Sunday January, 5 2025

Nature: Duty Crew – Inclement Weather Preparations

Location: Oak Orchard and Long Neck facilities

On Sunday morning, January 5^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company hosted a duty crew to facilitate preparations for the pending inclement weather and to be prepared to manage a variety of low-frequency, high-risk safety conditions and/or concerns.

Every fire department has standard operating guidelines (SOGs) for incident response to emergencies generated by severe storms.

The fire company personnel evaluated and reviewed apparatus and facilities for readiness, developed additional emergency response initiatives and outlined stand-by crew activities should the inclement weather necessitate such an initiative.

When the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a severe storm watch, fire company officers are already preparing their personnel and equipment for needed response(s). Regular checks with weather images, via the Internet or television, for information regarding storm strength, movement, duration, anticipated precipitation and wind speeds as well as necessary conference calls with the state and county emergency management entities are essential elements to these efforts.

Your local fire company is not any different and must prepare for such inclement weather events in order to assist and mitigate any number of mishaps and/or unforeseen circumstances.  We must:

• Know the area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time and we must evaluate contingency plans.

• Prepare to remain activated and out in the cold in order to mitigate the emergency incident(s) at hand.

• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of inclement weather and winter storms in order to base operational decisions upon.

• Gather supplies in case emergency services are needed for several hours, days, and/or incidents.

• Have extra materials and supplies (i.e.; batteries) for emergency radios and flashlights, etc.

• Create emergency supply kits for your apparatus to offer assistance if needed which may include jumper cables, flashlights, warm and dry gear, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks.

• Keep the apparatus fuel and gas tanks full.

• Prepare the stations for extended operational needs.

• Monitor and maintain adequate personnel.

The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is prepared and will be available to respond and assist as our community as needed.