Preparedness Statement
As a federally funded transit operation, Access is trained and prepared under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and subscribes to the principals of the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a management system designed to enable effective and efficient incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure. ICS is structured to facilitate activities in five major functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics and finance and administration. It is a fundamental form of management, with the purpose of enabling incident managers to identify the key concerns associated with the incident — often under urgent conditions — without sacrificing attention to any component of the command system. In the event of an emergency or disaster, Access is prepared to provide transportation evacuation services to the disabled community though coordination with Metro and the County of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center.
Training
All Access Drivers are required to complete emergency preparedness training as well as annual refresher training. Supervisors and Managers are required to complete NIMS ICS 100, 200 and 700 which combined take about 9 hours to complete. Key staff is required to complete additional training requirements.
Coordination
Access works closely with county agencies and is a participating member of the Los Angeles County Inclusive Emergency Management Advisory Council (IEMAC). Access is included as a transportation resource in the Los Angeles County Operational Area's Concept of Operations. Access is also a member of TransMAC, a mutual aid compact of more than 18 Southern California transit agencies.
Emergency Operations
Access is capable of activating an Emergency Operations Center during times of disaster or emergency to plan, coordinate and respond to transportation needs. A significant part of Access’ emergency response is Communications, which is supported by traditional methods and augmented by two-way radio, satellite phone and an advanced notification system.
Access Rider Preparedness
Access encourages its riders to be prepared for emergencies, both at home and while riding. The web links provided below offer a plethora of emergency preparedness tips.
Weblinks
Prepare. Plan. Stay informed.
http://www.ready.gov
Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLMDOScE4g
Preparedness Plans for Individuals with Disabilities
http://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs
Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for People with Disabilities
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90360
Printer Friendly Disabilities and Special Needs Fact Sheet
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1392389843033-75460345a2f4adcc5418a1da7cb25eef/2014_PrinterFriendly_DisabilitesSpecialNeeds.pdf
Printer Friendly Prepare Yourself: Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities Brochure
Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities
https://www.torranceca.gov/home/showdocument?id=5962
County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide
https://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/emergency-survival-guide/
Sign up for Free Los Angeles County Emergency and Disaster Alerts
https://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la/