Need help from member firefighters.

[alden135]

Hi,<br /><br />I need some info from firefighters both vol. and pro.<br /><br />I have been charged with resurrecting our local volunteer fire dept. We are on an offshore island (seasonal) and will have support from the nearest mainland town. The support could be a long time coming if we need it as it's a 3 mile boat ride and they could already be out on other calls.<br /><br />What we have:<br /><br />a 1960's Dodge tanker<br /><br />1984 GMC 1 ton p/u with a small pump and tank<br /><br />21/2 ton army surplus truck with a tank and pump.<br /><br />We have 3 portable pumps, some hoses of unknown condition, a few buckets of AFFF and some other misc. items.<br /><br />What we need:<br /><br />I found one set of structural ppe that a squirrel ate the stuffing out of. I'm guessing we need some new ppe<br /><br />This is a seasonal wooded island. Should we be looking at woodland type ppe or the structural type. Can I get used stuff from somewhere?<br /><br />Are there any grants available from the Feds to help us buy some basic equipment?<br /><br />ANY advice would be appreciated. Please help me get started.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Alden

 

[aspeck]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Just trying to assess your needs, Alden, but how big is the island? How many homes are on the island? Businesses? Etc. To have back-up coming from a 3 mile boat ride, you better have enough equipment to handle whatever might happen. Are any of the structures multiple story? How many story?<br /><br />A little is always better than nothing, but you don't want too little equipment where you get yourself in trouble and someone gets hurt.<br /><br />P.S. I never met a fireman that could not give you a l-l-l-o-o-o-n-n-g-g wish list of play toys, er, uh, I mean equipment and gear.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Aspeck is right on alden....you'll need to assess your needs covering as many possible senarios as possible. Being seasonal...really not sure what that means...but look at what the "in season" could bring in the way of emergencies. Start with the equipment you have see what it will take to get it ALL back into useful service. Keep accurate inventories on everything....both so that you will know at a glance what you have and insurance companies will asked for it as well.<br /><br />Many magazines devoted to the firefighting service are out there and most have listings in the back for used equipment. Also, canvas the area fire departments for used equipment. I always look for used equipment....sometimes you get lucky like we did last year....we got 12 SCBA packs, and 32 30 minute bottles, half of which were the light weight bottles and all had just been recertified. Cost.....$0.00.<br /><br />Here's a link for grant info through Home Land Security. Lot of grants out there. Hope it helps.<br /><br /><br /> http://www.firegrantsupport.com/

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Get hold of the individual towns maybe by e-mail http://www.state.nh.us/municipal/index.html or maybe they have a newsletter. In VT it is http://www.vlct.org/ when you contact those places you might be able to find a town either in NH or Vt that has "surplus" equipment (a truck or two) that they will donate.<br /><br />When I was a road commissioner I used to see towns donate fire equipment to other departments in need. <br /><br />One of the biggest benefits we have are the amount of small towns to draw from. Don't hesitate to call towns in VT. There is plenty available but to do the legwork, telephone work and handshaking it consumes time.

 

[alden135]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Ok I just got back to the comp and saw the responses. There are about 100 summer cottages (no business, all dirt roads). Some are 2 story structures but we do have some ladders in the fire barn.<br /><br />We have a seperate first aid room with thoses supplies and a defib pack which I forgot to mention. <br /><br />I suppose my biggest challenge to start with will be finding some of the basic ppe that we'll need. The ideas posted will be a lot of help to get me started, thank you all. <br /><br />I'll start canvassing the local depts. to see if I can scrounge up some stuff. If anyone has more ideas, please throw them out there as I can use all the advice I can get.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

The only thing I can add to the other guys great advice is my admiration of your undertaking this task. We all take the volunteer job very seriously and most people have no clue the time, energy, and resources that it requires. I wish you good luck in getting things done. I also hope that the community gives you 100% support as they will be the first ones complaining about costs but also the first ones bragging on you when they need you.

 

[KRS]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Are the residents of the island paying for fire service? If not, they need to pay something, either a membership, district, donation, etc.<br /><br />You need structural turnouts.... no exceptions. The lives of your men are worth it.<br /><br />You should be applying for the FEMA grant annually (it's an online application, go to their website and learn about it).<br /><br />You should be applying for CDBG (community development block grants) annually, through your local county government.<br /><br />Quite often large corporations will give grants, like Tide, Coke, etc. Do a google search for firefighter grant and see if you find anything *reputable*.<br /><br />When writing a grant, be sure to stress your remote location, unusual needs (wooded island), and if you have any minorities that will help (such as an indian reservation, trailer park (parks usually have high concentration of low income residents)) national monuments, etc. Be sure to mention and stress the age of your equipment, and it no longer meets nfpa standards.<br /><br />Be in the paper.... EVERY WEEK! Get to know your local editor. Training pictures, grant successes, fires, personnel promotion, new volunteers, equipment upgrades, etc. EVERY WEEK !!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Have an annual fundraiser. There are too many types to list here. Get a local old church lady and put her in charge of fundraising... she'll have the contacts and the ability.<br /><br />New t-shirts, even if it's your expense. You gotta look good to project a professional image. Remember, when the bell rings, the person who needs help expects professionals, not half-way volunteers.<br /><br />If there is a beer cooler or pool table in the dept... THROW IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Paint the station, get donated paint from a hardware store and get 'er done.<br /><br />What is your ISO rating? It can't be very good with equipment of that age.<br /><br />Now that I've written this, let me tell you a little about me. I was a volunteer in the community where I used to live. I moved there, was hoodwinked into joining, and loved it! They had old equipment, our first due structural engine was a 1963 FWD. When I left.... they had a Thermal Imaging Camera, a 2002 FL pumper with all the goodies, 4 new SCBA (MSA carbon 4500's), a cascade system for refilling tanks, etc. ALL OF THIS WAS FROM GRANT FUNDS!!! Best thing I ever did was befriend the county emergency management department head, and someone in the county health department. Our county seat was 2.5 hours away, but they NEED to know who you are, your professionalism, and your NEEDS.<br /><br />Congrats and good luck.

