Richardson Citizen's Fire Academy

Class 17, Week 2

Dinner was provided by "Steve's Deli", which consisted of make-it-yourself sandwiches, chips and drinks. Since the weather was a bit bad, they switched week 2 and 7. We were *supposed* to be outside most of this session, but the change will keep us indoors instead. Not only that, but next Sunday's switch to DST will give us an extra hour of daylight outside.

We heard from Matt Garrett, from the office of emergency management. He had a lot of information from various agencies, and we got a lot of information that was provided by wwwKnowWhat2Do.com, including a DVD, booklet, and reference card. We got handouts and learned about the SNAP program. SNAP also provided us all with a first aid kit. They gave us a refrigerator magnet with the poison control number (1-800-222-1222) listed on it. The KnowWhat2Do philosophy is based on Think*Prepare*Act, and we learned about Richardson's plans along those three lines. We learned about Richardson's plans in all kinds of emergencies, and the likelyhood of them all. Matt advised us about our own home and car "kits", and how we should prepare ourselves for an emergency in which we lose services like water and power. He talked about water, food, camera, battery-operated or crank-up radio and flashlight, Leatherman, first aid kit, medications. If you have pets, don't forget their food and dishes for their water and food. If you've got kids, diapers, formula, wipes, etc. Whistle, filter masks, maps, Clorox wipes, space blanket... He mentioned that there is government funding coming soon that will help provide up to half the cost of a storm shelter (safe room), bringing the cost of such a thing from about $6000 to a little more affordable $3000.

Steve Jennings talked to us about the Trash Bash coming up on April 23 and passed out information about that.

We learned about the Ride Out program's rules and procedures, got information in writing, and were given the opportunity to sign up. We have to wear closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes), jeans, and our Academy T-Shirt. We were told about good optional "bribery items" to bring along. Station #2 likes Blue Bell ice cream. Station #6 likes chips and salsa and peanut butter. Go figure. I signed up for a Ride Out on Tuesday 3/13 from 9-5 at station #2. I'll get to spend the whole day at the station, work with the firemen, and will go along on any alarm calls they receive.

At 9pm we all convoyed down Greenville Aveue and got a tour of the 911 Communications Center. When we arrived, they informed us that they were handling two separate "in progress" calls upstairs, and we could come up, but we'd have to be very quiet until the excitement was over. So we hung around outside a glass wall and watched what was happening, and got a demonstration of the computer hardware and software on an extra workstation that was set apart from the main area.