Annual Building Fire Evacuation Drill Leads PCD Tenants to Safety
As a single rule of thumb, when a fire alarm sounds; it is never to be consider as a false alarm or “a test.” In its 11th year of promoting Fire Life Safety, PCD conducted an evacuation drill in its 6464 and 6565 Sunset Buildings on Friday, October 21, 2011. Public safety awareness has become an annual tradition at PCD in which Tenants are trained on preparedness in case of an actual emergency. Following the drill tenants were welcomed to an open air, fun luncheon. This year’s event once again was coordinated by Paramount’s Fire Safety Director, Grace Robles, who has been organizing PCD Fire Safety Program for over a decade.
As the building alarm sounded, all Tenants made their way down the stairwells to the safe refuge area. Once all Tenants were accounted for, following clear LAFD emergency evacuation guidelines, everyone lined up in the rear parking lot of the 6464 building. A crowd of tenant grew to about five hundred, while discussing procedures and sharing experiences throughout the drill. As Tenants were getting to know one another, and some meeting for the first time. Building Owner Stanley Folb acknowledged the Los Angeles Fire Department Station 27 and moved amongst the crowd thanking everyone for their cooperation.
Stanley Folb of Paramount Contractors & Developers personally thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department Station 27 for assisting Tenants and Staff during the annual PCD Fire Drill.
Regency Fire Protection was also on hand to demonstrate the importance of fire safety procedures and how to properly handle a fire extinguisher. Good times, hi-fives and laughter amongst the growing line as Tenants experienced first-hand how to use a fire extinguisher and put out a real fire. “A fire doubles in size every 20 seconds,” said a 6565 building Tenant, “so it’s important for us to know how to put out a fire as quickly as possible.”
This year’s luncheon was catered by Bret Thompson of Market Restaurants (www.marketrestaurants.com). The extensive menu offered something healthy for everyone’s taste, starting with the crunchy Caesar salad, vegetable wraps, grilled asparagus, grilled shrimp sticks, tasty burgers, corn on the cob and sausage sandwiches. The delightful green and pink coolers offered cucumber and watermelon refreshments. The highlight of the luncheon was a delicious pumpkin-chocolate dessert-creation by Chef Bret Thompson. “It’s an old family recipe that we had,” he explained. “We were very pleased with the delicious outcome of the sweet pumpkin and the bitter chocolate pairing!”
With PCD taking these unique measures towards safety and camaraderie in their buildings, it clearly sets the company apart from others. “Having a BBQ is a great opportunity for Tenants to mingle and get to know each other better. It’s also an opportunity for the PCD community to connect with Hollywood as a community, and staff from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Sunset & Vine BID, Hollywood District City Council Members,” said Brian Folb.
This pumpkin-chocolate family recipe prepared by Bret Thompson of Market Restaurants.
Prior to the scheduled fire evacuation drill, a training session was held for all assigned Floor Wardens at the Cat & Fiddle Restaurant. The training was aimed to discuss fire safety and the responsibilities of a Floor Warden, which involved fire hazards and other natural emergencies such as earthquakes.
Stormy Bruckner who is an LAFD Certified Consultant for High-Rise Fire Life Safety from Building Safety Solutions, Inc. conducted the training for the Floor Wardens with the LAFD requirements in a high rise building. He discussed the basic emergency procedures and emphasized that an assertive attitude towards any type of emergency, can dramatically increase the odds for a successful evacuation during a drill or a “real” emergency situation. “I was very impressed that Building Management took the time and expense to provide the luncheon which all required Floor Wardens to be in attendance” said Stormy. “Without question I’ve found the attitude of the Floor Wardens toward the drill and emergency event procedures is in direct relationship to the effort and interest of Building Management,” he added.
Brad Butler of Promotion in Motion emphasized the importance of such emergency preparedness. “If 9/11 taught us anything it is to be prepared and trained.”
David Estes of Silo Media has done many evacuation type drills during his time in the U.S. Army, but this was his first drill at the 6464 building. “The most important thing is to have a good plan that everyone knows. When a real emergency comes up, you can’t expect everyone to keep a clear head and be able to think about what is needed to be done. A good plan eliminates the need to think under pressure.”
Anthonette Respicio of Paramount Contractors & Developers followed up with the next step. “Once you assist the Tenants to evacuate the building safely, then you account for all evacuees in the safe refuge area.”
All Floor Wardens at the 6464 Sunset building had to take the Los Angeles Fire Department Floor Warden Certification Program and get certified for the role. A warm congratulation to all!
We are pleased that the building fire evacuation drill went smoothly.
