Greetings once again, Theodore and Dawes Communities,
It’s time for another installment of Tail Board Talk and as I pin this edition there is once again tropical activity in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. While the track of this future named storm is not yet determined everyone should be making preparations as if we know it’s coming to our area. It’s better to prepare now rather than waiting until the last minute. The last two editions I have been talked about calling 911 for any and everything, and exactly what constitutes an emergency. I am going get off my soapbox and just mention a couple of things. The 911 system is not perfect, by far. The system is overloaded daily and so too are those responsible for responding. The operators who take the calls are stretched to limits as are those responsible for dispatching due to staffing issues. The same holds true for those responding. EMS is stretched due to staffing issues and often has no units to respond, and your Theodore Dawes Fire Rescue Department often finds itself in the same position. We are stretched to our limits due to staffing issues, and while we are fortunate enough to have personnel on duty daily, it does not mean we can provide an immediate response. In July, as I mentioned last month, 463 calls to 911 were made in our area. In August the numbers were down just a little to 458. It’s been my experience that these numbers will more than likely continue to trend upwards. Our department response numbers could justify two more staffed trucks on duty, but we cannot afford that. The same thing holds true for most of your other emergency response providers. The bottom line is that the burdens placed on the 911 system will create critical delays in the services needed. We must find ways to either provide funding to service our community or reduce the load on the system. Soapbox exited. Shifting gears, lets talk about October. Fall has arrived and Fire Prevention Week is the second week of the month. It is my hope that fire prevention and practicing safety around your homes are not just a once-a-year thing. During Fire Prevention week, we turn our attention to community education in the areas of fire prevention and fire safety around the home. Our department, while involved year-round, receives more requests for safety programs and show-n-tells at our area schools and daycares. Teaching our children fire safety when they are young will pay dividends as they grow into adults. We see more interest in smoke alarms, and we hope that you are checking yours on a regular basis for proper operations. We also can provide homeowners with a smoke alarm if you do not have one, all you have to do is call us. The department is currently enrolled in a program where we receive the alarms and install one for you. Keep in mind, you must be the owner/occupant of the residence. We are only allowed to give one per home that does not have one, and you must contact the department to arrange an appointment for installation. The department will also be hosting an Open House to culminate the end of Fire Prevention Week, so save the date and come out to visit your Theodore Fire Rescue Department on October 12, 2024, from 11:00 to 1:00. 5008 Freeway Ln. We will have our equipment on display for you to check out, you will be able to meet some of our members and chat with them, and our Fire Safety inflatable house will be set up for the kids to possibly learn about fire safety in the home.
I hope everyone has a great October and that it is a safe and uneventful month for all.
Chief Byrd