LAFD Gorter Water Tower
circa 1910

It was once said by firemen that much could be learned from the reflection in a fire horses' eye. For those who paid close attention in October 1908, it should have been clear that great change was soon ahead for the men - and horses - of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Despite earlier professing love for his "blind in-one-eye maneater" Skidoo, and less than 36 months after drafting specifications for equipping an equine-powered LAFD, Fire Chief Walter Lips took possession of a 1908 Haynes automobile purchased by the city for $3,300.

Yes, the glint in the eye of LAFD fire horses foretold the future of the 23-year old agency, which would two years later - under the command of a new Fire Chief, take delivery of its initial motor fire apparatus, with it's first motor pumping engine arriving a year thereafter.

Los Angeles Fire Department horse-drawn units remained in active service alongside motorized firefighting vehicles for eleven years. The era of the fire horse at LAFD came to a close in 1921, just thirteen years after Chief Lips was first seated in his "large red automobile, guaranteed to cut streaks through the air".

The last movement by fire horse of LAFD apparatus from a fire station took place on July 19, 1921 when the legendary 1905 Gorter Water Tower was moved from Fire Station 24 to the municipal shops to be motorized. Though it was proudly returned to service on October 13, 1921, it was without the familiar and in many ways beloved "clip-clop" of the faithful and bright-eyed fire horses that so proudly served our city.

The thoroughly restored Gorter Water Tower remains available for public viewing at the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum in Hollywood, where docents are pleased to explain the tower's operation and recount the fascinating history of fire horses at the LAFD, including Phil, Bingo and Jim pictured above.

To learn more, we encourage you to view an on-line historical archive, and to visit the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum on-line at:

LAFDmuseum.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 90 Years Ago Today: The Final Clip-Clop of Fire Horses in Los Angeles

Every day you whisper a promise to your child, "I’ll always keep you safe."

But keeping your home and children safe takes more than a promise. It can only be done with planning and preventive action.

The Los Angeles Fire Department joins the National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association in asking you to focus today on window safety:

The danger of falls and fire may be greater than you think!

Preventing falls from windows is as important as learning how to use one in an emergency. Unattended children run the greatest risk of fall and injury, so your best 'first step' is to watch children as they play. Nothing can substitute for careful supervision.

Fire is frightening. All too often, the bodies of young children are found after a fire in places where they tried to hide. Teach your children that they can’t hide from fire: They must escape it!

Decide on at least two emergency escape routes from your home. Windows provide one of the fastest, easiest alternative ways out of a burning residence. Teach children how to safely escape through windows and take time to practice with them.

Every family member should know how to operate the windows used for fire emergencies. Delay in escaping fire can cost lives and increase injury. Often paint, dirt or weathering will seal a window shut. Make sure yours open easily from the inside and are not blocked by furniture or other objects.

Remember also that security bars, grilles and grates not only keep intruders out, they can also lock you in. The same holds true for window guards. Everyone should be able to get out through a window at all times without using tools, keys, special knowledge or significant effort.

When youngsters are around, close and latch your windows. If you need ventilation, only open windows they cannot reach. Be sure to keep furniture - or anything children can climb - away from windows. And teach your children not to play near windows.

And finally, never depend on insect screens to prevent falls. Insect screens are designed only to provide ventilation. They will not support the weight of a child or prevent their fall.

Here are 9 simple ways to protect your loved ones:

1. Windows provide a secondary means of escape from a burning home. Determine your family's emergency escape plan and practice it. Remember that children may have to rely on a window to escape in a fire. Help them learn to safely use a window under these circumstances.
2. When performing household repairs, make sure windows are not painted or nailed shut. You must be able to open them to escape in an emergency.
3. Keep your windows closed and latched when children are around. When opening windows for ventilation, open windows that a child cannot reach.
4. Set and enforce rules about keeping children's play away from windows or patio doors. Falling through the glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.
5. Keep furniture — or anything children can climb — away from windows. Children may use such objects as a climbing aid.
6. If you have young children in your home and are considering installing window guards or window fall prevention devices, be aware that the window guards you install must have a release mechanism so that they can be opened for escape in a fire emergency. Consult your local building code
   officials to determine proper window guard placement.
7. Some homes have window guards, security bars, grilles or grates covering windows. Those windows can be useless in an emergency if they do not have a functioning release mechanism. Test them today because time is critical when escaping a fire.
8. Do not install window unit air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. The air conditioning unit could block or impede escape through the window. Always be sure that you have at least one window in each sleeping and living area that meets escape and rescue requirements.
9. The degree of injury sustained from a window fall can be affected by the surface on which the victim falls. Shrubs and soft edging like wood chips or grass beneath windows may lessen the impact if a fall does occur.

