serenity along the South Bay curve of the 405/San Diego freeway. With the information shared during the DAC (Disaster Awareness Course), employees can feel better prepared in the event of a disaster, episode or challenge. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality.

CERT Division 1 Quarterly Training-Can you say "triage"?

2009-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Being proactive in your community is one of the best ways to inspire neighborhood empowerment and promote preparedness. The evening of April 14, 2009 was a perfect example of citizens increasing their disaster IQ and sharpening their CERT skills. The topic of the night was triage.
Thank you to all who came, asked questions and shared stories. The true strength of the CERT program is the CERT members. It is because of you the program lives, breaths and grows. Lets keep our enthusiasm, work within the parameters, but keep thinking outside of the box. "Unified Command" with vision and pride.

Neighborhoods, Communities & Work Place Preparedness

2009-04-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

House by house, church by church, neighborhood by neighborhood, the tools of preparedness are passed along. In a city the size of Los Angeles, it takes a dedicated force of foot soldiers to teach the survival and preparedness tools of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) & DAC (Disaster Awareness Course). Above we have Firefighter Jeff Hudson teaching a group from California State University at Northridge the basics of fire extinguishers prior to the live fire/hands on portion of our presentation. To schedule a demonstration for your group, call the Los Angeles Fire Department/Disaster Preparedness Unit at (818)756-9674 and ask for the "fire extinguisher demonstration". There are some specific requirements to have this live fire/hands on presentation, so ask for the form and we can fax that right to you.

A Lighthouse in the Storm

2009-04-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Taking it to the streets!
The street fair/block party sponsored by Cochran Ave. Baptist Church brings art, food, culture and community service to the grass roots level. Thank you to Rev. Charles Johnson and the members of Cochran Ave. Baptist Church for allowing the Los Angeles Fire Department-DAC (Disaster Awareness Course) to be apart of your event. I had a wonderful time and I look forward to meeting with you again soon. Let's keep the love flowing.

The motto for Cochran Ave. Baptist Church is..."where the mission of Christ is meeting the needs of the people". By being proactive in disaster preparedness, Cochran Ave. is leading by example and meeting the needs of the people. History tells us that in times of disaster, many will turn to the church as their lighthouse in the storm. Is your lighthouse in order?

NBC/Universal Earthquake Preparedness Fair 2009

2009-04-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Firefighter/Paramedic Jayson A. Johnson with Human Resource Manager Allison Dombrow of NBC/Universal. A special thank you to Mike Ripley for inviting the Los Angeles Fire Department-DAC (Disaster Awareness Course) to participate in this outstanding event. We'll see you again next year!

IT IS GOING TO TAKE A VILLAGE TO SURVIVE A DISASTER:
This is the second year that I have personally been involved in the NBC/Universal Earthquake Fair. It is an inspiring to see the pockets of preparedness. Like seeds thrown across a concrete/urban field, often the people I speak to do not allow the roots of preparedness to truly take hold, but that is to be expected. The true reward comes when a few of those thrown seeds find the cracks in the concrete and the roots of knowledge grow deep. As the roots take a hold, the outward growth is nurtured and obvious. It is an honor to see the fruits of preparedness/labor blossom.
Just today, a young lady who reminded me of meeting at last years event, shared that she is currently going through a CERT class. That young lady is a wife, mother, sister and a daughter. Her knowledge touches at least six others directly. That my friends is how Los Angeles will handle the great dilemma. "How does thirty two hundred divide into four million"? (There are about thirty two hundred paid firefighters in the city of Los Angeles and over four million residents...do the math.) We must all share in the responsibility of getting the word out, the responsibility of getting the training and the responsibility of maintaining of skills. I can not tell you how many times someone has said to me...."Oh, I'm a CERT member, but I did it about ten years ago." Do you honestly feel comfortable with trying to remember training from ten years ago? Just think about how much our world has changed in the last ten years, the events that we have learned from in the last ten years. Y2k, 9/11, Katrina, Chatsworth Train accident to name a few. Los Angeles has some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and approachable firefighters in the world. Our training is done by sworn firefighters who have lived, worked and saved lives in all areas of this city. The training is free. What is stopping you and your family, friends and community from being prepared?

Culver/Palms YMCA Host Healthy Kids & Helps To Build Strong Communities

2009-04-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Under the leadership of Captain Carlos Avina and Firefighter/Paramedic Jayson Johnson, the LAFD CERT/DAC booth offers many ideas and suggestions on how to increase your families disaster IQ.

