Yesterday, I wrote a short article "NBC blew it. Then they blew it again."about how NBC and Brian Williams mishandling of their response to a fire alarm during a live news broadcast did our nation's public a great disservice.

A little digging, and I found this today in the Washington Post:

A NBC News rep told The Associated Press it was just a drill and that technicians couldn’t immediately turn off loudspeakers on Williams’ new studio — as if that somehow made it seem better, not worse.

If Brian Williams truly knew that there was no need for alarm, a simple single-sentence explanation would have kept our nation's schoolchildren from wondering "why the pretty newsman isn't going outside."

Today, a video out from the folks over at Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" shows just how foolish the response was.

At the end, a choice to laugh it all off.

Ha ha ha.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Ha.

All better now?

Stay stoked!

-J

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Whenever I give a size up upon arrival of a commercial fire alarm with people huddled outside in the parking lot, I never use the phrase “the building has been evacuated.”  Why?  More times than not, someone, apparently armed with omniscience (look it up) or at the very least a crystal ball refuses to budge.  Either the uninterrupted status of their valuable task at hand is paramount to life safety, or they are much too important (or comfortable) to be bothered by the multi-thousand dollar alarm system to move from their post.

Better to say “occupants are exiting the building” and remember that someone’s ass is still probably glued to their leather chair. 

What are the chances that the alarm is false?  What are the chances that there is no fire?  What are the chances that it’s just burnt popcorn again by those secretaries on the third floor?

Pretty high.

But what if?

And further, what if that one "glue-ass" morphs into two?  Then four.  And so on and so on….

This is why what happened Tuesday evening is another huge blow to the fine folks in the fire prevention bureau.  If NBC doesn’t stop what they’re doing and evacuate when the fire alarm sounds, why should anyone else?

What does this teach our school children?  I think it will never get that far, but does anyone still remember “Our Lady of Angels?”  Thank God our children still evacuate when they hear an alarm.  They are still smarter than some of the adults who grace God’s green earth.

Why is it that commercial buildings are never fully evacuated when the fire alarm goes off? 

There are many, but one of the primary reasons was further implanted in millions of American’s minds Tuesday night.  In the midst of NBC’s live network newscast, the fire alarm went off.  Did they evacuate?

Nope.

Earlier this summer, I was invited into the very room where Brian Williams’ desk sits for the nightly news.  I can vouch for the fact that there is no quick way out of this inner Sanctum, nor the busy control room off to Brian’s right.  If there had been an actual fire, we would have lost who some call “America’s hardest working news anchor.”

Obviously, it's very difficult to drop everything and flip off the switch when we are surprised by the fire alarm.  Which is exactly why such an incident needs to be planned for in advance, practiced, and put into play each time a fire alarm is activated.  Does NBC have such a plan?

One night later, I'm watching Brian Williams now on this evening's news cast.  He apologized.  Not for their inaction.  He expressed sorrow for the viewers who had to put up with what happened. 

Too hard on NBC?  Then so be it.  They dealt the fire service a huge blow by their non-actions on live TV in front of millions.  Then they blew it again by missing an opportunity to set their viewers straight on what should be done when the fire alarm sounds.

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Fire Prevention is now Risk Reduction

On Firefighter Netcast last week, we were privileged to listen in to an informal back-and-forth discussion between five nationally-recognized Fire Chiefs and State Fire Marshal’s on Chief Billy Hayes’ premiere show, “Stop, Drop, and Roll With the Punches.”

If you haven’t heard this fascinating program, please take the time to check it out here.

The guests spoke of the new role that faces us as promoters of fire prevention, that being “risk reduction” on a community level.  The fire service finds itself beyond reacting and responding, evolving into the star of the “risk reduction” role in our communities.

That doesn’t mean say good-bye to stop, drop, and roll, or the importance of Exit Drills in the Home (my department’s Sparky costume will still need to be laundered on a more frequent basis). Kids will always need to learn safety, and we will always be there for them.

