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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Tulare County Grand Jury • 2009-2010

Are Emergency Evacuation Drills Worth the Time?

3 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F2, F4

Findings 4 findings

F1 Page 13

During the Government Plaza evacuation drill conducted at the emergency evacuation drill on Government Plaza was over three December 17, 2009 the following years ago. was observed: a. Some agencies did not have an 4. The Government Plaza Building is assigned individual to check if in owned by Tulare County and located fact all persons in their agency had within the Visalia City limits. Ø 8 TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2009-2010 CONCLUSIONS

F3 Page 13

The previous fire and emergency

Building maintenance for the Government Plaza was the Emergency and evacuation drills are responsibility of the Tulare County essential and necessary to help save lives Resource Management Agency (RMA) in case of a real emergency. The in December 2009. On January 26, emergency evacuation drill did identify 2010, this responsibility was taken several problematic issues and emergency over by the Tulare County equipment deficiencies. However, not all Administrative Office, General of these issues were discovered at the Services Division. time of the drill. The fact that they were not reported to the Tulare County Safety

The walk through inspection of the Officer initially, demonstrates the need for Government Plaza revealed: improvement. b. Several emergency lights do not function.

Recommendations 5

R5
Page 13

Require all agencies within the
R7
Page 13

Procedures regarding the safe safety hazards within the evacuation of physically disabled Government Plaza. individuals from the second floor are not adequate. 3. Provide fire and emergency evacuation procedures to all
R8
Page 13

The Tulare County Safety Officer personnel during their orientation provided all agencies in the and training. Government Plaza with a summary report of the December 17, 2009 fire 4. Conduct emergency and evacuation and emergency evacuation drill. drills annually at the Government However, this report does not include Plaza and all other occupied Tulare all of the deficiencies identified by County buildings. the walk through inspection.
R9
Page 13

Prior to December 17, 2009, some Government Plaza to communicate, agencies housed at the Government with the County Safety Officer in Plaza did not have written or posted writing, to identify all emergency Fire and Emergency Evacuation equipment deficiencies and what Plans. corrective actions are initiated after every emergency evacuation drill.
R10
Page 13

Abatement of all unsafe conditions have not been completed in an 6. Check every office, as part of the expeditious manner. emergency evacuation drill to ensure 9 × TULARE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT 2009-2010 a written Fire and Emergency above designated emergency exit Evacuation Plan is posted. doors throughout the Government Plaza and all other occupied Tulare