Italy feels the fury of Mother Earth

2009-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A REPRINT FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES/ALL CREDITS ARE TO BE GIVEN TO THE NEW YORK TIMES AND IT'S STAFF. THIS REPRINT IS ONLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF PASSING ON TO YOU THE NEED FOR GRATER PREPAREDNESS.

Published: April 6, 2009
L’AQUILA, Italy — At twilight on Monday, seven wooden coffins lay on the ground under a gnarled tree in Onna, a tiny village eight miles from here. A woman was slumped in grief over one, while people comforted her. After a few moments, five men strained to lift four coffins into a funeral van.

“They belonged to an entire family: a husband, wife and their two children,” said one of the men, Piero Taffo, who runs a funeral home in L’Aquila.
As the death toll continued to rise late Monday from a powerful earthquake that shook central Italy early in the day, officials said that as many as 150 people had been killed, at least 1,500 injured and tens of thousands left homeless.
The 6.3-magnitude quake seriously damaged historic buildings in the medieval hill towns of the mountainous Abruzzo region east of Rome. The deaths and damage was centered in L’Aquila, a picturesque fortress town at the epicenter, but more than 26 nearby villages were also affected, some seriously. Historic buildings in the surrounding region in the Apennine mountains were also damaged.
“Some towns in the area have been virtually destroyed in their entirety,” Gianfranco Fini, the speaker of the lower house of Parliament, said in Rome before the chamber observed a moment of silence.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who canceled a trip to Moscow to survey the region by helicopter, declared a state of emergency.
“It’s a disaster never before seen,” said Franco Totani, a lawyer who said he was leaving L’Aquila to stay with an uncle in Rome. “I’ve seen earthquakes before, but this is a catastrophe.”
The narrow streets of L’Aquila’s historic center were filled with rubble, and parked cars were crushed under large blocks of debris. About 80,000 people live in L’Aquila and the surrounding area.
The cupola of the 18th-century Santa Maria del Suffragio church cracked open like an eggshell, exposing the stucco patterns inside the dome. Part of the transept of the 13th-century Santa Maria di Collemaggio basilica collapsed, as did a small cupola in the 18th-century church of Sant’Agostino.
Gianfranco Cioni, an architect in L’Aquila, said the authorities should have warned residents of the threat of an earthquake. “We had three months of tremors, each one stronger than the next,” Mr. Cioni said.
The earthquake struck around 3:30 a.m. Monday and could be felt as far away as Rome, 60 miles to the west, where it rattled furniture and set off car alarms. The United States Geological Survey said it was one of several quakes to hit the region overnight. Among the hardest hit places was Onna, a rural village of less than 400 people. At least 37 residents of the village died, the ANSA news agency reported. Onna’s older two- and three-story stone houses had nearly all been reduced to rubble.
Aftershocks shuddered through the area all day and into the evening, when a driving rain picked up, hampering rescue efforts. People clawed through the debris by hand, frantically seeking survivors.
Mr. Berlusconi said Monday night on national television that 150 people had been killed. But the ANSA news agency reported that officials said that 98 of the dead had been identified, and that another 20 bodies were still unidentified.
Mr. Berlusconi said the government was doing everything “humanly possible” to help those left homeless and would work to rebuild L’Aquila quickly. He said he would be in L’Aquila on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said rescue workers would work around the clock until all survivors had been found.
A spokesman for Italy’s Civil Protection Agency said on national television that an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people had been left homeless. Electricity, telephone and gas lines were damaged.
In L’Aquila, parts of the main hospital were evacuated because they were at risk of collapsing, The Associated Press reported, and only two operating rooms were in use; bloodied victims waited in hospital hallways or in the courtyard, and many people were being treated in the open.
Four children died in the hospital after their house had collapsed, ANSA reported. Part of a building that housed university students in L’Aquila collapsed, and initial reports said one person had died and seven people were missing. At midday, shaken students and family members sat outside the rubble of the four-story building.
“We’re waiting for my son,” said a woman who declined to give her name. She stood among a knot of anxious onlookers and hid her eyes behind large sunglasses.
Newer buildings in the outer part of the city were also affected. Residents, many still in their pajamas, wheeled dusty suitcases through the streets, on their way out of town.
Outside a damaged convent, a dozen nuns, still dressed in bright orange and blue bathrobes, climbed into a van at midday to go to an assistance center. Sister Lidia, the mother superior, said an 82-year-old nun had died of shock. “The quake, it was very strong,” she said.
By evening, local residents had begun gathering at two stadiums in the town, where rescue workers were setting up 2,000 tents for the homeless.
Outside one stadium, a grief-stricken man could be heard talking on his cellphone. “Alessandro is still under the rubble,” he said.
Gaetana Leone said she had been evacuated from the historic center of the city. “It’s terrible,” she said. “I can’t go back home.”
But Ms. Leone tried to put on a brave face. “We’re the miraculous ones,” she said. “Even if we’ve lost our houses, we’re still alive.”
Speaking on Rainews 24, a new channel on state television, Guido Bertolaso, Italy’s senior civil protection official, said that the earthquake was “comparable if not superior to the one which struck Umbria in 1997.” That quake killed 10 people and damaged medieval buildings across the region, including Assisi’s famed basilica with its Giotto frescoes.
Seismic activity is relatively common in Italy, but the intensity of the earthquake on Monday was rare. It was the worst in Italy since a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Eboli, south of Naples, in 1980, killing more than 2,700 people.
The last major quake to hit central Italy struck the Molise region in 2002, killing 28 people, including 27 children who died when their school collapsed.
Rachel Donadio reported from L’Aquila, Italy, and Elisabetta Povoledo from Rome.