But now administrators are forced to find more and more to cut. Savvy leaders are looking at adopting a strategy of risk reduction as an investment that could potentially produce huge returns down the road.

My good friend and fire service leader, Chris Naum, posted an article on The Company Officer yesterday on this very subject as well:

“Fire departments will need to shift from traditional emergency responses services and transition into a combination of emergency responses services with a primary focus on being a community reduction team focusing on public safety in a multidimensional approach of safe buildings through code enforcement, building requirements, environmental impact, community safety, responder safety, community health and wellness and community risk reduction through research and education. We will become the mother ship that guides critical thinking in all aspects of safety throughout our community:

An ounce of prevention is worth a boat load of money

We know that a little money now will save us big money later.  If you buy into this principle, then you‘re at the starting gate.  Now how do make it happen in your community while the winds are not right for increased revenues on any level?

We need to become effective communicators with our constituents.  We need to be able to build and foster relationships with city hall that will make them eager students when we educate them on the possibilities of “risk reduction.”  We’ll need to become masters of salesmanship and teachers of the year.

One of the guests on the Netcast, Chief Dennis Rubin, has worn the hats of both fire chief and city administrator.  It is from from that unique experience which he urges fire chiefs to meet more frequently with city managers and to “be frank and be direct.”  We’ll need to be up front and provide honest assessments that city council can work with.

And for us to do that, we’ll need to provide accurate and comprehensive data. Unfortunately, many of us have little or no data to use as our proof of need.  It’s the cops, flush with all kinds of charts, graphs, and percentages can clearly quantify their successes, and thus, are winning the battle for the funding!

This is exactly why we in the fire service will have to become masters of salesmanship.  We have to concentrate on fostering the  necessary relationships with our public and elected officials to convince them that such an investment in risk reduction will pay off handsomely.

Let’s take back some of the loot going to the cops!

Ammunition

Chief Rubin points us to CitiStat, a data-driven management approach which originated in Baltimore and utilizes real-time performance information to improve resource allocation and deployment decisions, develops more effective operational practices, provides relentless follow up and assessment, and ensures accountability throughout government. The program was a 2004 Innovations in American Government Award winner, and has been adopted by numerous agencies throughout the nation and internationally as well..

Is CitiStat something that fits into your management process?  Back in 2007, as his research project for the National Fire Academy’s Executive Officer Program, Fire Chief Gregory Bulanow of the North Charleston (SC) Fire Department focused on determining the efficacy of CitiStat for his department.  His research paper is available online and is a great place to start your foray into using this tool in your agency..

If CitiStat does not fit your local needs, at least it demonstrates how it is possible to share real-time data to track our successes and failures, in a way to get our agencies to work together in an efficient, cohesive way.  Perhaps applying just some of CitiStat’s principles to your management team can make the difference between having true data to rely upon, or punt and hope you get it close.  Just by meeting with your department heads and administration every couple of weeks, you’ll experience a shared resolve, incredible communication, accountability, and the growth of a healthy working relationship vital for our continued success.

Is that what both you and your city manager might want?

Another Huge Transition

I believe we find ourselves in the midst of another huge transition in the fire service.  The time is now to plan how you can successfully navigate your way through this change and emerge on the other side with a healthy and efficient organization that continues to provide the high level of service demanded by our communities.

Sometimes change is good.  But change is also inevitable.

Are you prepared for it?

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She's not a firefighter, but now she gets it!.

Last week, Fire Daily shared a video forwarded us in which Palatine Council members spoke glowingly about the time they shared on a Saturday with their village’s firefighters.

Now we have the video of the actual Fire Ops program these council members and others attended in northwest suburban Chicago. This particular Fire Ops 101 program was offered by Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, and Des Plaines Fire Department’s IAFF locals in an attempt to enhance the relationship between firefighters and those who make decisions for them.

