Public Safety Signals

Did you think of everything?

2008 Sep 8 Posted by Mark

While planning for National Preparedness Month (September), the United States Fire Administration (USFA) released a new report on August 20th which is the latest technical report in a series regarding being prepared. The report named Fire Department Preparedness for Extreme Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters shares serious insights on not only keeping the fire department and their equipment safe, but also the physical and mental well being of the responders involved in a disaster. Some of the information presented is rarely thought through until it is much too late, yet it is should be planned for as part of an individual fire departments Continuity of Operations (COOP).

The report accurately and thoughtfully addresses equipment and planning needed in order to be prepared. Issues addressed include safety, mutual aid, shift management, resource identification, logistics, and many other topics. There are numerous examples from case studies of fire departments that have learned from experience what problems might occur, and what they have done to cure those problems. One issue that took me by surprise was having a designated safe area for the firefighter’s family members and their pets. The report also suggested using a liaison officer that keeps in contact with families and regularly updates firefighters on how their family is fairing during a disaster so the firefighter can worry less during a disaster. The report provides substantial information that fire departments and their chief officers should use to substantially improve their level of preparedness.
As I read this report I also thought of how these principles could apply to all members of public safety. When it hits the fan, we are all in the same boat as other public safety workers! It doesn’t matter if we are firefighters, police officers, emergency management or some other facet of public safety, it can and most likely will affect us all the same, and we will have many of the same issues. You owe it to your fellow workers and to yourself to share this report with those in command before it is needed! What other suggestion can you, the reader of this blog provide beyond what is listed in this report? I am hoping you will share your ideas so others can benefit.

As always, stay safe and take care,
Mark S. Warnick

September 8, 2008 | Filed under: Capella, Capella University, Law enforcement, National Security Agency, Public Safety Signals, Public safety, Uncategorized, crime, disaster, drug enforcement, education, homeland security, police, school safety, terrorism
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