Can Neighborhood Firefighters count on you?

Along with surveying your home, school and workplace today, please help us by sharing this informative brochure and checklist throughout your community.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Window Safety: Nine Ways To Keep Your Promise

PACOIMA - A woman was found dead in a quickly extinguished house fire in Pacoima, but not before a passerby who attempted to fight the flames sustained injury.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called at 3:58 PM on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 to 11666 Bromont Avenue in Pacoima, where they found smoke showing from the front window of one story home that neighbors describe as being recently vacated.

The first of thirty-four firefighters dispatched to the scene extended a hoseline into a front room of the 1,158 square-foot building, extinguishing the fire in moments - only to discover a severely burned adult female. Beyond medical help, she was declared dead at the scene.

 
LAFD Paramedics then turned their attention to the on-site treatment of an adult male, believed to have been a passerby, who sustained a cut to his hand when he broke a window in an unsuccessful attempt to use a garden hose in battling the flames. No other injuries were reported.

The presence or functional status of smoke alarms within the residence could not be immediately ascertained. Monetary loss from the blaze, which caused minimal damage to the 47-year old non-fire sprinklered home, is still being tabulated.

A positive identification of the dead woman, as well as the precise cause, time and manner of her death, will be determined the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

The cause of the fire remains the focus of a joint investigation by Los Angeles Fire and Police Department Investigators.

Dispatched Units: E298 E98 T98 RA898 RA98 E91 E7 EM15 BC12 E77 AR2 AR9 AR11

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Woman Found Dead, Man Injured in Pacoima House Fire

LOS ANGELES - An electrical issue is believed to have sparked a swift-moving building fire in the South Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles.

Ninety-two Los Angeles Firefighters were dispatched on Monday, July 11, 2011, following a 12:58 PM phone call from a passerby describing a structure fire at 649 South Anderson Street in an industrial neighborhood a mile-and-a-half southeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center.

LAFD crews arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a well secured 50' x 100' one-story warehouse-like building. Forcing entry through rolling steel doors as chainsaw wielding colleagues ventilated heat and smoke from above, firefighters had the flames under control in just 24 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Los Angeles Police Officers joined LAFD Investigators in further researching the fire and seeking the tenant, for what was declared an accidental fire of an electrical nature. A fire damage estimate was not immediately available.

Dispatched Units: E17 RA616 E202 E2 T2 RA2 E25 E4 T9 EM2 BC1 BC11 E9 E203 E3 T3 E233 T33 E210 T10 E10 E14 SQ21 DC2 EM6 BC13 RA3 UR88 BC5 AR1

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Bring South Boyle Heights Fire Quickly Under Control

SOUTH LOS ANGELES - Doctors in Los Angeles were striving late Monday to save a girl's eyesight following a horrific injury caused by an illegal firework during a private Independence Day celebration.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 10:52 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011 to 617 West 42nd Place in South Los Angeles, where they encountered a 12 year-old girl with severe eye damage.

According to witnesses, the girl had been in front of a home using a sparkler - also illegal in Los Angeles, when another person discharged an illegal 'firecracker-like' device near her face, impaling her right eye.


A team of six LAFD crew members worked in unison to stabilize the injury while providing emotional care to the patient and her family, then quickly transported the girl to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where a team of experts awaited to provide her care.

Los Angeles Police Officers will investigate circumstances of the injury. The personal use of any firework, including so-called "safe and sane" devices has been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since World War II.

Dispatched Units: E14 RA833 RA15

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - L.A. Firework Injury Places Girl's Eyesight at Risk

CHATSWORTH - A grass fire on Independence Day in the northwest San Fernando Valley reported to have injured one or more persons, may have been sparked by illegal fireworks.