Everybody needs a "GO" bag

2009-04-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Children feel safe and secure when they know that parents/guardians have taken the time to provide for their safety.

Everybody in your home needs to have a "GO" bag. What is a "GO" bag you ask? A "GO" bag is a dedicated beg for each family member that includes disaster supplies as well as specific special needs items.

All of the above items fit in the backpack of my four year old son. Can you identify the ten essential items everybody needs in their "GO" bag?

1.) Food

2.) Water

3.) First Aid/Medicine

4.) Change of clothes

5.) Sanitation needs

6.) Special needs (for my son, toys and/or coloring book)

7.) Family Pictures/Medical Personal info. (on CD Rom)

8.) Out of state contact/next of kin family info

9.) Blanket/shelter (backdrop is a blanket)

10.) Money

LA County has a great place to get started

2009-03-26T09:06:00.001-07:00

While many places offer disaster preparedness information, the basic message is the same. It has been said, "why are you trying to reinvent the wheel?" I say..."I am not reinventing the wheel, but I am doing my part to try and make sure that EVERYBODY gets a wheel!"
In times of disaster, every community will need to be able to participate in their own survival. In the city of Los Angeles, there are over four million residents...Los Angeles Fire Department has about thirty two hundred full time firefighters. If your take it to the county level, we add about six million more residents for a total of ten million. There are not enough firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, police officers and other law enforcement to respond to all of the 911 calls that will come. If you want a hint of what we can experience, refer to You Tube footage of Hurricane Katrina... we can do better. How do we do better?...Preparedness is the key.

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eprp/media/buildakit.htm

The Salton Sea/Salt Shaker

2009-03-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

A moderate earthquake struck Tuesday on the edge of the Salton Sea in Southern California's Imperial County, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries or damage. The magnitude 4.8 quake struck at 4:55 a.m. at a depth of about 3.5 miles, said seismologist Amy Vaughn of the U.S. Geological Survey. It was centered two miles south of the small town of Bombay Beach on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea, about 90 miles east of San Diego. The main quake was followed by at least 18 smaller aftershocks.

Follow YHIO with Twitter/RescueJayLAFD

2009-03-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

Run with the Big Dog...keep up with LAFD calls and training...your CERT/DAC insider. If you want to hear the inside Twit...Twitter with JJ...RescueJayLAFD on Twitter. Tweet!

