WTC updates:

[E229Lt]

I must first state that I, in no way am a spokesperson for or a PIO for the FDNY. I will pick and choose my words carefully and hope nobody confuses my words as being representitive of the FDNY Administration. That being said...

Last night saw the dig continue. It is not just the FDNY in there. The pile now swarms with, Police, Fire, EMS, Iron workers, Carpenters, Electricians, Military Personnel, Tin Knockers, Sandhogs, Search Dogs, Sound Technicians, Paid and Volunteer Fire, EMS and Police from everywhere. Or to group them all with one word, "AMERICANS"!!!

While the FDNY's Chief officers remain in charge, the cooperation and respect for thier orders from all has been astounding.

The yells come up for quiet, and in seconds, the scene falls silent. Everyone looking to a point of hope as an area listens for a sound from below. False alarms come all to often and the work continues.

A call of "DOG" is heard and one of the many dogs are brought to and area. The line parts for one of these truly unique animals as they examine an area as everyone watches with a look of total admiration for thier senses.

Other calls like "Iron" brings the crane and it's men who lift tonnage as we lift buckets. "Water" for the welders, "Buckets" for the dig points, "Camera" for the voids.

One of my members said "it's like trying to clear the beach of sand with a teaspoon" never pausing as he spoke.

Our country's worst day is fast becoming America's finest hour.

God bless AMERICANS

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: E229lt ]

[ 09-15-2001: Message edited by: E229lt ]

[distchief60b]

E229Lt....We have been told via Firehouse.com editorials and stories as well as new to NOT com there. I want to come. We have been told to contact FEMA....Is there some magic number that is not busy?

Can you give us a contact# that we can call so we can find out if they want us, how to get there, where to go, what to bring, how long they want us to stay?

I am only one person, but myself and my gf (firefighter medic) have talked about it and would like to be there. But to travel all that way and be turned away would be even more frustrating.

Help us out brother!

God bless you and all you do!

[E229Lt]

Check some contact numbers at www.fdny.org

[Leiut64]

THANKS FOR THE UPDATE I AM PLANNING TO LEAVE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS CAN YOU RECOMMEND A PLACE TO PARK A CAR AND GO IN OR A PLACE TO STAY AND GO IN. OR IS THERE A CHANCE TO GO TO A STATION IN OR AROUND THE CITY. E229LT ANY HELP WIL GREATLY BE APPRECIATED

[webteam]

Departments and individuals are urged to work with their state's emergency management agency to advise what resources may be available if such time
arises that additional resources are needed.


Any outside help will be requested, if needed, by New York officials
through the IAFF and Federal Emergency Management Agency.



It is requested
that individuals or groups do not simply show up on the scene without proper authorization first, for
both accountability and security reasons.

WebTeam

[Dalmatian90]

Do not self-dispatch!

If NYC needs additional resources, those resources are ready to respond on a few hours notice. They are ready through the official channels of FEMA and the State Emergency Management Agencies which have been planning for a time like this since the 1950s.

The next months, years are going to be interesting times.

It's hard to resist the urge to rush in, but we must use the fire service's greatest assest -- our ability to act Organized.

It is very likely this will not be the last major incident in the next few years as the terrorist organizations are dismantled piece by piece.

Here's a challenge for everyone: Take your energy you have now, and look at your own department. What are your plans and contigencies in place in case another incident like this happens in the city near you?

While it is still early, I would not be surprised if we end up for an extended amount of time having fire departments pledging resources available for 5-day deployments. How will your department choose how to send? What do they need to pack and bring to be self-sufficient except for Diesel fuel for 5 days, or more?

While I'm sure the help that did self-dispatch was appreciated, we are several days into the incident and long past the time for everyone to madly rush in. But it's time to make sure each and every fire station in the nation has it's act together and knows what their role will be in different scenarios.

Matt

[E229Lt]

Seeing the Webteam post I reread my intial topic. I may well have implied going directly to the command post without authorization or being requested. I'm sorry, this was not what I meant.

I meant to say, only, be sure you are logged in at the command post before entering the area for accountability.

Go to www.fdny.org for contact phone numbers.

[Lewiston2FF]

E229lt,
Thank you for the update. I know from the western end of the state things are pretty confusing. We see that assistance is still being accepted in the city, but those of us that are awaiting deployment are being told our services are not needed. Please know that your brothers and sisters from Western NY are ready to respond if, and when you need us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay safe.