Emergency Response


Early estimates indicate American Red Cross relief aid following the northern Louisiana flooding in August 2016 could cost as much as $30 million.

Red Cross Estimates Louisiana Flood Relief's Cost at $30 Million

Meanwhile, officials from the city of New Orleans urged residents to protect themselves and their homes from mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile, and chikungunya.

This Cal Fire photo shows some of the Soberanes Fire near Big Sur, which had grown to about 77,000 acres and was only 60 percent contained as of Wednesday afternoon.

More Than 80,000 Flee California Wildfire

The Blue Cut wildfire near Los Angeles exploded to 25,626 acres with more than 1,300 firefighters and emergency workers involved in fighting it. Cal Fire is urging residents to be extremely cautious.

TSB Report Cites Lack of Beacon in Loss of Three Fishermen

Investigators found the boat was not carrying a distress communication device (and it was not required to have one on board). Previous TSB investigations have found that carrying an emergency position-indicating radio beacon can help to save lives, and the board has recommended that small fishing vessels carry one or other similar equipment.

The 21,000-square-foot facility includes an emergency operations center, four drive-through truck bays, a fueling area, and improved work and living quarters for firefighters. (Hawaii DOT photo)

New ARFF Station Ready at Hilo International Airport

"Keeping airport users safe is an enormous responsibility that we take to heart. This new and improved fire station will help our dedicated state firefighters and emergency medical responders with their day to day responsibilities, which includes responding to emergencies," said Ford Fuchigami, the Hawaii Department of Transportation's director.

A Recipe for Better Trauma Care

"Every US resident should have the best possible chance for survival and functional recovery after injury. When it comes to trauma care, where people live ought not to determine if they live."

CSB Makes Emergency Planning/Response a Most Wanted Improvement

The board did this because the members concluded that poor emergency planning is a recurring finding in its investigations to date.

Keeping employees interested in training is a challenge. Try to create training and exercises that are unique to your own workplace. Ask employees where they feel they need trained.

It Will Never Happen to Us

Emergency response preparedness for "not if" but "when" requires a dynamic and effective training program.

The June 2016 report concludes military and civilian trauma systems are inextricably linked and will be optimized together, or not at all.

National Academies' Report Urges Integrating Military, Civilian Trauma Care

The report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests this integration should be headed by the White House and is needed to reach the national goal of zero preventable deaths after injury.



L&I Lifesaving Award Nominations Open

All workers who are covered by the state workers' compensation system or a self-insured employer are eligible to be nominated. The nominee must have performed "hands-on" aid in saving a life.

Donated Ambulances Headed from Omaha to Mexico

The city's donation included four ambulances, seven Hurst Extrication Tools, and several SCBAs. The donation was facilitated by the Omaha Sister Cities Association; Omaha works with six sister cities located in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Dallas Hires New Fire-Rescue Chief

David Coatney is a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Seattle. He was a police officer before switching to the fire service and during his career has worked in fire suppression, emergency medical services, special operations, training, emergency management, and homeland security.

OSHA: Postal Facility Failed to Train Workers in Emergency Plans, Blocked Exits and Routes

The sorting facility also had inoperable fire doors, according to the agency.

Paris Flooding Closes The Louvre

BBC News reported that the river had risen some 15 feet above its normal level, and that heavy rains across Europe have killed at least 10 people, most of them in Germany.

Workers Exposed to Chemical Hazards at Fragrance Manufacturer

OSHA has issued one repeat, six serious, and one other-than-serious violation.

Employers should consider the most likely types of injuries for the site when assembling first aid supplies. In hot working conditions, this would include supplies to treat heat-related illnesses. (J.J. Keller & Associates photo)

It's Not Just the Heat—How OSHA Enforces Occupational Exposures to Hot Environments

If an employee needs medical treatment for heat stress, you would mark that as an illness on the OSHA 300 Log.

CSB Urges EPA to Require Inherently Safer Technologies

Commenting on a proposed rule on accidental release prevention requirements, the board has asked EPA to adopt more robust requirements regarding the use of inherently safer systems analysis and the hierarchy of controls.

Memorial day

NSC Says Drivers May Face Deadliest Memorial Day Weekend Since 2009

Traffic fatalities show no signs of slowing, according to the council.

Coast Guard Releases 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics Report

Boating fatalities were the third-lowest on record.

The NFPA Standards Council wants input by June 17, 2016, from stakeholders who are using robotics in their emergency response activities.

NFPA Wants Input on Emergency Responders' Use of Robotics

The organization's Standards Council has received a request to begin developing an ANSI standard on operational protocol and professional qualifications for operators of robotics, including drones, used in emergency responder applications.

BSEE Reports 2,100-Barrel Spill in Gulf of Mexico

The operator, Shell Offshore Inc., reported the oil sheen was observed in the area of its Glider Field. It was about 97 miles south of Port Fourchon, La.

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