The plan establishes 11 designated emergency locations in the harbor, which will now allow for immediate access by emergency vessels from waterside to terminals. Shown here is the Port of Los Angeles fire boat Warner L. Lawrence.
The Port of Los Angeles has announced that it has put into place a waterside emergency access plan to facilitate quicker first responder access.
Previously, first responders could only reach emergency situations at the port via landside access, which port officials said could cause delays due to street traffic and operational traffic within the complex.
“Waterside access gives us an additional option for reaching emergencies more quickly,” said Joe Mendoza, the Los Angeles Fire Department battalion chief overseeing the project. “Getting to a potential victim as soon as possible can be a matter of life or death in many cases.”
The port developed the plan in partnership with the LAFD, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Los Angeles Port Police and port terminal operators.
“Development of this plan shows what can happen when entities work collaboratively and bring their collective knowledge to the table to improve safety at the port,”’ Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “We commend the ILWU and Los Angeles Fire Department representatives for bringing this solution to us.”