NORTH HOLLYWOOD - The Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section is investigating a series of intentionally set fires that occurred this week along the Lankershim Boulevard corridor between Burbank Boulevard and Saticoy Street in North Hollywood.


LAFD Investigators are urging residents to be alert, make note of suspicious activity and minimize the threat of arson by removing dry vegetation, trash and debris. Property owners are also encouraged to use outdoor lighting, lock vehicles and place rubbish within covered trash cans in well-secured areas to curtail the possibility of arson.

The active investigation into these purposely set fires is being led by the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's North Hollywood Community Police Station.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Those with information about these or other suspicious fires, should call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 485-6095 or the on-duty Operations Control Dispatch (OCD) Floor Captain at (213) 485-4701.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in North Hollywood Arson Fires

By now, most Los Angeles residents (and even some of our visitors) are aware that the Los Angeles County Metro Agency is currently working on a significant project involving the I-405 Freeway. A HOV lane is being added on the northbound I-405 Freeway from the I-10 to the US 101. To accomplish this, the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the Mulholland Drive Bridge, will require a full freeway closure of both the I-405 Freeway and the Mulholland Drive overpass in both directions for up to 53 continuous hours. This weekend, July 15 through July 18, it is anticipated that traffic may be backed-up as far as 68 miles to the south and 23 miles to the north.

This is what your Los Angeles Fire Department is doing...

A Unified Command (incorporating LAFD, CHP, LADOT & LAPD) has been developed to manage all "issues" associated with this freeway closure. The Los Angeles Fire Department is responsible for Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services within, what Unified Command is referring to, as an "Operational Area." This will effectively capture all of the impacted areas up and down the I-405 Freeway.

The LAFD has developed a "response plan" to address the potential for increased response times that may result from the I-405 Freeway closure. The LAFD will strategically pre-deploy and also staff, additional resources consisting of trucks, engines and other Fire apparatus to handle all emergencies throughout the Sepulveda pass area. An additional 200 Firefighters will be deployed as follows:

Mountain Gate - 1 Engine, 2 Rescue Ambulance, Brush Patrol.
Bel Air Crest - 1 Engine, 2 Rescue Ambulance, Brush Patrol.
Fire Station 99 - 1 Truck Company, 3 Engine Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulance, 1 Brush Patrol,
1 Motorcycle Recon Team, 1 Water Tender and 1 Battalion Chief.
Fire Station 109 - 1 Truck Company, 3 Engine Companies, 2 Rescue Ambulance, 1 Brush Patrol, 1 Motorcycle Recon Team, 1 Water Tender and 1 Battalion Chief.
Fire Station 59 -  3 Engine Companies and 1 Battalion Chief.
Fire Station 19 - 1 additional Engine Company.
Fire Station 69 - 1 additional Engine Company.
Fire Station 71 - 1 additional Engine Company.
Air Operations - 1 additional Air Ambulance (helicopter).

As always, the LAFD will work in conjunction with with Los Angeles County DHS to ensure the best possible patient care and will closely monitor any transportation issues, as well as hospital availability.

As a reminder, on-ramp and off-ramp closures are scheduled to begin as early as 7pm on Friday, July 15, 2011. Freeway lane closures will begin, one-by-one, starting at 10pm, in order to achieve a "full closure" by midnight, July 16, 2011. The "full-closure" will remain in effect until Monday, July 18, 2011, until approximately 5am, when I-405 is scheduled to re-open. All ramps and connectors are scheduled to be re-opened by 6am.

Want to stay up-to-date during the 53-hour closure of the I-405 freeway?

Click here for detour maps, closure boundaries, and time lapse photography of the demolition.

Click here for real time traffic conditions on the regional alternate freeways.

Click here for updated messages via twitter.

Submitted by Erik Scott & Matthew Spence, Spokesmen

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD & I-405 Freeway Closure - Update

The Los Angeles Fire Department would like to express its appreciation to the United States Military and Intelligence Community in conducting a successful operation and the news of Osama bin Laden’s death.

The members of our Department hope that those who lost a family member or friend in the September 11 attacks can find some closure from this news.  Members of the LAFD have never forgotten the civilians or the 343 members of the FDNY who so bravely lost their lives on that horrific day.  Having sent over 100 members of our Department to assist in the efforts at Ground Zero, we have seen first hand the devastation that can be caused by the acts of terrorism.

