Browndale Fire Co.
Fire Station 43
Standard Operating Guidelines Station 43

Date of Issue: 3-11-97
Effective Date: 4-1-97
Developed By: Earl Obelenus
Issued by Authority of: Earl Obelenus, Fire Chief

MANNING OF STATION DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY OR INCLEMENT WEATHER
S.O.G. 400-97-1

I. PURPOSE

To establish a guideline to insure the manning of Engine 43 in times of a declared state of emergency, inclement weather, power outage or other natural disaster.

II. SCOPE

All fire department personnel.

III. RESPONSIBILTY

The fire chief is responsible to insure appropriate and timely response to all emergency calls.

All fireground officers are responsible to insure the apparatus responds in a safe manner and is appropriately manned.

Firefighters are responsible to adhere to the procedures established within this guideline.

IV. BACKROUND

During a declared state of emergency, inclement weather such as extreme ice, snow or rain storms, extended power outages or other natural disaster it may be very difficult for firefighters to respond from their residence to the station upon being dispatched by the county. The delayed response time coupled with bad road conditions may further increase the time to arrive on the scene of an emergency.

By staffing the station with an officer, engineer and a minimum of 3 (three) fighters will allow for an adequate response.

V. PROCEDURES

1. When inclement weather is eminent or a state of emergency has been declared, the fire chief or his designee will determine if manning the station is required. This determination will be made based upon weather reports, information provided by the National Weather Service, county EMA or other pertinent information.

2. Staffing of the station will be voluntary. Dependent upon circumstances, staffing may be coordinated by phone. If reaction time allows, a sign-up sheet will be provided for voluntary sign-up.

3. Staffing of the station will be maintained as long as necessary or as long as the situation warrants. Since staffing is voluntary and may be required for an extended period of time, relief of personnel must be considered. The fire chief and line officers will make up relief rosters and insure there is sufficient food at the station. 

4. While the station is manned the OIC (officer in charge) at the station will insure that the station remains clean, which includes the bathroom and kitchen if they are used.

VI. SUPERSEDED GUIDELINES
Reviewed 2-13-02