The Official RJWestmore Blog

Last week, RJWestmore participated in the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history, The Great Southern California ShakeOut, where we trained a group of commercial property managers on earthquake preparedness.

That day, millions of people in homes, schools, businesses, government offices and public areas all over southern California participated in the event to prepare themselves for the inevitable – a magnitude 7.8 or higher earthquake along the San Andreas Fault that scientists expect will happen.

As part of RJWestmore’s mission to “Save Lives Through Training,” we’re including links to earthquake preparedness resources on our blog this week, including information on the ShakeOut; the Drop, Cover, and Hold On! procedure; the Golden Guardian 2008 Exercise Series, from Governor Schwarzenegger and his Office of Homeland Security; and a great educational video from Preparedness Now, which is available below.

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The Los Angeles Public Safety Commission will vote and then pass to City Council for final approval new regulations regarding Fire Life Safety Training Code 57.33.19. If approved, the L.A. Fire Department will initiate these updated regulations to high-rise buildings, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Violation of the new regulations could result in daily fines from $100 to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. Any fees unpaid within 60 days of the due date will be subject to a 50% penalty.

If you are an existing RJWestmore Training System customer with a current emergency response plan, your obligations regarding the new regulations are almost fulfilled. There will be a meeting on December 10 to finalize additional information required by the LAFD in your emergency manual, as well as specific training requirements for your building’s fire safety director and individual floor wardens.

However, if no one is taking care of your building’s fire/life safety plans, please contact us today.

Stay tuned to RJWestmore.com for updates on the new fire regulations and how they could affect your building(s).

Halloween is a time for fun and frights, but behind the festivities lurk hidden dangers – including fire hazards.

From 2000 to 2004, decoration fires accounted for an estimated 1,610 reported home structure fires per year, the majority involving candles as the heat source, and causing seven civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $24.9 million in direct property damage per year.

It goes without saying that RJWestmore wants you to ‘BE SAFE’ – no matter how you’re celebrating the holiday. Whether you’re hosting a party or donning a creative costume to trick-or-treat, we hope you’ll follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

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RJWestmore Inc. is proud to announce that three TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Award Winners use the RJWestmore Online Fire Life Safety Training System!

These clients include 1901 Avenue of the Stars, AT&T Center, and Los Angeles Corporate Center.

The 23rd Annual TOBY Awards was held at the legendary Beverly Hilton Hotel. With more than 550 attendees, this commercial real estate gala lived up to its expectations as one of the most prestigious industry events in Los Angeles.

Congratulations to each of our award-winning clients for putting safety first!

You can be an award winner, too. With the RJWestmore Online Fire Life Safety Training System, you can bring your buildings up to code in 30 days. Our interactive, building-specific e-learning training system motivates and rewards tenants instantly. It’s a convenient and affordable solution to the training needs of your building(s).

Here at RJWestmore, our goal is to “Save Lives Through Training.” So far we’ve trained more than 150 million square feet, and it’s our mission to train 150 million more.

BE SAFE!

On this seventh anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, preparedness in the event of a disaster has even greater importance to Americans.

As a society, we must be ready to handle – at a moment’s notice – emergencies in our homes, businesses and communities.

But it’s not just the ongoing threat of attack for which we should prepare. Natural disasters – such as devastating hurricanes, floods and earthquakes – and the outbreak of epidemic diseases all demand a plan.

“Those with the capacity and wherewithal to help themselves must do so in advance, so that in the event of an emergency, responders can first assist those who are unable to tend to themselves,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, in a statement.

Throughout September, the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign – part of National Preparedness Month – highlights preparedness steps, including having an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and becoming informed about different types of emergencies.

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The tragic deaths of 8 children and 1 adult in New York City today were AVOIDABLE!

With basic training, their lives might have been saved.

This was one of the deadliest fires in New York in nearly 2 decades. Reports also indicated that 19 were injured, including 4 firefighters and an EMT.

It was reported that 22 residents (17 children) were stranded on upper floors and resorted to tossing themselves or their children out of windows to escape the smoke and flames.

What lessons can be learned from this tragic fire and how can lives be saved in the future?
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