The impact of yesterday’s news is still being assessed, but this event represents a significant blow to al-Qaeda, its affiliates, and their extremist ideology.  The members of the LAFD will remain vigilant to report any suspicious observations and we encourage the public to do the same. "If you see something, say something." 
Call 1-877-A-THREAT, if you witness immediate life-threatening activities call 9-1-1.

Wonder what suspicious behaviors and activities to report? Click HERE

Wonder what terrorist Indicators and Warning are? Click HERE  

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Praises the US Military for a Successful Operation

SUMMARY

Following the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami striking Northern Japan, the NOAA’s National Weather Service West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Advisory for the coastal areas of Los Angeles County. A Tsunami Advisory indicates that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

Current intelligence indicates a 3-foot surge may impact the coastline of Los Angeles County. The impact of this event has the potential of lasting 10-12 hours beginning at 8:00am PST. Mariners are advised to use caution and monitor the National Weather Service Tsunami Warning website along with the news for updates. This web site can be accessed at: http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/.

Persons in the Tsunami advisory coastal areas should move out of the water and stay off the beach. Those in harbors and marinas should follow Coast Guard and Harbor Master recommendations. At this time evacuation of the Los Angeles County coastline is not expected.

There will be Beach Closures beginning at 7:00 am in the Harbor Area at the following locations until further notice: White Point Beach, Paseo Del Mar & Meyler Beach Access and Cabrillo Beach. In addition, the Venice Pier in Venice has also been closed.

RESOURCES

Currently, LAFD and LAPD have established unified command posts at Fire Station 5, the Korean Bell, and Fire Station 69. Representatives from LAFD and LAPD are at each of these command posts. Resources are patrolling the area and monitoring the situation. One Public Information Officer (PIO) will be available at each command post.

• The LAFD Department Operation Center is activated and located at Operations Control Division (OCD).
• The Port Police Operations Center, in Wilmington, has been established.
• The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated at Level I and is currently monitoring the event.
• For further information regarding the tsunami, contact the City Operator at 311 or the City’s 800 helpline at (800) 439-2909.

Updated Incident Conclusion:

LAFD's Department Operation Command (DOC) was activated, five coastal Fire Stations (63, 40, 49, & 112) were moved to higher ground, five fire boats were evacuated out to sea, and LAFD resources were deployed to strategic staging locations in anticipation of any threat to life or property. Specialized resources that used were: one Swift Water Rescue Team, five Brush Patrol Trucks, and one helicopter. All three Command Posts were successfully demobilized at noon today. We are pleased to state No injuries were reported.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Tsunami Advisory Issued for Los Angeles County Coastline

Pending favorable weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department will conduct a pair of 'live fire' training exercises early the next two mornings at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These special drills for firefighters are scheduled to occur between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM PST on Wednesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 9, 2010.

There are no provisions for media or public access.

Historically, smoke from this Federally mandated training has been visible more than 30 miles from the airport. We wish to emphasize there is no cause for public alarm.

Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 requires all Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel to attend a live fire training drill at least once per year.

LAFD Airport Rescue Fire Fighters serving at LAX and Van Nuys Airport use Los Angeles International Airport's $3.75 million state-of-the-art training facility to hone their lifesaving skills. This training site, located at the southwest corner of the 5.6 square mile airport grounds, was built using airport funds. It is designed to support the rigorous demands of the Los Angeles Fire Department while meeting strict aviation and environmental regulations.

Before commencing these live fire drills, LAFD members carefully monitor climate conditions. Drills are conducted in strict adherence to standards designed to maximize safety and minimize environmental concerns. These factors are confirmed with the LAX Control Tower before the final 'go-ahead' is given.

These periodic live fire drills at LAX generally take place between 3 and 6 AM, but may be postponed at the last minute due to abrupt changes in climate or as a result of Fire Department or aviation concerns.

 
We are pleased to note that all water, fuel and firefighting foam used at this LAX training facility is captured. After going through a complex series of 'scrubbers', water is tested to assure it meets strict clean water standards before being discharged to the Hyperion Treatment Plant.

Passengers and air crews should use LAX and Van Nuys Airports with confidence, knowing that highly trained members of the LAFD are always ready to protect them.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Training at Los Angeles International Airport

America’s most famous immigrant, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, will join Haiti recovery activist and Oscar winner Sean Penn in honoring CNN anchor Anderson Cooper at the LA Press Club’s Journalism Awards Gala Dinner, on June 27, 2010 in the Crystal Room of the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel.

