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This isnt a bad idea, it just depends on where you are from, how available this information is. It is easy here at the Beach since we are our own city and alot of our members are involved in the different departments within the city.
Im sure it is much more difficult dealing with town or county agencies, they might not be as willing to share pertinent information.
Having "connections" and knowing people in different agencies throughout the county is defiantly a plus.
But just because you never dealt with an agency before or you dont have "connections" with the agency doesn't mean you shouldn't contact them. Call the agency up and introduce yourself. Get their contact information and some names of people you possibly might have to deal with either during an emergency or for questions.
Having "connections" and knowing people in different agencies throughout the county is defiantly a plus.
But just because you never dealt with an agency before or you dont have "connections" with the agency doesn't mean you shouldn't contact them. Call the agency up and introduce yourself. Get their contact information and some names of people you possibly might have to deal with either during an emergency or for questions.
My dept keeps a database with a good amount of agencies in it. For each agency we have names and titles, addresses, email addresses and phone/fax numbers. We try our best to update the information once a year so we know the contact information is current and up to date.
My dept keeps a database with a good amount of agencies in it. For each agency we have names and titles, addresses, email addresses and phone/fax numbers. We try our best to update the information once a year so we know the contact information is current and up to date.
when me and my fellow inspectors do inspections we try and get business cards from store owners, and when we have alarms when other agencies arrive we do the same, it also helps with the paperwork after the call. all the cards are kept in a roladex in the dispatchers room.
The Database/Rolodex idea is a great one, both for agencies and as well as business owners/managers....
But, it is also very time consuming- businesses change hands constantly- the place that sold pool tables Monday is now an Ice Cream Shop.
Agencies are typically easier, as phone numbers dont change all that often. But, people do. The person you speak to today may be off, on vacation, or retired tomorrow.
One tool that should be in everyone's arsenal, including chiefs cars, engines, trucks, ambulances, etc. is a laminated phone list. List of agencies & their phone numbers.
When we get hammered by a storm, dispatchers typically have their plates full. It's a lot easier & quicker to make the notification yourself.
Dispatchers relay info- when it comes from someone "first hand" its typically a smoother process.
Oh, and back to the original subject at hand, connections & networking is always key, but, even if you dont have a connection, more than likely you'll find the flow of information lately is pretty dran good.
Both the NCFM's office & TOH have been nothing but cooperative to many an agency, we're all on the same team, and I think people are becoming more aware of the dangers that are poppiing daily in our once "quiet" communities.
Collaboration between various agencies is a must. I do believe it is happening on different levels throughout the county. Advances in technology will continue to make this happen on a much broader level, but I agree with MFD594 that old fashion connections and networking enhance the entire process.
I'm on a federal HazMat team and we try and keep good ties with all the local entities we may have to deal with. We have a Liason agent who is the main POC and he does some serious "Networking"
Outside Agencies
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