International District Emergency Center Programs
The International District Emergency Center routinely patrols and monitors the International District for suspicious and dangerous activity, and directly provides or facilitates emergency services to the residents, visitors, workers, businesses and those who patronize the area. IDEC provides a rapid response, 24 hours a day, to emergency situations by trained emergency services officers.
IDEC provides security and maintains first aid stations at local Asian American venues such as the Bon Odori, International District Street Festival, Chinatown parade and other local events that attract large numbers of participants.
IDEC partners with community agencies to enhance security in the area and to help train their staff in providing emergency services. Trainings have included earthquake safety and response, basic first aid and CPR and personal safety classes. Classes are taught to key agency personnel and residents. Equipment and basic first aid supplies are provided as a part of the trainings.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
IDEC teaches a earthquake safety class since we are in a area which has been effected by them. One thing we taught was safety around brick buildings. When a wall of a building fell from a defect, IDEC trained staff and local people we taught responded to it. They provided safety until Fire Deptpartment responded. Then had people on the scene who were bilingual in some Asian languages to assist the residents.
IDEC needs general support for our emergency service and training programs as we do not charge for our services. We can always use 1st aid, safety supplies, flashlights, batteries etc. IDEC provides free 1st aid kits to low income residents.