“Tree in wires” calls can be real nuisances during and after electrical storms or other weather events. They can require a crew and apparatus to remain on location to await the electric utility company’s arrival, sometimes knowing that other units are responding to the working job on the other side of town. These aren’t the only types of electrical emergencies to which we might be called, however. Firefighters and officers alike must know their department’s SOPs and SOGs for dealing with electric utility emergencies, not only for civilian safety but for responder safety as well.
This drill is very similar in structure to last week’s drill, Pipeline Emergencies. Contact a local electric utility company and ask for a training session for fire suppression personnel. Some utility companies may be able to offer the session at their facilities in addition to coming to your company. Every distribution company has a safety officer who provides training services. Be sure to outline the information you want the company to provide. Some possible points include:
- Describe the distribution network in your first-due area;
- Describe the location and layout of local distribution stations;
- Describe hazards involving distribution stations and emergency access to distribution stations;
- Describe the recommended proactive for rescuing victims at distribution stations;
- Describe the techniques used by the utility in handling hot lines;
- Recommend techniques for dealing with lines down on vehicles with priority one patients;
- Describe the utility’s emergency response capability, specifically how to get help, what that help will be, and the likely response time; and
- Describe some incidents where things have gone well and where things that have gone poorly. What lessons have been learned from these incidents?
Recommend a time limit for the presentation that will allow for a question-and-answer period. Keep in mind that the longer members sit, the more likely they are to become antsy and lose focus.
Also be sure to get feedback from the members. Be sure to send a thank-you letter to the utility company.
At the drill’s conclusion, discuss what went right, what went wrong, and what should be done differently the next time.
If you have a similar drill idea and wish to share it, please e-mail: chrism@pennwell.com.
To review training officer and safety officer considerations, visit http://fe.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=OnlineArticles&SubSection=HOME&PUBLICATION_ID=25&ARTICLE_ID=202453 to review training officer and safety officer considerations.
For more information on this drill, including a list of references, visit http://store.yahoo.com/pennwell/voltraindril.html to purchase Volunteer Training Drills–A Year of Weekly Drills.
