PWX 2019

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Creating Teams Of Excellence to Save Lives In Catastrophic Disasters (Room 605-606)

11 Sep 19
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Tracks: Emergency Management

In early 2017, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works identified qualified engineers to interview with Los Angeles County Fire Department to become Structures Specialists on the FEMA USA-Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team. Four registered civil engineers were chosen. Within six months, the USA-TF 2 USAR team was deployed to respond to the Mexico City Earthquake. The USAR Team was deployed again in January 2018 to respond to the horrific mudflows in Santa Barbara County. The relationship between the two County Departments has strengthened their partnership—not only during deployment of the USAR team, but also in understanding the resources and expertise of each discipline. This project has allowed for greater collaboration on working out details to ensure the partnership is a success. The presenters will focus on the initial tasks to make this a reality, including the fiscal impacts and lessons learned from each deployment.