LAFD Captain Jim Perry (1939-2009 )

This year’s awards show is dedicated to the memory of Los Angeles Fire Captain Jim Perry, a "firefighter’s firefighter" and a longtime supporter of both the awards and the Los Angeles Press Club.

"This star-studded night is a celebration of quality journalism," said incoming Press Club President Will Lewis, adding that the award ceremony "Serves as an inspiration for journalists who continue to uncover stories that matter."

Cocktails and Silent Auction begin at 5:00 PM, with Dinner and the Awards Program commencing at 6:00 PM. For additional information, call (323) 669-8081 or visit:

lapressclub.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 52nd Annual SoCal Journalism Awards Dinner to Honor LAFD Legend Jim Perry

Investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section have released dramatic unedited video of vandals and arsonists attacking a taxi in Los Angeles following the June 17, 2010 NBA Finals.

If you have information regarding those seen in this troubling video - especially the person(s) igniting and stoking the spread of flame, please call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section directly at (213) 485-6095.

Those with surveillance camera footage or personal camera and cellphone video of this and other acts of arson are encouraged to call LAFD Investigators.

You can help: Share this by e-mail, post a link via social media or embed the video (and our request) on your Facebook page, website or blog.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Investigators Release Dramatic Arson Video

The Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating a series of eight intentionally set fires that occurred in Northridge in the early morning hours of June 10, 2010.


View Larger Map with Detailed Information (or click, grab & zoom the map above!)
The fires, which primarily consisted of rubbish or small vegetation, occurred between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Four similar fires that occurred in the area during April, at first considered a random spree of arson, are now being investigated as work of the same arsonist.

LAFD Investigators are urging residents to be alert for suspicious activity, and to minimize the threat of arson by abating dry vegetation, trash and debris. Property owners are also encouraged to use outdoor lighting, lock vehicles and place rubbish within covered trash cans in well-secured areas to curtail the possibility of arson.

The investigation into these purposely set fires is being led by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Community Police Station.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Those with information about this arson spree or other suspicious fires, should call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section office directly at (213) 485-6095.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in Battling Northridge Arson Fires

The Los Angeles Fire Department is investigating a string of suspicious fires in the Venice area over the past month that may be the work of an arsonist.

City officials are asking local residents to report any suspicious activity and to take common-sense precautions to prevent fires near their homes.

According to Bill Rosendahl, Councilman for the Venice area, "We are determined to keep Venice safe by working together with the community; we will apprehend and arrest the person or persons responsible."

These fires have started as outside fires, mostly in areas such as automobiles, fences and rubbish, but some have extended into a structure, according to Fire Department officials.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Arson Investigators interviewed two individuals in relation to these fire incidents. Currently, no suspects are in custody.

The lead agency is the Los Angeles Fire Department, working in conjunction with the Los Angeles Police Department, Council Member Rosendahl’s office and other allied agencies, including the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Fire officials urge residents to be on alert for suspicious activity. The LAFD recommends that residents lock all vehicles, secure gates and garages, and place rubbish in cans and secure trash cans behind closed or locked fences.

Residents should immediately call 9-1-1 should they discover an active fire; residents are also urged to call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section office directly at 213-485-6095 to report suspicious activity or to relay information about any of the recent fires.


Submitted by Captain Tina Haro, Public Information Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in Battling Suspicious Venice Fires

It’s summer time. Kids are out of school. Families are enjoying backyard barbeques and pool parties. A backyard pool is more common today and provide recreation for family and friends a large part of the year. But let’s not forget pool safety! A backyard swimming pool can be as much fun as it can be dangerous, especially for children.

Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under five in Florida, Arizona and California. According to government statistics, for every drowning there are approximately eleven near drowning incidents with many resulting in debilitating brain damage.

A study was initiated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, of children age 5 and younger who drowned in backyard pools in the above mentioned states. The results may help clarify why drowning is still the number one killer for three states and stands at number two for the nation. These are some of the findings:

1. Which parent was in charge of supervision at the time of drowning?

• 69 percent of incidents occurred while one or both parents were responsible for supervision
• 77 percent of the children had been seen 5 minutes or less before being missed and subsequently discovered in the pool.
• 23 percent were last seen in the yard, porch or patio, but not in the pool area.

2. What was the person responsible for supervision involved in at the time of drowning?

• 39 percent were doing chores.
• 18 percent socializing.
• 9 percent on the telephone.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to reiterate the importance of pool safety, especially at this time when we are experiencing triple digit temperatures. THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE ON POOL SAFETY.

• Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd's hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.
• Do not let your child use air-filled "swimming aids." They are not a substitute for approved life vests.
• Anyone watching young children around a pool should learn CPR and be able to rescue a child if needed. Stay within an arm's length of your child.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
• Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you.
• Any door leading to the pool area should be kept locked.
• Invest in floating pool alarm devices
• If there is a lot of traffic around your pool, a self-closing and self locking gate assures closure for those “who forget.”
• Every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Valuable time is wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool!
  

Teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water, but you can help them help themselves by:

• Having your children trained for pool survival when he is able to crawl or walk to your pool.
• All survival swim instruction must be reintroduced to children after a period of not being in the pool.
• Your child can be taught survival swimming and will retain it during water active months with practice.
• Children should be taught to negotiate to a wall or steps and know how to get out.

Have a safe and cool summer vacation!

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Are You Watching Your Kids Around Water?
Water Related Injuries
Pool Fencing
Splash Zone USA (with kids in mind)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Having Fun in the Summertime

A frantic 911 call to the Fire Dispatch:

Caller: “I want to report a snake bite.”
Dispatcher: “Where is the snake now? In the house or in the yard?”
Caller: “I don’t know. We’re in the car taking the dog to the hospital.”

All joking aside, with the decrease in rainfall and the increase of dead vegetation, animals are forced to forage for food, water and coolness in other areas – your area! Now that the weather is getting warmer, have you noticed an increase in the animal bite stories?

Animal internal mechanisms has assisted them in responding to hot, dry conditions in various ways. Obvious ways of coping with heat include seeking shade and burrowing or preferring to rest under a bush, rock or in a crevice during the cooler temperatures of the early morning or afternoon. Snakebites occur more frequently in warm weather, when people are more active outdoors. Most bites occur on the legs or feet when the animal is startled or disturbed. Most try to avoid an encounter, only biting as a last resort. Approximately 10,000 snake bites are reported each year, less than ten are fatal, yet the after effects of the poison secreted to the skin can cause scaring, tissue and/or nerve damage.

Poisonous snake bites are medical emergencies, with children at a higher risk for death or serious complications because of their smaller body size. Getting the person to an emergency room as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many snakebites will not have serious effects.

TYPES OF POISONOUS SNAKES

Two families of venomous snakes are native to the United States the Pit Viper (includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths or water moccasins) and coral snakes. Pit Viper is derived from a small pit between the nostril and the eye on each side of its head. The bite of the Pit Viper is a lightning-fast strike, usually to the leg or hand, as the snake injects venom from its two fangs. Coral snakes inject venom by chewing on the victim. They often allow you to handle them for long periods of time before biting.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to share some of the following safety tips in preparation of the "long, hot and dry summer."

• Find out what local snakes and lizards are common to your area. Learn what they look like, whether they are poisonous, and where you are most likely to encounter them.
  
• Avoid areas where snakes may be hiding -- under rocks, logs, etc.
  
• Avoid picking up or handling snakes. Even with a severed head, a snake can release venom through reflexes for up to an hour after it death.
  
• If you see a snake or lizard, do not disturb it. The striking range of a snake is about half of its length.
  
• When hiking in an area known to have snakes, wear long pants and boots if possible.
  
• Tap ahead of you with a long walking stick before entering an area with an obscured view of your feet, especially foot tall grass, weeds or small brush. Snakes will attempt to avoid you if given adequate warning.
  
• If you are a frequent hiker, consider purchasing a snakebite kit (available from hiking supply stores.)

SIGNS OF A POISONOUS BITE

• The area of the bite swells, changes color or secretes a bloody discharge from the wound
  
• Blurred vision or dizziness
  
• Burning sensation
  
• Convulsions
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Excessive sweating
  
• Fainting
  
• Fever
  
• Increased thirst
  
• Local tissue death or discoloration
  
• Loss of muscle coordination
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Numbness and tingling
  
• Rapid pulse
  
• Severe pain

RECOMMENDED FIRST AID

• Keep the person calm. Reassure them that snake bites can be treated effectively in an emergency room. Restrict the person’s movement, keeping the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
  
• Remove any rings or items that can cause constriction causing the affected area to swell. Create a loose splint to help restrict movement of the affected area.
  
• Monitor the person's vital signs -- temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure -- if possible. If there are signs of shock (such as paleness), lay the person flat, raise the feet about a foot, and cover the person with a blanket.
  
