Answering Questions About Fire Watch Guards
This years fire season has already started and so far the score is showing the fire fighters in the lead with several large fires under their belts in California, Nevada and Arizona. So far in 2005 we have not had any huge or "Mega Fires" but, cross your fingers that our luck continues. In the event that you are worried about your community after the very wet season of Winter 2005 and the tremendous growth you could want to consider starting an Arson Watch Program. If you elect to go for it and setup a team of volunteers to watch out for arson you will discover a few things you should be aware of about. I have written a zero cost online 21-page E-Book, that you just are welcome to read if you're thinking about starting such a group. It is available:
The most significant thing when establishing a community arson watch program is to involve the local agencies for example the fire department, police and any nearby Federal Agencies as an example the USDA Forest Service and/or BLM; bureau of land management. Below are a few quick pointers to assist you.
The Local Fire department will offer a Community Relations person to explain to participants the need to report arsonists and simple things you can do to minimize the potential exponential and aggressive natures of small containable fires until the fire department arrives with the correct tools to fight the Fire Watch Guards. They are going to explain the best way to setup roadblocks and secure easy access for fire vehicles to arrive. When to get out of there and which direction to go. They are going to also explain just what the reality of your limits are depending on the sort of equipment in your vehicle.
The USDAFS will explain what has been done, why the importance, water tables, this years potential exposure. They will provide handouts and safety tips and how to proceed, where to go and where to tune in; Prevention, communication and nature. Annually the USDAFS does extensive research in prevention and information collection. This is information everybody should be aware of who lives near forested areas, parks and mountainous area. The can provide the training that may help save the lives of you and also your family.
The Police department will offer a Community Relations person to describe to participants the need to report crimes and what is in fact a crime. Arson is a crime, one of the worst possible crimes. The police can explain how to detect suspicious behavior from a potential arsonist. They are going to explain that if a person cuts you off on the Highway it's an unfortunate situation but not a crime and to limit telephone calls to important things. Certainly, they will explain that the participants will be the eyes and ears of the Police, not vigilantes. The Police will also ask participants to have the police departments mobile phone number programmed into their cellular mobile devices and also to only use the 911 feature only for accidents involving arson activity, accident injuries and serious things. The Police-department may also offer the certificates to participants after they have completed the seminar, which will be signed by police chief or neighborhood Relations Officer.
City Council members will very likely endorse the project at a town council meeting and give a proclamation to the President of The Chamber of Commerce for the Chambers and local businesses service to community. Most towns or towns can allot at least $2,500.00 towards the project for the signage. Donations for the remained can often be obtained large companies in the area. By announcing it at a town council meeting the program shall get the publicity it needs to get quality participants.
