Our department has set out a few guidlines for us to follow in the wake of the attack. I'd like to share a few of them and maybe give ideas to other firefighters since this is something that we don't necessarily make pre-plans on. Please share some things that you and your department are doing. It might give ideas on how to minimize the effects or terrorist attacks on out home towns.
1. We do not leave any FD vehicle unattended. That means that out morning run to the grocery store will be one person short. We do not folow this on runs, just for normal day to day chores that require us to leave the medics and engins unattended. We have been told that terrorists could steal ambulances and engines in an attempt to get closer to potential targets.
2. Close the bay doors. We do this (when the door closer button thing works) on most of our calls already.
3. Be aware that some Americans will lash out and commit hate crimes against people they think look like terrorists. Be aware that helping an injured victim of a hate crime might anger tha attacker enough to bring harm to the rescue worker. Don't hesitate to call for police backup.
So far this is about all we have as far as new policy goes. We have also been told to conduct more indepth sceen size ups and be aware. Which goes without saying. My station is in the direct flight path of DFW airport, I saw my station from the air last month when I was returning from Vegas (which on a side note is alot of fun). So I'm watching the sky alot more than usual. Please contribute any ideas that either you or your department has thought of. It might spark a new idea or impliment a new protocol that could save a few lives. Be safe and keep your heads up. We may have lost alot of brothers and sisters but as long as the fire service lives on, so will they.
1. We do not leave any FD vehicle unattended. That means that out morning run to the grocery store will be one person short. We do not folow this on runs, just for normal day to day chores that require us to leave the medics and engins unattended. We have been told that terrorists could steal ambulances and engines in an attempt to get closer to potential targets.
2. Close the bay doors. We do this (when the door closer button thing works) on most of our calls already.
3. Be aware that some Americans will lash out and commit hate crimes against people they think look like terrorists. Be aware that helping an injured victim of a hate crime might anger tha attacker enough to bring harm to the rescue worker. Don't hesitate to call for police backup.
So far this is about all we have as far as new policy goes. We have also been told to conduct more indepth sceen size ups and be aware. Which goes without saying. My station is in the direct flight path of DFW airport, I saw my station from the air last month when I was returning from Vegas (which on a side note is alot of fun). So I'm watching the sky alot more than usual. Please contribute any ideas that either you or your department has thought of. It might spark a new idea or impliment a new protocol that could save a few lives. Be safe and keep your heads up. We may have lost alot of brothers and sisters but as long as the fire service lives on, so will they.
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