The Launch of a Great New Web Site

2009-03-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

Today marks the launch of an outstanding new recourse for the citizens of Los Angeles. The web site is called My Safe LA. While I have not pointed and clicked completely through the whole web site, at first few looks, this looks to be a state of the art, one stop power source to increase the cumulative disaster preparedness IQ of Angelinos.
Please note that while today is launch day, the web site is still in development, so if you have any input, please tell me and I will forward your observations to the producers of My Safe LA.

http://development.mysafela.org

Ready.gov teams up with Minor League Baseball

2009-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Minor League Baseball™ Joins Local Boy Scout Troops and Citizen Corps Councils to Help Americans get Ready

2009-03-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

This is a reprint, courtesy of Ready.gov Thank you

Minor League Baseball™ and the Boy Scouts of America are once again partnering with the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps Program for the sixth straight year! Together over the last five years, we’ve reached millions of baseball fans with our message and we’re excited about what this new year will bring.
Each season, ballparks around the country serve as gathering places for friends and family. Throughout the 2008 season, teams participated in a variety of activities to promote emergency preparedness from featuring the Ready PSAs on their scoreboards and monitors to hosting entire Ready Nights where local Boy Scouts and/or Citizen Corps distributed emergency preparedness brochures.
We encourage you to reach out to your local Minor League Baseball™ team and use the toolkit and banners found on this page to educate fans on how they can better prepare themselves, their families, businesses and communities for an emergency. Partnering with your local Boys Scouts troops and other youth groups is also a great way to make your event an even bigger success. You may also want to consider having Rex, the Ready Kids mascot, make a special guest appearance.
To find your local team, please visit http://www.ready.gov/america/redirect.html?url=http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com or contact the Ready Campaign. If you have any questions or would like to register your Council as a Minor League Baseball™ Ready participant, please contact Ingela Hartman by phone at 717-232-5554 x129 or e-mail ready@dhs.gov.
If you would like to include a link to Ready.gov on your website, we invite you to use one of the official Ready.gov graphics below. To download to your PC, right-click on the graphic and select "Save Picture As...". Mac users can "Control-Click" and "Save Image to Desktop". If you are unable to download the banner by this manner, just download the Zip File link.
These graphics may not be used in any way that implies a relationship with, affiliation with, sponsorship of, or endorsement by Ready.gov, or that can reasonably be interpreted to suggest editorial content has been authored by or represents the views or opinions of Ready.gov, or to promote any commercial product or service, or in any other way that violates applicable law.

Underwater Volcano Eruption of the Coast of Tonga

2009-03-21T01:36:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that about 70% of the earth is covered by water and that a Tsunami is basically an offshore earthquake. The earth is a dynamic, living, organic place. When you mix the sliding tectonic plates with atmospheric pressures and ups and downs with water current and weather temperature, it's not hard to imagine some of the spectacular presentations that Mother Nature gives us.

Disaster Education Is For Everybody

2009-03-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Currently, the DAC (Disaster Awareness Course) is establishing partnerships with many non profit and urban uplift groups throughout Los Angeles. One of our recent trainings was with The Los Angeles Family Housing organization. LA Family Housing offers citizens of Los Angeles who are reestablishing themselves with transitional housing as well as assist first time home buyers with purchasing their first home. Here's the question..."Once you get that home, how do you prepare it for disaster?" Don't worry, that's what we are here for. Give the men of DAC a call and we will come to you and 20 of your closest neighbors, friends, church members, PTA members, girl scout parents and educate you on not just how to survive, but how to thrive. To see more of what great work LA Family Housing is doing, click on this link: http://www.lafh.org/about.html

City National's Got The Groove

2009-03-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

You call, we haul...haul all of the equipment to present one of our many presentations to you and you co-workers, classmates, neighbors, prayer warriors, etc... In the above picture, Firefighter Hudson is explaining the proper technique of using a class A, B, C fire extinguisher.

The Cornerstone of Your Disaster Kit

2009-03-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Your Basic Disaster Kit Should Include:

Water (1 gal. per person per day)
Food (can goods may require a can opener)
Cash & Important Documents (min. $100 in small bills/coin for pay phone/pack of checks/spare credit card-scan documents to USB drive or CD ROMs, out of state contact information)
First Aid Kit (basic first aid supplies/prescription meds 7-14 day supply)
Personal Supplies (toiletries, clothing - 1 complete change , feminine products as needed)
Tools (utility shut off, crow bar, whistle, flashlight, spare batteries, maps, am/fm radio, pocket knife, fire extinguisher, spare/back up cell phone with battery charged and/or 2 way radio.)
PPEs (personal protective equipment- gloves, knee pads, goggles, P-95 respirator, bandanna, hat/helmet, safety vest, etc…)
Sanitation (large trash bags, toilet paper, tissue, feminine napkins)
Special needs considerations (baby formula, diapers, diabetic syringes and supplies, “g-tube”/trach needs, spare oxygen, etc…)
Misc. (spare keys to other residence, spare keys to other vehicles, maps, laptop, phone book)

"Children Act Fast...So Do Poisons!"