Fifty-five Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including four LAFD helicopters, were summoned at 9:32 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011, to 10619 Andora Avenue in Chatsworth, where residents reported a grass fire at nearby Stoney Point, an iconic landmark and municipal park popular with hikers and revered by climbing enthusiasts.

According to witnesses, a thunderous explosion occurred before fire erupted near the site's massive outcroppings. Arriving quickly by ground and air, Los Angeles Firefighters hiked up steep and winding trails in the darkness to confine the wildfire, as LAFD helicopters flanked the blaze that scorched less than a half-acre of tinder-dry brush in the 43 minutes it took to fully extinguish the flames.

Despite an exhaustive search of rugged terrain across the 76-acre site nestled between the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains, firefighters were unable to find one or more persons that a witness said were burned in the fire. In seeking the those injured, firefighters discovered and took custody of a large cache of fireworks found atop the towering cliffs.

The specific cause of the blaze remains part of an active investigation by Los Angeles Police and Fire Department Investigators. Those with information about the event are asked to call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 485-6095.


Dispatched Units: E107 E296 E87 T96 BC14 E496 BC15 E72 H4 H6 H1 H3 E106 E104 E103 BP8 AR2 RP88

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Illegal Fireworks Suspected Following Chatsworth Blaze

TERMINAL ISLAND - A 37 year-old longshoreman was taken to the hospital on Thursday evening, June 30, 2011, after possible exposure to a substance spilled at a freight yard in the Port of Los Angeles.

Twenty-eight Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including an LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad, under the command of Battalion Chief Raymundo Gomez, were summoned at 6:52 P.M. to the Yusen Terminal at 701 East New Dock Street on Terminal Island.

The worker, who complained of a headache and general malaise, told first-arriving LAFD Paramedics that his symptoms commenced immediately after noting a substance on the ground near a sealed 20' cargo container.

Though no evacuations were necessary, harbor-area protocol brought the interagency response of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Port Police, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and L.A. County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division.

LAFD Hazmat experts opened the locked cargo container to find it half-filled with 55-gallon drums containing Hydrogen Peroxide. Following a methodical investigation of nearly two and a half-hours, they determined that the freight was intact, and that pint of 'resin-like' liquid seen on the ground was not associated with the suspect container and of no escalating hazard.

The ill dock worker was taken by LAFD ambulance in good condition to the Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro for further evaluation, as a private on-site cleanup firm removed the yet-identified substance under the guidance of health officials.


Dispatched Units: E40 RA36 E48 T48 E248 SQ48 RA848 BC6 EM6 RA112

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD HazMat Responds When Dock Worker Takes Ill

ReviewEverywhere.blogspot.com

Three functions in a device: a digital photo frame, audio, and photo printers.

Here it is, Digital Photo Frame Printer, FunFab ™ Series P80. Now you can display and print digital photos directly from your memory storage device without a computer. Prepare a memory in your hands! Quite simply turn on your P80 FunFab, all beautiful and memorable photo will be displayed one by one with a slide show, and surrounded with background music as well.

Digital photo frame devices are more and more variety. But what if the digital photo frames can also function as photo-printing machine? The uniqueness of this is presented through innovation FunFab P80 from Abit. Abit? Yes, it turns out the solution 2-in-1 comes from the producer better known as the motherboard maker. With FunFab P80, a collection of photos displayed on this photo frame can also be printed easily, even without the involvement of the PC.

At first glance, it looks like FunFab P80 digital frame mostly with TFT LCD display screen 8 "800x600 pixel resolution. But if you look at the back, looked compartment photo printers that use dye-sub system. Through this compartment, photos printed from the color pigment layer which is "iron" with the heating process. Coating materials and photo paper are terbundel and very easy installation, similar to a model similar tech photo printers.

As a digital photo frame, FunFab P80 manifold also provides card reader SD / MMC, xD, MS and USB Host port and a PictBridge port to connect to gadgets and digital cameras. In addition to reading material photos from the outside, FunFab P80 also has 128MB of internal memory for storing personal photos or photos of your memories. In addition to the left of the screen navigation control, a remote control is also included as a remote control.

