PCD BBQ’s Up Fire Preparedness

When the clock hit 11.45am last Friday, more than 400 tenants from 6464 Sunset proved their readiness and preparedness for what we all fear: a fire.

To coincide with the second annual The Great Southern California Shake Out, which prepares Californians for an earthquake, Paramount Contractors & Developers launched a fire evacuation drill.

Tenants were assembled to a designated safe meeting point, outside.‘Everyone evacuated in a calm and orderly manner,’ praises Brian Folb, one of the building owners.‘Since we have these evacuation drills annually, most of our tenants are cooperative and responsive to evacuating.’The drill was coordinated by Paramount’s Fire Safety Director-Grace Robles, who worked in association with nominated representatives of the businesses at 6464 Sunset, to ensure the safe evacuation.‘Each floor has two floor warden volunteers,’ Ms Robles explains. ‘These volunteers are tenants in the building that have met with the fire safety director and have gone over their duties as floor warden, which is to assist tenants in evacuating via the closest and safest stairwell on their floor.

‘Paramount Contractors has about 10 staff members assisting in the drill as well.’

When the tenants reached their meeting point at the end of the drill, they were greeted with a western style barbeque as a gesture of their cooperation.A briefing was also held by LAFD Inspector Michael Webb, who spoke about the importance of these type of drills and training.Hands on training demonstrations on the proper use of fire extinguishers were also provided to tenants.‘Our purpose on having these post drill luncheon events, not only as a token of our appreciation for their tenancy, but also as an incentive to get the tenants to participate in a potentially life saving training activity where they may not otherwise be inclined to participate,’ says Mr Folb.

While he praised tenants for their professional and understanding, he warns, there is always room for improvement.
‘It is important that Tenants make themselves familiar with all emergency exits, stairwells and read the Occupant Emergency Manual that is issued to them by The Building Management with their lease kit,’ he adds.

Copies may be obtained by contacting the leasing department at the Office of The Building (323-462-6727)

By EVA CORTEZ/CROCMEDIA