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of National Poison Prevention Week (March 15-21, 2009). This is a great reminder of one of the components that is taught in our Disaster Preparedness Course. We teach L.I.E.S.- Limit, Isolate, Eliminate & Separate. When dealing with household cleaners, paint and other hazardous materials, you want to limit the amount you have on hand, isolate products that can come together and cause a bigger problem, eliminate the items you no longer need or use and separate away from children and animals that might ingest these potentially poisonous items.

Recent Earthquakes - Last 8-30 Days

2009-03-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Note that the recent activity off of the western coast of the United States (California specific) the earthquake activity has been more shallow or surface type activity. This type of activity is consistent with the predictions and forecast of earthquake professionals.

Preparedness Includes More Then Just Earthquakes

2009-03-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Disaster Preparedness is just what it says: "Disaster Prepared" or turn it around...you are prepared for a disaster. Our country was shaken to our core on the 11th of September in 2001. The word "terrorist" became a household word and we will never be the same again. Sometimes, while we feel we are more aware, the attention span of our country gets splintered with the "disaster de' jour". We have seen hurricanes turn our cities into swamps and tornadoes rip apart communities. We must not loose our memory of how patient, cunning and focused terrorist can be. To illustrate this, I am reprinting a Department of Justice communication published in June of 2008. This communication is public knowledge, but often our world is so fractured that it is nearly impossible to stay updated on all things. Not knowing does not remove us from the list of victims, however all of us working together, through preparedness, we increase our survivability.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMonday, June 23, 2008http://www.usdoj.gov/
NSD(202) 514-2007TDD (202) 514-1888

Man Involved in Domestic Terrorism Plot Targeting Military and Jewish Facilities Sentenced to 22 Years

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former inmate in a California state prison who became part of a domestic terrorist cell that planned to attack United States military operations, "infidels," and Israeli and Jewish facilities in the Los Angeles area was sentenced this morning to 22 years in federal prison.
Levar Washington, 30, who was recruited into the terrorist cell while in state prison and subsequently recruited others into the plot, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney. Washington pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to wage war against the United States and a weapons charge.
Two other defendants in the case – Kevin James, who formed the terrorist group which he dubbed Jam’iyyat Ul-Islam Is-Saheeh, or JIS, while in a California state prison, and Gregory Patterson – also pleaded guilty last year to the terrorism conspiracy charge. Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, and James is scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, 2009.
In plea agreements filed in federal court, James, Washington and Patterson admitted that they conspired "to levy war against the government of the United States through terrorism, and to oppose by force the authority of the United States government."
The fourth member of JIS named in an indictment – Hammad Samana – has been found unfit to stand trial and is currently receiving psychiatric care at a federal prison facility.
"The JIS terrorist group posed a significant threat of violent action against a variety of targets," said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. "Through the fine work of members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, potentially deadly attacks were averted. Now, one of the members of this terrorism cell will not pose a danger to the United States for nearly a quarter century."
Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, stated: "This case reminds us that Los Angeles is an attractive target for homegrown or radicalized terrorists, as well as state-sponsored terrorists. Los Angeles was spared a potentially devastating attack because of excellent police work and a cohesive team effort by JTTF members. This case serves as an example of how local officers are serving in the front lines in the war on terrorism."
After forming JIS in 1997 while in state prison, James recruited Washington into the organization in late 2004 while both were prisoners at New Folsom Prison, where James had Washington swear an oath of loyalty and obedience to James and to JIS. After his release from prison several weeks after taking the JIS oath, Washington recruited Patterson and Samana into JIS and had them swear oaths of allegiance and obedience to JIS. After forming this cell, Washington and Patterson conducted about a dozen armed robberies of gas stations to obtain money for the group’s planned attacks in the Los Angeles area.
Samana researched targets and prepared a document called "Modes of Attack." The document listed "LAX and Consulate of Zion," "Military Targets," "Army Recruiting centers throughout the county," "Military base in Manhattan Beach" and "Campsite of Zion."
After Torrance Police investigators linked Washinton and Patterson to a gas station robbery, various Jihadist documents were found at a South Los Angeles apartment where they lived. In addition to the "Modes of Attack" document, investigators discovered a document titled "Notoriety Moves," which contained a James-authored statement to be given to the media after a deadly attack. The proposed press statement reads, in part, "This incident is the first in a series of incidents to come in a plight to defend and propagate traditional Islam in its purity." The document also warns "sincere Muslims" to avoid a series of targets, including "Those Jewish and non-Jewish supporters of an Israeli state."
The investigation into the terrorist conspiracy was led by the FBI's Long Beach Joint Terrorism Task Force, whose participating agencies include the Los Angeles Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Torrance Police Department; the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; the Long Beach Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Los Angeles Port Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Redondo Beach Police Department.
Substantial assistance during the investigation was provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the California Department of Justice; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and the Department of Defense.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office worked collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office during the investigation.