In print, this versatile device offers print a 4R photo (postcard) in less than 1 minute. Coating system that produces color prints of 300dpi looks very smooth, thanks to a special coating process makes it comparable to a 4800dpi inkjet printing. The average photo prints still look sharp, unfortunately rather limited number of prints. As supplainya, Abit offers two kinds of options that the contents of the cartridge 72 (C72) for U.S. $ 28 and contents 36 (C36) for U.S. $ 16.

To cultivate creativity of the wearer, Abit added some photo-processing applications such as Print Creations useful for mengkreasi photos into templates provided. Other applications come from ArcSoft Media Impression, Image Printing, and that its quasi-Precious photo to help you deliver results more optimal photo printing. Product combination "pendisplai and printer" FunFab P80 is quite unique, which clearly allows us to put pictures at the same time with an instant print. Unfortunately the price of P80 FunFab terkatrol also rose because of the additional functions.

Features
P80 and P71 includes features:
• Easy to display JPEG photos without a computer
• Insert the SD or MS card to view your photos in FunFab
• The control buttons by FunFab itself or the remote control
• 8 "bright TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 800 pixels x 600 (FunFab P80)
• 128 MB Memory
• Slideshow Displays digital photos with the JPEG format
• Dye Sublimation technology to print images with a resolution of 300 dpi

FunFab Abit P80 Specifications

Type of connection and USB Direct print
Dye-sub printing method
There is a memory slot (MMC, SD, MS / DUO.xD)
Maximum Resolution 300 dpi
Interface USB, cardreader, PictBrigde
2000/XP/XP64/Vista/Mac OS Windows operating system
Max paper size 4x6 inch (4R)
Dimensions (Plt) 21.3 X13, 9X18, 9 cm
Weight 2.4 kg
Electricity consumption (active) 60 watts
Warranty 1 year
Website www.abit.com

READ MORE - Funfab ABIT Digital Photo Frame, Audio and Photo Printer

The Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you that it's not only improper - but highly unsafe - to burn holiday gift wrap and other waste items in a residential fireplace.

Most fireplaces are designed to use natural gas or dry firewood to support a small decorative fire that enhances ambience.

Attempts to burn improper items such as scrap lumber, vegetation or even parts of a Christmas Tree can create an excessively large and hot fire that damages the fireplace and chimney - or suddenly becomes uncontrollable. Each year, people lose their homes to such fires, which often spread quickly.

Of particular concern to firefighters this week is the extremely unsafe practice of burning gift wrap and packaging material in a fireplace.

Burning improper items creates embers that bypass missing or damaged spark arresters. These embers cause roof and attic fires that can destroy your home and everything in it.

Attempting to burn improper items in a fireplace can also cause noxious fumes that make people ill and harm the environment.

Firefighters ask you to be careful with fire this holiday season, especially with candles, which are notoriously dangerous.

To learn more about keeping your family safe now and in the coming year, we welcome you to visit and bookmark the Los Angeles Fire Department website at LAFD.ORG


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD: Don't Burn Holiday Wrappings in Fireplace

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

A disaster can cause significant financial impact. Your apartment or home may be severely damaged or destroyed. You could be forced to live in temporary housing. Income might be cut off or significantly reduced. Important financial records could be destroyed. Take time now to assess your situation and ask questions of trusted and credentialed financial advisers, such as your insurance agent and banker.

Consider using the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK), a free on-line tool developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps - or take advantage of an American Red Cross publication called Financial Planning: A Guide for Disaster Preparedness, available at RedCross.org



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What Will Be Your Financial Future?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Understand that during an emergency you may be asked to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Plan for both possibilities and prepare those in your household and workplace to listen for instructions from local public safety officials.

In fact, now would be a good time to pre-set local news stations on every car, home and personal radio - and to learn about social media services (such as @LAFD on Twitter) and other systems that may be used to keep you informed.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Shelter-in-Place or Evacuate?

While many parents go to great lengths to keep children from viewing inappropriate television content, few adults realize that "unsecured" televisions and other household items can be a lethal danger.

That's why the Los Angeles Fire Department encourages you to watch this short video from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)...



Thousands of preventable injuries - including more than a dozen deaths, occur each year when children climb, fall against or pull themselves onto "unsecured" furnishings, often in an attempt to access a television or other heavy appliance.

