Full Record

41952

Community risk reduction through community accountability systems for the Howard Fire Department

• The problem is that disabled or challenged individuals have a mortality rate in fire emergencies that is disproportionate to their representation in the general population, moreover the Howard Fire Department (HFD) has no method for identifying or notifying disabled or challenged citizens living and working within the community. The department had no policy needs during emergency situations. This descriptive research project attempted to answer the following question: 1. What guidelines have other fire departments developed for identifying notifying and accounting for disabled or challenged citizens. 2. What is the current capability of the HFD to identify disabled or challenged citizens in the community in the event of an emergency? 3. What guidelines should the HFD use for a comprehensive, all-hazards notification program for disabled of challenged citizens? A questionnaire was established for the local fire departments in the metro area to specifically determine which departments had established standard operating guidelines for identifying and locating challenged or disabled individuals. Current capabilities were examined for inclusion in a registry program. Local emergency management capabilities were also examined. The results included finding that few fire departments had developed guidelines for a community-based registry or notification program. However, programs did exist that are managed by the municipality or county. The recommendations included a registry program coupled with a notification program for the community. Defining these programs in standard operating guidelines will enhance the capabilities of the fire department.

• c.1: DOCUMENT ROOM - ROOM 209 [Status: IN]