• Get medical help immediately.

DO NOT

• Apply tourniquets
  
• Apply cold compresses
  
• Cut into a snake bite with a knife or razor
  
• Try to suction the venom out using the mouth
  
• Raise the site of the bite above the level of the person's heart

THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES CAN BE ACCESSED FOR INFORMATION

• Snake & Lizard Bites
• Bites & Stings
• Snake Bites
• Mojave Rattlesnake
• Treating & Preventing Venomous Bites
  

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Animals Share Our Environment

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 3:53 PM, 1 Company of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and LAUSD Police, under the direction of Battalion Chief John Vidovich, responded to a reported overdose at 1839 S. Walton Av. in the Mid-City area.

Firefighters responded to reports of several students overdosing from an unknown substance. As Firefighters arrived on scene, they found School Police with 5 teen aged females, ranging in age from 14 to 16 years. Some of the girls were symptomatic.

The ladies had been observed by the School Police "huffing" an unknown substance. Huffing, is the abuse of inhalants by middle school children, which has increased by 44 percent over the last few years, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Huffing brings on a euphoric effect and risks include brain damage and death. Recently, several teens have died after inhaling difluoroethane, a chemical found in a popular computer cleaning spray known as "Dust-Off."

The primary inhalant abusers are the 12 to 17 age group, followed by 18 to 25 year olds. Inhalants are one of the few substances younger children abuse more than older children. Sudden death from fatal cardiac arrhythmias is now being reported in teen aged abusers. Death from huffing can occur with first time users. Chronic abuse can result in serious, sometimes irreversible, damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.

Inhalants produce effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Symptoms include:

* drowsiness and
* lightheadedness

Continued use causes:

* dizziness
* hallucinations or delusions
* belligerence and
* impaired judgment

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, would like to remind parents and adults that we cannot divert our attention from this critical family health issue. Help us in educating others regarding this potential teen epidemic.

Additional information can be found at the following websites:

Abuse of Inhalants
Signs and Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse
Inhalant Use
What Parents Should Know

(video)

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Huffing Their Way Home From School

April 2009 is Stress Awareness Month, sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies and misconceptions about stress prevalent in our society.

What is stress?

Stress is a fact of nature. With the overabundance of stress in our lives, stress is thought to be a negative, but biologically, stress can be a neutral, negative or positive experience. Is stress a non-specific response of the body to a demand placed on it? Or, are we having problems or conflicts--emotional, physical, financial, etc., that are painful or troubling.

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When stressed, the body responds as if it were in danger, making hormones that speed up the heart, make you breathe faster and provides a burst of energy, in other words the “fight-or-flight” stress response.

Stress can be an external or internal factor. External factors include: the environment, your job, relationships, situations at home, challenges, difficulties and daily situations you are confronted with.

Internal factors include: the body's ability to respond to or deal with external stress factors. Internal factors include: nutritional, health and fitness levels, emotional well-being and the amount of sleep you get.

Research indicates that stress plays a role in many cardiovascular disorders. It also contributes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiac risk factors (e.g. smoking, overweight, etc.).

Are you showing the signs of stress?
Excess stress can manifest into emotional, behavioral, and even physical symptoms. Common physical symptoms are:

• sleep disturbances
• muscle tension
• headache
• gastrointestinal disturbances
• fatigue
• nervousness
• anxiety
• changes in eating habits
• loss of energy
• mood changes

Common symptoms of stress which effect the body:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Stiff neck, tightness in shoulders
• Back pain
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Nausea or diarrhea

Over time, stress can affect your immune system. Constant stress makes you more prone to get sick more often. With chronic illnesses such as AIDS, added stress makes symptoms worse. Stress is also linked to high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, blood clots and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It's also linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack and heart failure.

The top stressors for Americans: money (81%), the economy (80%), work (67%), and health problems affecting the family (67%), according to surveys by the American Psychological Association (APA).

You can learn to manage and control stress by:

• Finding out what is causing the stress in your life.
• Reducing the amount of stress in your life.
• Learning healthy ways to relieve stress and it's harmful effects.

Simple stress relaxation techniques:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Self message
• Take a personal time out
• Music


For more information, the following helpful websites:
Interactive stress measurement tool

The effects of stress on the body

Stress and Cardiovascular Disease

What exactly is Stress?

Stress and the Economy

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Stress Awareness