Free Emergency Procedures Manual Available for Tenants from Hacienda Owners Association

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Keeping a building safe is in the best interests of everyone who uses it. A great way to be prepared for nearly any situation which may arise is to use the Hacienda Owners Association's 81 page Emergency Procedures Manual.

The manual, prepared for the Association by Emergency Management Services, specialists in emergency preparedness, covers the emergency planning requirements of Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations as well as other situations such as fire, earthquake, bomb threats, power failure, civil disturbance, floods, and more.

"We believe in taking a pro-active stance towards emergency procedures," says James Paxson, general manager of the Hacienda Owners Association. "By providing information like this, we can help the park's tenants take that stance as well."

The manual defines emergency preparedness as being prepared to react, make correct decisions, and assist others in need when an emergency occurs. Using the manual can help readers achieve that readiness.

CCR Title 19

While most emergency preparedness measures are voluntary, Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations places some legal requirements on building owners, managers, and occupants as well.

Sections 3.09 and 3.10 of the code require that persons responsible for buildings of two or more stories conduct a variety of pre-fire planning and evacuation activities, such as posting and distribution of emergency instructions, development of a written facility emergency plan, selection of floor wardens, and more. These requirements and recommendations on how to meet these requirements are detailed in the manual.

Emergency Response Teams

The manual also outlines the formation of emergency response teams, which allows for an efficient chain of command in an emergency situation.

By selecting floor managers, medical assistance coordinators, fire suppression/damage assessment coordinators, communications coordinators, and a floor warden, the emergency response team can take charge of a situation until professional help arrives.

Step-by-Step Procedures

Another feature of the manual is the detailed, step-by-step procedures which are recommended for each of the emergencies listed. Though there are similarities between the responses required by a fire or by an earthquake, there are differences as well. The manual covers these in an organized manner, which helps take the guesswork out of choosing an appropriate response to an emergency.

Ordering a Manual

Emergency Procedures Manuals are available in PDF format from the Hacienda web site. The manual may also be ordered from the Hacienda Owners Association by calling (925) 734-6500.

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