Carefree Truth

Issue #365, January 5, 2015

 

 

 

Rural/Metro Chief John Kraetz informed the Council that this was being brought before them because it involved a major and necessary rewrite of the existing document, initiated by Maricopa County, to bring it in line with surrounding communities, county, state, and federal plans.  Small changes can be handled administratively, so he doesn't expect to bring it before the Council again unless other major changes are required in the future by the county, state, or federal governments.

 

 

 

This document extends far beyond the Mutual Aid Agreement between the local area fire departments, providing a comprehensive regional "game plan" in the event of disasters or major emergencies.  It delineates who does what, and assigns a multitude of functions including HAZMAT, mass evacuations, road repairs, and acceptance of donations.  Chief Kraetz encouraged the Mayor, Town Administrator, and the heads of the Water and Streets Departments to read it, and encouraged the rest of the Council members to review it, calling it an extremely important document the day it is needed. It is available in hard copy at Carefree Town Hall and at the Carefree Fire Station, and is also available digitally.  

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane asked who wrote it.  Chief Kraetz replied that it was written by Maricopa County officials, Gary Neiss, and he.  The foundation was in place, but the finished document is 824 pages, and took 6-7 months to complete. Mayor Schwan said that in previous years, hard copies were distributed to the Council, but now members would be receiving it digitally.  The Mayor thanked Chief Kraetz.

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Les Peterson asked how binding the document is, and if it gives true authority.  Chief Kraetz explained that, for example, detailed and defined evacuation procedures tie into a regional plan.  The Vice Mayor asked if people would abide by the hierarchy.  Councilman Marty Saltzman asked if it was binding on the various agencies.  Councilman Glenn Miller was a Chicago firefighter for 26 years and has knowledge of these plans.  He said, "If you don't follow it, you don't get the funding." Chief Kraetz added, "More importantly, the document channels everyone to work together."  The Council unanimously voted to accept the revised Emergency Operations Plan.    

 

http://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/113818538/c28309ac24

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

Visit our website at www.carefreetruth.com

If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list please contact me, and feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Please support our merchants.  Visit our Carefree Desert Gardens website at http://www.carefree-desert-gardens.com/Carefree_Desert_Gardens/Welcome.html