2002 Volume 4 Number 1
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MITIGATION
ACTIONS BY THE CERT TEAM The placement of blue markers in the roadway to indicate the location of the hydrants has been a great help to the Edgewater Fire Department. The markers enable the responding fire units to see the location of the hydrant as soon as they turn into the fire block, which increase the effectiveness of the size-up. The key to a good size-up is the position of the hydrant in relationship to the fire building. These blue hydrant markers are especially beneficial to the responding fire units at night. The headlights of the fire apparatus shine on the blue marker showing the hydrant location and help the fire officer formulate his strategy and the tactics he will use in combating the fire. The mitigating action of having these blue markers in place before a fire or emergency occurs enables a quicker and more effective operation. The bottom line is - This will reduce the fire losses by enabling the fire units to combat the fire more quickly and most importantly, it will save lives. |
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The painting of the house address on the street curb enables the responding fire units to quickly find the house address of the medical emergency or fire. This is especially important at night when trying to locate a house address. Bushes and trees block many home street addresses causing delays in finding the right location. The street curb address glows when a light is shined on it. The mitigation action of marking the homes before a medical or fire emergency occurs will reduce the loss of lives and property at fire and emergency operations. In the event of a hurricane or tornado the marking of the street address on the curb will increase the CERTs ability to identify the home address of the damaged building. These two mitigation actions were organized and completed by the CERT members of Edgewater. The Fire Department supplied the blue hydrant markers and glue, and CERT did the rest. They asked the homeowners permission to mark their home address on the street curb and for a voluntary donation, and received 100% cooperation. Both these mitigation actions were well received by the residents of Edgewater. |
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CERT community relations and fire prevention programs to inform the residents about their roles and responsibility during a disaster The CERTs updated the status of Volusia County residents living in Edgewater who had registered with Volusia County Emergency Management for People with Special Needs (PSN). Each year on June 1 the members of CERT visit the PSN to up date the list. |
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The results of the visit are as follows:
Each person the CERTs visited was given a special list of items they should bring with them when evacuated. The CERTs performed a safety check of the resident’s homes, and any smoke detector they found that was not working or ten years old was replaced at no charge. The feedback from the teams indicated the PSN greatly appreciate the team's effort and it is consoling to know that their status is being monitored. Edgewater fire units carry a duplicate list of the address of PSN. In the event of a major disaster they would assign priority to these residents' homes, knowing they are unable to help themselves. The CERT members have at times arrived at the scene of an accident or emergency before the arrival of the fire department and put to use their first aid training. An adult on a bike was trying to cross US 1 and was hit by a truck. The CERT members were passing by and stopped to render first aid to the victim who had a severe head injury. They maintained "C' spine until the arrival of the fire department. |
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The CERT members are trained to help the fire department in all kinds of disasters but is does not stop there. Their participation in community action programs is well received and appreciated. Last Christmas the spent a day wrapping presents, and then two days later they helped deliver the presents to needed families in Edgewater. |
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