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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
202.013 EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE
EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 2007
Current Revision Date: 06/28/21 Next Revision Date: 06/28/23
Author’s Name/Rank: Bradley Dandridge, Battalion Chief Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Evelyn Yin-Zepeda,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to minimize injury to personnel, protect apparatus, and
secure equipment and vital records from damage.
APPLICATION
Upon notification from the Parkfield Earthquake Alert Center of a “Level A” earthquake,
all Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members are to take necessary
action(s) to secure and safeguard equipment, vital records, and personnel.
Objectives:
1. Life safety.
2. Minimize exposure.
3. Maintain a high degree of readiness.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
The Fresno County Office of Emergency Services policy will alert the Fire Department
Emergency Service Coordinator and/or the Emergency Preparedness Officer of the
Level A alerts only. Notification of Levels B and C Alert are not given, as no action is
necessary.
Section 202.013
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Earthquake Warning System:
The Parkfield Earthquake Alert Center, located southwest of Coalinga, California, was
established to warn of possible earthquakes mainly along the San Andreas Fault. The
alerts are issued by the State Office of Emergency Services as either A, B, or C alerts.
Level A: 37 percent or greater probability of a magnitude 6 or greater
earthquake within the next 72 hours.
Level B: 11 to 37 percent probability of a magnitude 6 or greater
earthquake within 72 hours.
Level C: 2.8 to 11 percent probability of a magnitude 6 or greater
earthquake within 72 hours.
PROCESS
Notification of a “Level A” Earthquake:
1. Upon notification a “Level A” earthquake alert exists, all Department
divisions (i.e., Administration, Prevention, Training, and Suppression)
are to take necessary action to stabilize and/or secure loose equipment
at their stations. Divisions with computers are to back up data and
safeguard against loss due to a power outage.
2. All apparatus not on an emergency call are to return to quarters.
3. Evacuation of personnel and equipment is not required under “Level A”
alert status. Precautions under “Level A” are to remain in effect until the
alert is cancelled.
Actual Earthquake:
1. Move all apparatus out of station:
a. In-service apparatus are to be parked in front of the stations with
radio on.
b. Reserve and staffed equipment are to be placed in the rear of the
station.
c. Where possible, close and lock gates to secure equipment.
Section 202.013
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2. After the initial earthquake is over, the station commander is to:
a. Inspect station for damage.
b. Determine the need to turn off any utilities.
1) The main service lines should only be turned off when the
damaged area cannot be isolated.
c. All apparatus floor doors are to be tested to determine if they are
operating properly.
3. When the station is declared safe by the commanding officer:
a. All communication systems including radios, computers, and
telephones (both office and station) are to be tested. Any system
found to be out of service is to be reported to communications.
4. The battalion chief on duty is to:
a. Check the status of each station.
b. Determine when apparatus may return to quarters.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 202.009a, State of Emergency Deployment Plan
Section 202.009b, Task Force Operations Plan
Section 202.014a, Structural Collapse
Section 202.013
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