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San Francisco Fire Department
Department Planning Review

This earthquake required a city-wide multi-agency response. In this case, the Fire Department's day-to-day experience in handling large-scale emergencies was of value in the initial response to the disaster. On-duty and recalled personnel were able to expand normal operations to effectively deal with the disaster, despite numerous obstacles.

However, planning must be strengthened before a larger earthquake disaster strikes San Francisco.

The two major areas of concern are:

1. Familiarity and understanding of the San Francisco Fire Department Disaster Operations Plan and the City's Disaster Plan.

2. The Fire Department's current procedures for coordinating the disaster response of the command staff, companies, bureaus, reserve personnel and recalled personnel.


Department Planning Recommendations

1. The San Francisco Fire Department Disaster Operations Plan should be revised and expanded, to allow for the best coordination in large-scale disasters.

2. The San Francisco Fire Department Disaster Operations Plan should cover all possible contingencies and have accompanying checklists for practical and efficient application.

3. The San Francisco Fire Department's annexes in the City and County of San Francisco Disaster Plan should be reviewed and updated.

4. Mutual Aid agreements and plans should be reviewed and updated. These plans should reflect the concern that mutual aid during an earthquake disaster may not reach San Francisco for up to 72 hours.

5. Exercises and orientation sessions based upon the San Francisco Fire Department Disaster Operations Plan should be part of an on-going training program.


Apparatus and Equipment Review
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