Starting tonight, July 15, 2011 through July 18, 2011, the North and Southbound I-405 Freeway and the Mulholland Drive overpass in both directions, will be closed for up to 53 continuous hours. This, due to the demolition of the Mulholland Bridge overpass. The closure may cause widespread and heavy traffic congestion through the Sepulveda Pass and outlying neighborhoods. Consequently, these conditions may impact the response of emergency vehicles into those areas and could have the potential to cause delays in providing medical assistance to residents and passersby.

Our continuous efforts to maintain high standards of service and lower response times, challenge us to be both innovative and consistent. To that end, the LAFD has developed a unique response team for these locations, that will make its debut this weekend. Motorcycle Response Teams ("Motor Teams") will be deployed at two different locations (Fire Stations 99 & 109) to enhance our service to these affected areas. 

Riding Kawasaki  KLR 650 motorcycles (kindly on-loan for the weekend from our friends at Kawasaki Motor Corp.), our Firefighter/EMTs will have the ability to more easily move through traffic enroute to an emergency incident. A two-member team (one team = two motorcycles, each with one Firefighter/EMT) will be strategically placed on both the East and West sides of the I-405 freeway. These teams will also patrol their assigned areas, providing up-to-the-minute intelligence on access and egress issues, as well as continuous monitoring of alternate response routes.

Each Motor Team will be equipped with a cache of Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment, to include an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen, other essential medical equipment and supplies to handle most medical incidents, until additional assistance arrives. As these motorcycles will be patrolling a largely "brush area," they will also be equipped with "saddle bags" to allow for the stowing of a fire shelter and some brush firefighting personal protective equipment. Each "rider" will also have a GPS unit attached to the motorcycle, a radio and Departmental maps.

Upon an emergency or medical incident, the Motor Team will take appropriate action in managing the incident and rendering basic medical care, as necessary. The Teams offer our response, safe and quick maneuverability, flexibility and the opportunity to render continuous care until a patient is transferred to another LAFD resource for transport. These motorcycles are not equipped with lights or sirens and therefore, will respond with caution. The Motor Teams will be deployed during daylight hours only, from 6:00am - 9:00pm on both Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17.

It should be noted, this is a "pilot program" only and may or may not be continued, based largely on the success of the program over this weekend. Future use of the "Motor Teams" may include deployment at large scale incidents up to and including earthquakes, brush fires and in times of high hazard, extreme weather conditions.

As is always the case, we welcome your feedback.

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD to Debut Motorcycle Response Teams as Pilot Program During I-405 Closure

Though your home and contents may look beyond hope after a flood or mudslide, many of your belongings can be restored. If you do things right, your flooded home can be cleaned, dried out, rebuilt and reoccupied sooner than you think!

Play it safe. The dangers are not over when the water goes down. Your home's foundation, walls or ceilings may have weakened, the electrical system may have suffered damage - or floodwaters may have left behind things that can make you sick!

The Nine Steps of Flood Recovery:

Step 1. Take Care of Yourself First

Protect yourself from stress, fatigue and health hazards. If you need food, clothing, shelter or referral to health care and social services call 2-1-1. To determine if you are eligible for federal government assistance visit DisasterAssistance.gov. To contact specific agencies:

City of Los Angeles agencies: 3-1-1 or (213) 473-3231

County of Los Angeles agencies: (213) 974-1234

State of California agencies: (800) 807-6755

Federal Government agencies: (800) 333-4636

Local Emergency Management Agencies in the United States

Step 2. Give Your Home First Aid

If evacuated, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Dangers do not end when floodwaters recede. Once you're certain its safe to go back in, protect your home and contents from further damage. Always wear appropriate safety gear such as boots, gloves and goggles - and don't hesitate to ask for help!

Step 3. Get Organized

Document every loss and expense. Take photos, keep receipts and contact your Insurance Agent. Some things are not worth repairing and other things may be too complicated or expensive to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make the most of your time and money.

Step 4. Dry Out Your Home

Floodwaters damage materials, leaving mud, silt and contaminants that can promote the growth of mold. You need to thoroughly dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.

Step 5. Restore the Utilities

Your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal. We suggest these services be inspected and safely restored only by on-site utility workers, as quickly as possible.

Step 6. Clean Up

Official documents and family treasures can often be preserved with special care. Throw away food, including canned goods contaminated by flood water. Any flooded part of your home or household item that contacted floodwater should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out! Don't risk injury or infection.

Step 7. Check on Financial Assistance

Volunteer agencies, businesses, insurance, and government disaster programs can help you through recovery.

Step 8. Rebuild and Floodproof

Take your time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will protect your building from the next flood. Don't rush into settlements or contracts. Get bids and opinions only from reputable, established firms willing to provide clear proof of licensure, training and insurance. Don't hesitate to ask for multiple references and inspect previous work.

Step 9. Prepare for the Next Flood

Protect and prepare yourself for the next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan and community flood protection programs.

We trust these Nine Steps of Flood Recovery will help you recover quickly and safely. If there is additional assistance that your firefighters can provide, please visit your Neighborhood Fire Station or call us via 3-1-1.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - The Nine Steps of Flood Recovery