1

CHIEF DEPUTY MARIO RUEDA BIDS LAFD FAREWELL... BEGINS NEW CHAPTER AS VERDUGO CITIES FIRE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE CHIEF

Mario Rueda has retired as the Chief Deputy for the LAFD to assume the Fire Chief position for the Verdugo Cities Fire Department, which includes the cities of South Pasadena, San Marino and San Gabriel. Mario has significant experience in emergency operations, administrative duties, training and special operations, and left this final message to his fellow LAFD members:

“I leave the job with a tremendous amount of fulfillment and pride knowing that I have been part of one of the finest organizations in the fire service. When I reflect on how remarkably our Department has performed throughout the years, I feel a distinct sense of honor and privilege to have served you and the residents of Los Angeles as the Department’s Emergency Operations Commander. Furthermore, as I look back at the people and relationships that have influenced my career, it only reaffirms my belief that our greatest strength and success as an

organization, lies in our teamwork, commitment and continued support for one another. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have known all of you and will forever cherish my 36 years serving as a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department.”

Thank you Chief Rueda for your service and dedication to the LAFD. You created a culture of forward-thinking, and we became better employees, better communicators and better providers of community service. The Verdugo Cities Fire Department is fortunate to have you serve as their Fire Chief.

Issue 6 Operations Valley Bureau Jan/Feb 2016

Proudly serving: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, City of San Fernando, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Noho Arts District, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima,

Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland/Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Universal City, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.

EL NIÑO PREPARATIONS By Deputy Chief Daryl Arbuthnott

With seasonal wind and rain expected in Southern

California, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging residents to take the simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage. When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially life-

threatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away. It is against the law to be inside most flood control channels, regardless of the weather.

You've heard the forecasts of the upcoming “Godzilla” El Niño. This one is supposed to be record-breaking...and the biggest ever. But don’t worry—we have the tools necessary to get you prepared!

The City of Los Angeles has set up a website www.elninola.com to assist Angelenos with this powerful storm that is headed our way. On the website you can learn how to prepare, report a problem, sign up for emergency alerts, and utilize the resource library to better educate yourself on this meteorological phenomenon. We urge you to also visit the National Weather Service website at: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr, listen to NOAA (All Hazards) Weather Radio or local radio and television stations—for the latest weather information and emergency bulletins. We have also created a list of Flood Prevention and Storm Preparedness tips to assist you on Page 2 of this newsletter.

Prepare your family, neighbors, and friends—so together we can create a resilient Valley community in anticipation of the “Godzilla” El Niño.

BUREAU COMMANDER

Deputy Chief

Daryl Arbuthnott

ASSISTANT BUREAU

COMMANDERS

Assistant Chief

Trevor Richmond

Andrew Fox

Emile Mack

Gregory Reynar

TRAINING OFFICER

Captain II

Richard Fields

EMS OFFICER

Captain I

Danny Wu

OFFICE

4960 Balboa Blvd.

Encino, CA 91316

818-728-9921

818-728-9931 Fax

Email: lafd.valleybureau

@lacity.org

VALLEYView LLL AAA FFF DDD

2

Los Angeles Fire Department

FLOOD PREVENTION AND STORM PREPAREDNESS TIPS • Ensure drains, gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.

• Keep stormwater drainage systems (pipes, ditches, swales and small channels) free of debris.

• Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas prone to flooding.

• Closely examine windows, skylights and doors that may benefit from caulking or weatherstripping.

• Inspect your attic for "leaks" of sunlight, or signs of previous water damage that may indicate where pre-storm repairs are needed.

• Establish household supplies (bucket, mop, towel and tarpaulin) to minimize damage from sudden leaks or stormwater seepage.

• Prepare your household to remain safe (battery powered lamps, no candles) and functional (fully charged cell phone, manual garage door opera-

tion) in the event of a storm related power outage.

• Review how to safely turn off your home's electric, water and natural gas service in the event of severe storm damage, remembering that water

and electricity don't mix.

• Gather and safely store important documents to take with you in case of evacuation.

• Discuss your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit that

includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.

• Confirm out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine

your location and status.

• Consider the safety of those with disabilities or access and functional needs.

• Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.

• Identify multiple safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.

• Have sturdy, sensible shoes with nonskid soles for use in a rainstorm. Pack an

umbrella, small flashlight and rain coat.

• Check your car's wipers, lights, tire inflation and tread wear to assure safe opera-

tion, and keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.

• Monitor local news for the status of streets, highways and transit systems.

• Be aware of local driving laws, and how to operate your vehicle safely or use pub-

lic transit in conditions altered by weather.

• Determine if your home is located in a flood hazard or landslide prone area.

• Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant, water wise, suitable for

erosion control and allow for smart water retention or reuse.

• Large trees that could threaten your home should be examined by a certified

arborist. Confirm that any hillside on your property has been evaluated by a licensed soil engineer.

• If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.

• Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect. Confirm the 24-hour contact, policy and

claim filing numbers for your insurer(s). Place that information in your mobile phone and keep a printed copy in the glove box of your car.

• Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing additional stormwater issues.

COMMUNITY LOCATION ADDRESS PHONE

Beverly Glen Fire Station 99 14145 Mulholland Dr (818) 756-8699

Encino Hills Fire Station 109 16500 Mulholland Dr (818) 756-8609

Franklin Canyon Fire Station 108 12520 Mulholland Dr (818) 756-8608

Granada Hills Fire Station 87 10124 Balboa Blvd (818) 756-8687

Granada Hills Knollwood Country Club 12050 Balboa Blvd (818) 756-8618

Laurel Canyon/Mulholland Fire Station 97 8021 Mulholland Dr (818) 756-8697

Porter Ranch Fire Station 28 11641 Corbin Ave (818) 756-9728

Sherman Oaks Fire Station 88 5101 N. Sepulveda Blvd (818) 756-8688

Studio City/Valley Village Fire Station 78 4241 Whitsett Ave (818) 756-8678

Sunland Fire Station 77 9224 Sunland Blvd (818) 756-8677

Sunland Fire Station 24 9411 Wentworth St (818) 756-8624

Sylmar Sylmar Rec. Center 14430 Polk St (818) 756-8691

Toluca Lake Fire Station 86 4305 Vineland Ave (818) 756-8686

Tujunga/Sunland Council District 2 Office 7747 Foothill Blvd (818) 756-8674

West Hills Fire Station 106 23004 Roscoe Blvd (818) 756-8606

Woodland Hills Fire Station 84 21050 W. Burbank Blvd (818) 756-8684

FREE SANDBAGS ARE AVAILABLE

AT ALL NEIGHBORHOOD

FIRE STATIONS.

FREE SAND IS ALSO AVAILABLE

AT THE FIRE STATIONS AND

COMMUNITY LOCATIONS

LISTED TO THE RIGHT.

SHOVELS WILL BE PROVIDED AND

RESIDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO

FILL THEIR OWN BAGS.

PLEASE CALL TO VERIFY

AVAILABILITY.

• Receive audible NOAA Flood

and flash flood warnings and alerts.

• “I’m safe” feature lets family and

loved ones know you are okay

• Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light

and alarm

• Locations of open Red Cross shelters

• Recovery resources for returning

home and cleaning up

American Red Cross

FLOOD APP

Download and use the free FLOOD APP from the American Red Cross on your smartphone:

3

WHAT TO DO IF... YOU BECOME SUBMERGED IN STORM WATER?

• Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.

• Get ready to be rescued.

• Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.

• Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.

• Keep your head up so you can see

where you are going.

• Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it.

• Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.

YOU SEE A PERSON/PET FALL INTO MOVING WATER?

• Do not go into the water after the victim.

• Do not try to pull the victim out with your hands, rope

or similar device. Do not attach anything to yourself and toss it to a victim in the water. The force of the current will pull you in.

• If possible, throw a floatation device to the victim, such as a boogie board, Styrofoam ice chest, basketball or other unattached object.

• Immediately call 9-1-1.

• Tell the 9-1-1 operator that a person or animal fell into the channel and is being

swept downstream.

• Give accurate information about where and when you saw the victim and what the victim was wearing.

• When it comes to swift moving water: 'Stay Away and Stay Alive!'

