Preparing for the Next One

The thing that makes a firefighter’s job exciting is that we never really know what will happen next.  We spend a lot of effort planning, training and preparing for the next incident without really knowing what will happen.

This last spring and summer, crews worked hard on clearing and chipping brush to be ready in the event of a wildfire.  Several neighborhood groups and homeowner associations took advantage of the District’s chipper program.  The great cooperative community spirit is alive and well in Scotts Valley.  Neighbors cleared the brush and the crews operated the chipper to turn the brush into mulch chips.

Preparations are underway with the County Public Health Department regarding the H1N1 flu virus.  The District is has a plan to have paramedics administer flu vaccines.  We are also working on operational plans to sustain services when 911 medical calls peak due to the flu at a time when our own workforce will likely be impacted.

Earthquakes are always a possibility in California, including here in Scotts Valley.  Recent seismic activity around the Pacific rim heightens the awareness.  Since earthquakes impact everyone at the same time, the preparations can be complicated.  We have two engine companies on duty and rely on recalling off duty crews.  Mutual aid from out of the area will take some time to get here to provide help.  Since we serve about 20,000 people, planning includes setting priorities, triage and working with the community for neighbors to help each other as much as possible.  That’s where the CERT teams come in.  We are very pleased with the development of teams throughout the community and still seeking more.

Early seasonal forecasts suggest the possibility of a wet winter.  While good news related to fire season, wet roads, flooding, and trees falling on electrical wires require preparation.
 
On the financial front, the District has been preparing for the financial reductions that have occurred for some time.  Reserves have been set aside to sustain operations and the firefighters have assisted in “tightening the belt”.  I am very proud of the way that the firefighters have worked together with the District to sustain services and maintain everyone’s job.

Regardless of what the next “big one” is, we will do our best to be ready.