Jeff Hudson leads Holy Family Services in Echo Park

2009-03-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today my partner (Jeff Hudson) and I had the chance to meet some wonderful people in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles. Holy Family Catholic Services hosted a fire extinguisher demonstration for their employees. Judging from the smiles in this picture, the presentation was not only educational and practical, but it was fun too. Outstanding class and a special DAC Unit thank you to Holy Family. We look forward to helping with any other disaster preparedness training you may need.
To see more instruction and information about fire extinguisher use, check out the video bar along the right side of this blog. If you want to schedule an extinguisher demonstration for your block club, church group or any group of 20 or more adults, please contact our office and simply say..."Hey JJ". Call me and I will connect you with my captain and we will get you on calendar. The number for my office is (818)756-9674.

West Angeles COGIC Law, Fire & Military Day 2009

2009-03-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you West Angeles Church for the honor of being apart of your service.

2009-03-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Law Enforcement, Firefighter & Military Day at West Angeles Church of God in Christ. This day is an annual tradition for this cornerstone in the community on Crenshaw. Bishop Blake was very kind in his words, along with a host of members from the congregation who went out of their ways to not only show, but also articulate their appreciation. What also made this an extraordinary day is that not only was it a day set aside to say thank you, but many public service agencies had representatives and materials to inspire recruitment as well as the booth that I was apart of...CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). The very act of providing a place for me and my peers to promote empowerment, employment and preparedness illustrates the presence of the church in our community.
History shows us that in times of disaster, people will turn to the church for aid. Like the parable of feeding the multitude, providing a venue to speak to congregations allows for the "fruits of preparedness" to be shared with all communities. If you go to church, temple, mosque or to a synagogue, this information is for you. If you are agnostic or atheist, this information is for you. The Los Angeles Fire Department as well as the many CERT team volunteers does not care about what makes us different, but rather, how can we best serve our community in times of crisis and disaster (After a disaster, we are all the same). "I can give a man a fish and feed him today, or I can teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime". By teaching you what I know, I am teaching you to fish.
A special thank you goes to Ms. Kimberly Dyer (pictured above) for staying persistent and your follow up phone calls. I am very glad that we did not miss this great day.
For more information and to see what West Angeles Church is doing in South Los Angeles, click this link:
http://www.westa.org/

Penny Lane is getting on board

2009-03-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday I had the honor of making a disaster preparedness presentation to a truly remarkable group. I spoke to employees of Penny Lane. Some of you may know Penny Lane as a song by the Beatles, but others know Penny Lane as the place that provided a place to get back on their feet and regain their independence. It was an honor to share some of what I know with people who are making positive strides in making our community a little bit better. A special thank you to Eric for contacting my office and please know, we will get the fire extinguisher demonstration as soon as the weather allows.
To see for yourself what services Penny Lane offers, just click this link:
http://www.pennylane.org/

Out of State Contact

2009-03-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

One of the most important components to having a complete disaster preparedness plan is to have an out of state contact. An out of state contact is a predetermined friend of family member who all members of your family are aware of who in time of disaster will call and check in with. In time of disaster, phone services may be highly impacted. The utilization of an out of state contact allows for family members who may be inside of the impact area and separated to have a central check in person. I will use my family as an example: I am at work at my fire station. My daughters are at school. (3 daughters at 3 different schools) My sister lives in St. Louis. If a large scale disaster hits my region and I can not reach my daughters, due to local phone lines being damaged or overwhelmed, by having a predetermined out of state contact, my daughters know to call their aunt and check in. This allows me as their father some relief when I call my sister and she can report to me: Yes, I have heard from Teighlor and Dominique. No I have not heard from Shelby. I can then either focus my attention to Shelby or I can check published information from the area Shelby’s school is in and make an educated decision if maybe she is fine, but phones are still out, she is in a shelter or stay calm and check back later.
The reason my out of state contact will know before me is that generally during a time of major disaster and land lines are impacted, the phone company will bring phone services back in a priority order. The priority order is:
1. Emergency/Government Services
2. Long Distance Services
3. Pay Phones (note working pay phones and keep coinage to use)
4. Business & Residential Services

Whats Shake'n in California?