Operations Valley Bureau

ALISO CANYON NATURAL GAS LEAK—PORTER RANCH On October 23, 2015, a natural gas well leak was discovered by Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) employees while working at the company’s Aliso Canyon storage field. Although the SCGC storage facility is actually located in a mountainous and secured area in Los Angeles County, it is immediately adjacent to the City of Los Angeles’ Porter Ranch.

At time of newsletter publishing, SCGC has assembled a world-class team of well management experts to control the gas leak. Initial attempts to stop the leak by pumping fluid directly down the well have been unsuccessful. It is estimated that three to five more months will be required to drill a contingency relief well to cease the gas leak. According to SCGC, the construction of the relief well “is an established approach, but complex and time consuming.”

In response to the gas leak, a number of actions have already been taken by local and state leaders, regulatory agencies, the Los Angeles Unified School District and public safety providers (including the LAFD, LAPD, City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department). Additionally, the California Office of Emergency Services, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and your LAFD have partnered together to review existing fire response and evacuation plans to ensure the continued safety of our community while the leak is repaired.

The Aliso Canyon gas leak has received significant media interest. News reports continue to highlight SCGC efforts to address the leak and the reported health impacts being felt by our Porter Ranch neighbors. Assistant Chief Gregory Reynar has been selected as the LAFD Representative for the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Leak.

For additional information regarding the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak please visit SCGC’s website at:

www.alisoupdates.com

4

To request LAFD resources at public events (community fairs, school visits, etc.) , please send an email to LAFDrequest@lacity.org with the details of your event (date, time and duration, location, etc.).

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

For more information or to download a newsletter:

OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU AVERAGE OPERATIONAL RESPONSE TIMES From Station Notification to Time On-scene

2015 November/December All Incidents

5 Minutes 31 Seconds

VALLEYVALLEYVALLEYViewViewView LLL AAA FFF DDD

EVENTS Jan 14 Leadership Empowerment Advisory Panel 8:30 AM Fire Station 87, Granada Hills

18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade 11:00 AM Martin Luther King Boulevard/Vermont Avenue, South Los Angeles

21 Valley Public Safety Advisory Committee 6:00 PM San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, Northridge

30 Firefighter Recruitment Expo 11:00 AM Fire Station/Drill Tower 81, Panoroma City

Feb 14 Los Angeles Marathon / Valentine’s Day 6:30 AM City of Los Angeles

28 The Oscars — 88th Academy Awards 4:00 PM The Dolby Theater, Hollywood

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OPERATIONS VALLEY BUREAU AT (818) 728-9921

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST FIRE COMMISSIONER REBECCA NINBERG

Rebecca Ninburg is the latest appointee by Mayor Eric Garcetti to the City of Los Angeles Fire Commission. Rebecca is a California native who grew up in Orange County and attended UCLA where she received a bache-lor's degree in fine art. Prior to her appointment Rebecca served for 2 years as Vice President and then Presi-dent of the City of Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women where she worked closely with the LAFD to help strategize on the recruitment and retention of women in the fire service. Rebecca has devoted herself recently to public service and is best known for her work as the Co-Founder and CEO of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls. Founded in 2003, the Derby Dolls is an all-female roller derby league committed to elevating women, young girls, and the community through sport.

In 2014, Rebecca was named as one of the top 10 most influential women in Los Angeles by Los Angeles Magazine. Rebecca has also been awarded the Commission on the Status of Women's Pioneer Women Award in both 2010 and 2011 and she received the Treasures of Los Angeles award on behalf of the LA Derby Dolls by the Central City Association in 2010.

The Fire Commission generally holds its public meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM in Room 1820 of City Hall East. You may review their reports at http://ens.lacity.org/lafd/lafd_board_report.htm and listen to the audio recordings of their meetings at https://www.youtube.com/user/lafirecommission.

Assistant Chief Mack and members

from the LAFD accept a generous

$10,000 donation check from Grateful

Hearts and the Valley Cultural Center!

Thank you Grateful Hearts

and the

Valley Cultural Center

WWANTANT THETHE HOTTESTHOTTEST OVBOVB NEWSNEWS??

LIKELIKE USUS ONON SOCIALSOCIAL MEDIAMEDIA!!