Real Quake Drill for Santa Clarita First Responders

Santa Clarita California -- In the wake of Tuesday's 5.4 magnitude earthquake that rocked Chino Hills and the rest of Southern California, state and city officials are using this opportunity to once again practice emergency preparedness and rescue drills to make sure we are ready in the case of a serious natural disaster. Yesterday was a great opportunity for the officials of the city of Santa Clarita and other areas to put into action the skills they have been honing for quiet some time.

Indeed there were no major injuries brought by the Chino Hills earthquake, but this opportunity of practicing when there was in fact a real disaster is something that mock training would not do. People really felt worried and were shaken. Rescue teams were dispatched throughout the city to make sure public facilities were in order. What a perfect opportunity.

Shortly after the moderate but scary temblor of yesterday, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Department conducted their four-stage disaster protocol which the Sheriff's spokesman said was a success. The spokesman, Sgt. Darren Harris, stated that the drill was a hit since "nobody was hurt and we didn't sustain any damage."

The first step in the four-stage protocol when responding to an earthquake is for deputies to conduct an initial assessment of their own facilities within 15 minutes of getting the news of a disaster. This step is necessary to assure that they-the deputies, are in safe zone and can carry out their duties. These they conducted yesterday and assured that everything were in accord.

The next step of action was for each deputy to search previously designated first priority facilities such as schools, bridges, and water infrastructures. This step is to be done within 30 minutes of first hearing of the incident. Inspectors checked the Whites Canyon Bridge which was loose from last year's quake in Santa Clarita. This time, all was well. Next, officers pass on all gathered information to a focal location where leading agents distribute resources. Finally, all deputies involved are to file a complete report of the assessment they've just made.

The Santa Clarita deputies and sheriff personnel sate that yesterday's Chino Hills earthquake was handled 'smoothly' and that no damages had been discovered. They are grateful for this opportunity to practice for what could be a bigger and more damaging quake. What made everyone happy about his day is the fact that no injuries or damages were reported, while the first responders were still able to respond to a real natural disaster situation.

Statewide, the building and safety inspectors conducting a critical check of facilities to make sure all are safe. The county department of public works was then supposed to inspect all the public system of roads, bridges, tunnels, and tall buildings to figure out damages or repairs necessary. Any repairs will then be handled with immediate effect.

For now, the city of Santa Clarita is happy that this quake had not been as bad as it was felt. We continue to prepare in case of emergency.

Source:
http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/3191/