Thankfully, there are simple, low-cost steps that can prevent death and injuries associated with furniture, television and appliance tip-overs:

• Furniture should be stable on its own. For added security, anchor dressers, TV stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or attach them securely to a wall.
• Place your television on a sturdy, low-rise base. Avoid flimsy shelves. Push the TV as far back as possible.
• Place electrical cords out of a child’s reach, and teach kids not to play with them.
• Keep remote controls and other attractive items off the TV stand so kids won’t be tempted to grab for them and risk knocking the TV over.
• Make sure free-standing ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
• Keep children safe by surveying the homes of caretakers and sharing this important information.

We encourage you to listen as CPSC's Nychelle Fleming describes the danger lurking in many "unsecured" homes:

For more information, including a safety alert and flyer, please visit:

www.cpsc.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Ask: Is Your Television Secure?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. You need to be able to:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.
• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
• Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities.

NOTE: If you turn off a natural gas supply, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Know How to Turn Off Utilities

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

When water is of questionable purity, its easiest and safest to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. When not available, its important you know how to treat potentially contaminated water.

In addition to having a bad odor or taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by microorganisms - including bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use.

We suggest you use one or more of these treatments:

• Filter: Filter contaminated water using a piece of cloth, paper towel or coffee filter to remove solid particles.
• Chlorinate:
• Add 8 drops (1/16 teaspoon) of pure unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy. Stir to mix.
• Let stand 30 minutes.
• If it smells lightly of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.
• Boil: Bring water to a rolling boil for at least five full minutes at sea level. A rolling boil is a vigorous boil that cannot be stopped by stirring. Add one minute for each 1,000 feet altitude above sea level. Double the boiling time if the water is cloudy, and be sure to use a heat source that does not increase your risk of fire.

Swimming pool and flood water can be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do not attempt to treat pool, spa or floodwater - and be careful not to contaminate yourself or utensils with impure water.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Treat Contaminated Water

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to visit and bookmark these websites...

• MySafeLA
• CERT - LA
• ReadyLA
• County of Los Angeles - Emergency Survival Guide
• Dare To Prepare
• CalEMA Preparedness
• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Ready.gov

During a disaster, internet and telephone access may be disrupted. Now is the time to print important information and place a copy with your disaster supplies.

In A Disaster: Knowledge Is Power!

Do you have a favorite non-commercial disaster preparedness site we missed? Please include yours in our comments, and we'll seek to share them!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Knowledge is Power

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Make sure that every child and young person in your household is ready for disaster. Whether living with you or visiting often, your planning for them must take into account that disasters often strike without warning.

In a disaster, local responders may be overwhelmed and unable to assist you. That's why it's essential for everyone to be prepared!

You can assist children in understanding and preparing for emergencies by visiting ready.gov/kids, or downloading the American Red Cross 'Masters of Disaster ®' educational materials via RedCross.org

Your future and theirs depends on a conversation and a few simple steps that can start right now.



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Are Young Family Members Ready?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you to...

Keep a smaller version of your emergency supply kit in your vehicle, in case you are commuting or traveling when disaster strikes.

Emergency Kit For Your Vehicle

• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Maps
• Shovel
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Flares or other emergency marking devices

Tell us what you keep in your car kit!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Have a Car Kit

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department asks you to...

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in your emergency supply kit. We suggest long pants and long sleeves for additional protection after a disaster.

• Clothing and Bedding
• Sturdy shoes or work boots*
• Rain gear*
• Blankets or sleeping bags*
• Hat and work gloves*
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

* Indicates an Essential Item


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What Will You Wear?

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you to prepare for...

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes*
• Soap, liquid detergent*
• Feminine supplies*
• Personal hygiene items*
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)*
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: Be Prepared For Sanitation

During National Preparedness Month, the Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you...

The easiest way to prepare for emergencies is to keep some supplies readily available. Your kit should be tailored to meet the specific needs of your family. Below is a general list of supplies you may wish to consider:

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual and a copy of your disaster plan, including your emergency contacts list
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler's checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire Extinguisher: small ABC type stored near where fires are likely to occur such as a kitchen, or near a fireplace. It should not be kept in the disaster supplies kit*
• Tube tent
• Duct Tape*
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil*
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench or pliers, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle*
• Plastic sheeting*
• Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)

* Indicates an Essential Item

...to be continued tomorrow!



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - In a Disaster: What's in YOUR Kit?