After watching this video, be sure to check out how those who hold the purse strings reacted to their time spent with their firefighters.  You will be blown away at what they have to say.

Here’s another video from north suburban Evanston, Illinois recorded last year, courtesy of Evanston’s Local 742.  It also includes the immediate reaction reaction (read: payoff) of many of the local administration who attended.  Again, time well spent.

Many of us have made the visits to schools, churches, and community centers during Fire Prevention Week . We talk to our citizens about the importance of smoke detectors, and we teach children how to stop drop and roll. We hope this type of fire prevention will save property and lives.

Now we should add one other cog to the fire prevention machinery- getting a message across to those decision-makers about what we need to do what we do on a daily basis.

Like teaching kids how to crawl on the floor and feel the door, our fire prevention message to those who hold our purse strings can be just as important as it relates to our ability to effectively save property and lives.

This type of program is an absolute must if we desire the equipment, the staffing, and the training necessary to provide a vital, top-notch service to our communities. Let’s work to bring public safety back to where it belongs- off-limits to the budget axes swinging these days.

To find out more on this much-needed and highly successful program, please visit the IAFF’s website here, or google Fire Ops 101 for more information including success stories and videos from across the nation.

Stay stoked!

-J

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The next time the guys upstairs call and ask you to produce a simple public safety announcement, remember how these Midland, Michigan firefighters responded.

Instead of creating the same old tired, “thou shall not” PSA’s, “Mix Master Mark and the Ax Men” decided to take their project down a different road.

The result?  With a little help from CNN, their video on YouTube went viral.

“It seems like the female group around the 40 age has been picking up on it. Hopefully, they’ll show their kids the message in the video,” one of the “Ax Men” Steve Makowski said with a chuckle.

If you want to sing along, here are the group words:

Fire…script…fuse…floor…partake…fool…date…fable…’sition…Randy…crime…rocket…brotha…try…Fudd…illegal…submit…illegit…gang…stray…WORD!

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Dousing Arson with Community Arson Prevention

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) announces this year’s Arson Awareness Week theme – Community Arson Prevention. The USFA will partner with the International Association of Arson Investigators, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), USAonWatch, National Association of State Fire Marshals, National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Insurance Committee for Arson Control.

The goal for this year’s Arson Awareness Week, which takes place May 2 – 8, 2010, is to focus attention on the horrific crime of arson and provide communities with tools and strategies to combat arson in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and places of worship.

Almost 8,000 Firefighters are Injured Each Year in Arson Fires – Ten Firefighters are Murdered

According to the USFA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated average of 316,600 intentional fires are reported to fire departments in the United States each year causing injuries to 7,825 firefighters and civilians. In 2006, ten firefighters died as a result of arson. In addition to needless injury and death, an estimated $1.1 billion in direct property loss occurs annually.

Arson robs communities of its valuable assets – lives and property. Arson destroys more than buildings: it can devastate a community resulting in the decline of the neighborhood through increased insurance premiums, loss of business revenue, and a decrease in property values.

What Can Be Done in Your Community?

Communities can develop a Watch Program, partnering with their local fire department, law enforcement, insurance providers, business leaders, churches, and local community groups. Neighborhoods can reduce the likelihood of arson occurring by promoting neighborhood watches and educate people about recognizing and reporting unusual activities along with implementing improved internal and external security for homes and businesses.

Resources Available for Download from the United States Fire Administration

The USFA makes it easy for you and your agency to take part in this effort.  Download sample proclamations, checklists for arson prevention for businesses, schools, and places of worship:

• 2010 Arson Awareness Week Media Kit (PDF, 2.2 Mb)
• 2010 Arson Awareness Week Flyer (PDF, 192 Kb)
• 2010 Arson Awareness Week Public Service Announcement

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A view of Los Angeles 2009 Station Fire.  (Kevin Dean/Flickr.com)

Just like Groundhog Day kept kicking Bill Murray’s ass, we can count on the upcoming wildfire season to provide a boot of its own- yet again.  As she has for ages, Mother Nature will provide wildland firefighters with more than enough with which to contend.