 

[Colorado04]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

What you and your group of volunteers are doing is a very noble and honorable deed. <br /><br />I wish you all the best and greatest of success.<br /><br />C.

 

[Gone]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Sounds like your pumps are in the 125-250gpm class, not a lot. 20 year old pumpers/tankers aren't worth anything and are often given away to a cause like yours. Try for a 500GPM minimum and 1000gal tank. It'll probably be front mounted, so you'll need to protect it from freezing in the winter.<br />You'll need 3/4"(150') and 1 1/2" (400') attack lines. (750') of 2 1/2" line is needed to distribute water from tanks and pumps. Use the 1 1/2 lines judiciously until you get the larger pump and tanker. Many fire companies will donate outdated hose and nozzles. Get couplers, adapters and wye valves.<br /><br />Edited to add a portable/collapsable 1000/1500 gal tank.<br />You'll need some 2 1/2" hard suction line to suck water from the lake and refil your tanker. Strainers and floaters should compliment them.<br /><br />You'll probably have more grass fires than anything, followed by car/ boat fires. Get Dry Chem for the car/boat fires.<br />Get BOOTS for everyone and make them wear them. Dissolved chemicals will soak shoes and be absorbed into the soles of the feet. It is not unusual to lose 5-10 firemen in this manner annually each year!<br />Airpacks, coats and helmets go without saying.<br /><br />The resources pointed out above are outstanding. I don't believe that you will have much trouble getting equipment, though you'll probably need to pick it up. Don't drive it, haul it back!

 

[aspeck]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Alden, you have gotten some good advice here. I am still in the question asking mode, but definitely go with the structural turn out gear.<br /><br />Where is your water supply? How will you be filling up the tanker? Especially on calls? Is there municipal water? Or are you expecting to draft from the ocean???? From the Fire House, how far is the fartherest part of the island?

 

[alden135]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

Originally posted by KRS:<br /> <br /><br />You need structural turnouts.... no exceptions. The lives of your men are worth it.<br /><br />What is your ISO rating? It can't be very good with equipment of that age.<br />

I'll look for those turnouts. Safety first!<br /><br />As far as an ISO rating goes, we haven't worked up to that yet. I'm looking at a barn, 3 trucks and some other equip. <br /><br />Thanks also for all the other great advice <br /><br /><br />

Originally posted by Crusty Dude:<br /> Sounds like your pumps are in the 125-250gpm class, not a lot. 20 year old pumpers/tankers aren't worth anything and are often given away to a cause like yours. Try for a 500GPM minimum and 1000gal tank. It'll probably be front mounted, so you'll need to protect it from freezing in the winter.<br /><br />

Our trucks are drained off season as few if any people go over in the winter. I don't know the pump ratings, but they have 4" suction lines. We have 2 fire ponds with standby pumps and we're looking at getting another. I should post some pics next week of the trucks so it's clearer what I have to start with. <br /><br />Thanks <br /><br />And to Colorado and Fireman. The current fireplan for my family is to run to the boat and get off the island. That's not acceptable. I hope I can get the dept. to a state of readiness where we have a better option than running.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

I'll keep my eyes open for anything that may pop up and you may need. So many questions that could be asked. But only you know what you got and what you need. I think if it were me, I'd get the members of your station together and start a plan of action....which would include what your main fire loads would be, what you have to combat the fire loads, what you need to combat the fire loads, resources....water availability for instance....and just get a starting place to start at....as well as were you want to be. Keep track of the things you've accomplished. Let the plan be flexible....things will change. And as KRS suggested.....stay in the public eye. Make sure people know your there and what your doing. I see so many stations around my area keeping the media out of emergency situations.....when It's my scene.....I let them in as soon as possible. I want them to know what we're doing.<br /><br />You've taken on one helluva undertaking Alden....my hat's off to you.<br /><br />You already gotten some great help from the guys here on the forum. Please keep us updated to your progress and needs. Maybe some of us can help.<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[Texashotdog]

Re: Need help from member firefighters.

With all this when you gonna boat. By the way the Homeowners policy has a $500 allowance for fire service calls so send a bill and it might create a little income for you. Also contact the insurance companies who write business on the island and they might contribute something.