2009-03-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

All I need is you!

2009-03-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

If you have a group who wants to empower themselves: church, temple, synagogue, fraternity, sorority, home owners group, block club, car club, women's civic group, social organizations, etc... We want to come and teach you. The Los Angeles Fire Department would like to thank the San Fernando Valley V8's for inviting me to come and present on home fire safety & disaster preparedness. A special thank you to Harry Barker (president), Dave Bergman (vice president) for being wonderful hosts.

Mr. Han's 3rd grade class/3rd Street School

2009-03-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

I would like to say thank you to Mr. Han's third grade class for inviting me to come and speak about disaster preparedness and how we all can help our families be better prepared. I had an awesome time! Remember...each of you have the power to be a hero...be your own hero.

LAUSD Santee Education Complex

2009-03-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

While many people are very kind as to their appreciation for firefighters and the job that we do, I must volley my appreciation towards teachers and the thankless sacrifices as well as their willingness to continue to teach in what is often a highly challenged, poorly compensated environment. What I have learned is that like firefighters who do what we do because of the love of what we do, teachers are teachers because that is what God has called them to do. In honor and in memory of my sister (Jennifer Townsend-teacher for 30 years), I say thank you to all of the teachers who give of themselves.

From 8 to 88-Disaster Preparedness is for everybody!

2009-03-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

One of the things I enjoy most about teaching disaster preparedness is meeting the people from the many neighborhoods and community groups. Yesterday I met Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott helped to gather residents for our meeting at the senior housing building on Adams Blvd. I appreciate Mr. Scott's efforts and actions helped to illustrate one of my main points I try to drive home in my presentations: "Everybody brings something to the table."
Los Angeles is a true quilt of multi cultures, mixed with many generations, bound by a love for family. Whatever your age, heritage, orientation, zip code or status, you need to prepare. No Angeleno (man/woman) is an island.

Help me help you...

2009-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

The missing link in getting our city, county, state and country prepared, is you. Yes, the simple truth is I want to teach you. I am willing to teach you what I know. The greatest gift is when I also learn something from you.

If by chance, you are someone who is already a CERT team member, you can spread the word of preparedness. Maybe you can promote the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and/or DAC (Disaster Preparedness Course) by forwarding this blog sight to friends, family and co-workers. If you are aware of fairs or events that have booths for community groups, the Los Angeles Fire Department (On duty, we stay pretty close to the boarders of the city of Los Angeles. If your location is in other areas, contact me and I will try to connect you to either local CERT instructors, groups and/or first responders who can advise.) wants to send me to answer questions and give information to increase citizen survival during and after a disaster.

"Help me, help you"

To contact me, email me at: jaysonajohnson@gmail.com

Sesame Street helps kids get ready

2009-02-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

When the time comes and we are facing a true disaster, it may be a child that saves the family. Aside from information that can save you, this information may empower a child when you are not around. As the father of four, aside from taking care of my children when I am home, I also accept the duty to empower them when I am away at work. This website is great for the younger family members. Feel free to forward this to friends, family, teachers, church and any place else that our younger family member spend time.

http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready

It's not just California

2009-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Small Earthquake Rattles New Jersey

