Sunday October, 12 2025

Nature:  Duty Crews Anticipated Arrival of Nor’ Easter Inclement Weather

Location: Oak Orchard & Long Neck Stations

On Sunday, October 12^th at 12 n. thru Monday, October 13th @ 7 a., the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company commenced with Standby Duty Crew to coordinate and facilitate emergency first responders in anticipation of the nor'easter inclement weather event to ensure a rapid and effective response to a wide range of potential hazards. Nor'easters can cause severe damage and create dangerous conditions, and standby protocols allow emergency services to be immediately deployed as needed, without delays.

Primary purposes of standby deployments is the mitigation of widespread hazards that require first responders to address the numerous threats posed by a nor'easter, including:

• Coastal and inland flooding

• High winds that cause power outages and damage to property

• Downed trees and power lines

• Dangerous driving conditions due to heavy rain, flooding, or snow

• Facilitating evacuations and rescues:

  • During a state of emergency, first responders may be called upon to help evacuate residents from flood-prone or damaged areas and perform water rescues for those trapped by rising water.

  • Providing immediate medical aid: Responders are ready to address medical emergencies that may arise during the storm, including injuries from accidents, or to assist individuals with special medical needs in the event of a power outage.

  • Protecting critical infrastructure: First responders work with utility and public works departments to protect essential services, such as water and power infrastructure. On standby, they can quickly assist with hazards that prevent service restoration.

  • Preventing access to dangerous areas: First responders may set up barricades and warn the public to stay away from dangerous areas, such as flooded roads or areas with downed power lines, to prevent accidents and protect the public.

  • Supporting emergency operations: As a storm intensifies, local emergency operations centers (EOCs) call in extra staff to coordinate the overall response. Standby first responders and activated National Guard units are essential to this coordinated effort.

  • Performing survey and risk assessments within areas of emergency response.

The Auxiliary coordinated meal preparations for the duty crew members.

Illustrated herewith are photographs and statistics of the event.

• Fully staffed both facilities:  Oak Orchard and Long Neck

• Responded to six (6) incidents:

  • Residential Fire alarm – (1) - https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/54692?ss=1

  • Mutal Aid Response – Medical Emergency - (2) - Pot Nets Coveside / White House Beach

    • https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/54700?ss=1

  • Water Rescue Response – (1) - River Road (Riverdale)

    • https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail/54701

  • Mutal Aid Response – Residential Structure Fire - (1) - Rehoboth Beach

    • https://www.capegazette.com/article/fire-destroys-home-dewey-beach/297201

  • Public Assist – (1) - Oak Orchard

Additional information regarding the activities during the nor'easter inclement weather event can be viewed at https://www.coasttv.com/news/long-neck-neighborhoods-report-worst-flooding-in-years/article_53815d96-58b7-4aeb-a0ba-6295d77c0695.html