How GPS is Used in Dispatching

This video shows how GPS technology is used by dispatchers to find the closest available resource to help with your next emergency.  Just remember that not all agencies use this technology. 

Anatomy of a Response: Volunteers Responding

Going along with the theme of modern technology in the fire service, volunteer fire departments across the county are using a system, called “IamResponding”.  The system is used by volunteers to alert the crew if they are responding to a call, or not.  It’s easy, let me explain.

Once a dispatch is received, volunteers dial a preprogramed number into their phone.  They dial it and it goes straight to a computer system based at the fire house.  This makes sure the correct number of human resources is at a call.  For reference, to fight a fire, you need a minimum of 15 firefighters.  So if less sign on to respond, a crew member can request a re-dispatch or retone to alert all members that additional firefighters are needed.   

While not all departments use this system, it is very popular with volunteer fire departments and will see an increased use across the county.   It is a reliable system that gives a huge benefit to those who use it.   

The above video is the official advertisement for the "IamResponding" product, and gives many examples of how it's used. 

Dry Weather = Wildfires!

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

My last blog post was about how fire departments used social media to connect with citizens.  Now, let me give you an excellent example of how social media is properly used to warn citizens about potential danger. 

Due to severely dry weather, there has been increased brush fire danger.  So, in advance of any fires, local fire, police, EMS and governments used social media outlets to warn people about the increased risk.  Unfortunately, not enough people got the message.   Last week, over 2,000 acres burned, destroying 4 homes and 1 business, in the largest wildland fire Long Island has ever seen.

When evacuations were deemed necessary, government agencies used the same social media we all use to give advanced warning of probable evacuations.  People were also asking questions about the fire and getting answers.  Even the media was using social media to share stories and pictures from those who were affected by the fire.  It took over 2 days to control the flames. 

The video above is from the local NBC station. 

Social Media in the Fire Service

Well, like everyone else, Fire Departments are joining the trend.  The trend, of being on facebook.   Departments have started to sign on to facebook and make public accounts.  But why?  It’s simple.  Let me explain why departments use facebook and other social media outlets.

·         Facebook saves the department money by replacing a usually website with a free facebook account or page.  Personal websites can cost over $500 to design and a monthly fee to maintain it.  It adds up to precious funds that could be diverted to other accounts. 

·         Facebook allows fire departments the ability to recruit new members more easily and more cost effective.  Many volunteer departments post recruitment information on their page.  Facebook gives them easier accesses to the younger population, ones who they are trying to attract. 

·         Facebook is an awesome tool for sharing public service announcements (PSA).  By posting PSAs, the department will be able to easily share important information that the public would want to read. 

·         Facebook allows non-for-profit agencies, such as volunteer fire departments the ability to fundraise with donations.  With the installation of apps, one can easily donate to the agency in record time.

There is much more, but these are some main reasons.   While all I have written is positive, there are no cons.  .  You can have a picture of medical patient or of a crime scene floating around the internet.  So, department have had to draft new laws and procedures for member.  Check to see if your local fire or police department has a facebook page.  You won’t regret giving them the like!