This story is a reprint from The New York Times: Feb. 3, 2009

A small earthquake hit northern New Jersey late Monday night, according to seismologists. No one was reported to have been injured.
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Residents likened the earthquake, which struck just after 10:30 p.m., to everything from “a bomb” to an underground explosion to “a thump.”
The epicenter of the quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 3.0, was reported at Victory Gardens, although it could be felt in Rockaway, Dover and Morris Plains, according to Won-Young Kim, a seismologist for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, in Palisades, N.Y.
The communities near the earthquake’s epicenter are in Morris County, about 35 miles west of Midtown Manhattan.
While 3.0 is a rather large earthquake for the metropolitan New York region, a temblor of that magnitude is unlikely to cause any major damage, Mr. Kim said.
Workers at an Exxon Station in Rockaway, N.J., said that the night was going along normally when the earthquake struck.
“It was like a bomb, a strong one,” said Cafer Sahin, 40, an attendant.
Tom Smaga, 27, was working inside the station when, he said, he first heard and then felt the earthquake.
“It was a loud boom and after that it shook the whole building,” Mr. Smaga said. He said the vibrations lasted for about two or three seconds.
Toni Dellamonica, a dispatcher for the Rockaway Township Police Department, said that there had been no reports of injuries or major damage.
Ms. Dellamonica said the earthquake felt like “a rolling rumble,” as if someone was dragging something across the ground.
In Dover, N.J., near the quake’s epicenter, Francis Rodriguez was playing cards with a friend when, she said, “it felt like something exploded underground.”
The shaking did not damage her house, she said, but her friend, Cheryll Post, who was visiting Ms. Rodriguez, said “it was very scary.” Patricia Avila, was in her second-floor apartment in Rockaway, N.J., when she felt what she described as “a loud thump.”
“It was just a bang,” Walter Michalski, a police officer in Dover, N.J., said of Monday’s earthquake. “That’s it. A bang.”
Peter Johnson, a dispatcher for the Morris Plains Police department, said “I wasn’t sure what it was. It was just a shaking.”
Mr. Kim of Lamont-Doherty said that low-level earthquakes are not unusual near that area.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 2 hit Phillipsburg, N.J., on July 28. A 2.6 magnitude quake struck Sussex County, N.J., on Feb. 17, 2006, and another quake, with a magnitude of 2.1, hit Morris County on Dec. 10, 2005.
Nate Schweber contributed reporting.

Here for you...

2009-02-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

If you know of any communities inside of the city of Los Angeles that is in need of disaster preparedness training, please forward this blog site to them so we can connect and fill in the gap. WE MUST PREPARE NOW OR PAY THE PRICE LATER.

Spending the day with the US Coast Guard

2008-12-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

I had a great day today teaching disaster preparedness with my partner and captain and the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.

"Death map" shows heat a big hazard to Americans

2008-12-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

(Reprinted from Yahoo)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Heat is more likely to kill an American than an earthquake, and thunderstorms kill more than hurricanes do, according to a "death map" published on Tuesday.
Researchers who compiled the county-by-county look at what natural disasters kill Americans said they hope their study will help emergency preparedness officials plan better.
Heat and drought caused 19.6 percent of total deaths from natural hazards, with summer thunderstorms causing 18.8 percent and winter weather causing 18.1 percent, the team at the University of South Carolina found.
Earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes combined were responsible for fewer than 5 percent of all hazard deaths.
Writing in BioMed Central's International Journal of Health Geographics, they said they hoped to dispel some myths about what the biggest threats to life and limb are.
"According to our results, the answer is heat," Susan Cutter and Kevin Borden of the University of South Carolina wrote in their report, which gathered data from 1970 to 2004.
"I think what most people would think, if you say what is the major cause of death and destruction, they would say hurricanes and earthquakes and flooding," Cutter said in a telephone interview. "They wouldn't say heat."
"What is noteworthy here is that over time, highly destructive, highly publicized, often-catastrophic singular events such as hurricanes and earthquakes are responsible for relatively few deaths when compared to the more frequent, less catastrophic such as heat waves and severe weather," they wrote.
The most dangerous places to live are much of the South, because of the heat risk, the hurricane coasts and the Great Plains states with their severe weather, Cutter said.
The south central United States is also a dangerous area, with floods and tornadoes.
California is relatively safe, they found.
"It illustrates the impact of better building codes in seismically prone areas because the fatalities in earthquakes have gone down from 1900 because things don't collapse on people any more," Cutter said.
"It shows that simple improvements in building codes in high-wind environments like hurricane coasts, and the effectiveness of evacuation in advance of hurricanes, has reduced the mortality from hurricanes and tropical storms," she added.
"So there are some things we are pretty good at in getting people out of harm's way and reducing fatalities."
Cutter said there is no national database on such deaths and this was a first try at getting one together.

The Great Shakeout...what did you do?

2008-11-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

UCLA Transportation Department

We had a good time today talking about and going through the "DUCK, COVER & HOLD" of what to do during an earthquake. Thank you to all of my UCLA students for your questions and focus during todays drill.