As state and federal agencies face dwindling resources and taxpayer funding, wildland firefighters find themselves thinking outside the box- looking for new and creative methods to meet these challenges.  Constantly-evolving 21st-century technology are generating some pretty cool new arrows to fill their depleted quivers.

Personal Personnel GPS

Even the simplest GPS navigational devices can also prove indispensible in the hands of out-of-town firefighters trying to locate water sources fast while working in unfamiliar territory. Devices like the Spot Personal Tracker, a budget-friendly gadget and service combination used by some hikers in mountainous terrain, also has potential. It sends signals to a satellite where there is no cell tower or pager network. Just as it does for hikers, it could send “here I am” messages from firefighters back to a server, which would mark a global map with dots or spots giving fire commanders critical firefighter location information at a glance.

Flying Eyes

Imagine you are footing it around the side of a mountain, looking for the best way to attack the fire as it burns in areas close by, yet unable to be seen due to terrain. Wouldn’t it be nice to fly your eyeballs around your immediate area to avoid wasting time and energy going somewhere to look?  Now, an innovative system designed to fly small unmanned aerial vehicles around, rather than above, forest fires. It’s so compact that it could be used by firefighters on scene and stored on fire trucks when not in use. SwissCopter’s Fire Mission system consists of a mobile cockpit, a backpack and the Peyelot helmet, a headset that can pick up signals within the UAV’s 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) range. If you move your head while wearing the helmet, the camera on board the UAV will follow your movements in real time. It looks like you are on board the UAV, and you see everything as if you were on board. No time is lost in getting the images and information to the firefighters; because they are operating the system themselves.

At a potential cost of zero, San Diego State University has an interesting take on another UAV that can be used virtually anywhere by almost anyone. The drones are demonstrated in this video.  They carry two cameras, one for high-resolution photos, and another for real-time video that can be monitored by an IC on the ground. They offer better imagery than NASA’s Ikhana UAV for a mere fraction of the cost and immediacy that can’t be beat.

These UAVs clearly are a welcome new tool. Improved models are definitely viable and will likely be developed as budgets permit, so it can be expected that the civil use of UAVs in wildfire fighting will expand. With the optimal craft, you could fly around a fire, collect imagery, process it, send it down to the ground, and maybe get a fire perimeter every 10 minutes.

Tree-mounted sensors

Better situational awareness is only the beginning. Knowing precisely which areas are at highest risk of fires could transform how we fight them. Voltree Power in Canton, Massachusetts, has developed a shoebox-size sensor that, planted one per acre, could gather microclimate information, such as spikes in temperature and drops in humidity, that signal a nascent fire. In April the Forest Service began field-testing the device, which can run for a decade on voltage generated from the pH imbalance between a tree and soil.

Tree-mounted Weather Sensor: One of Smokey’s new tools for keeping fire at bay  Courtesy of Christopher Huang

To help deal with the flood of new information, the Forest Service and the National Park Service will use the the Wildland Fire Decision Support System, an online tool that crunches data in real time, using fire behavior models and weather forecasts to determine whether to attack flames on foot or call in planes to dump fire-suppressant gel.

Even with technological advances in firefighting, perhaps the best way to minimize damage is to recognize that fires play a necessary role in restoring certain ecosystems, and so we should stop building in at-risk areas and use fire-retardant materials, says fire ecologist Max Mortiz of the University of California at Berkeley. Mortiz recently published data predicting that climate change will increase wildfire activity across much of the U.S. “We don’t fight earthquakes and floods — we coexist with them,” he says. “We need to learn to do the same with wildfires.”

As we progress toward this end, we may begin to see Groundhog Day scenarios give way to the the upcoming advent of spring- and St. Patrick’s Day!

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