SOP #43: Adverse Weather Operations Flashcards
Why is it important for members to have have a pre-plan at home during adverse weather?
members may be away from home for more than forty-eight (48) hours
Who shall maintain contact with National Weather Service (NWS), PEMA (Providence, Emergency Management Agency) + RIEMA (RI Emergency Management Agency)
Command Staff + on duty Chief Officers
When can an officer of the department be assigned to the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 4 position as a liaison?
When an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at PEMA is established.
During adverse weather conditions which equipment will be identified and made available for deployment as needed?
snowplows, backhoes, pay loaders, tow trucks + Parks Department’s forestry equipment
In what instances will the ACOD of operations or DAC issue an adverse weather operations announcement via department communications network?
It is apparent that weather conditions will impact normal fire operations
NWS warning, watch, advisory or special weather statement has been issued
Who will have the authority to temporarily suspend operations at any incident when weather conditions present too high of a risk?
Safety Operations Battalion
For storm preparations members shall test?
all powered equipment and ensure fluid levels on apparatus and powered equipment is at proper levels
What shall members ensure during adverse weather conditions when it comes to battery-powered equipment?
Spares and battery-powered equipment are fully charged
During adverse weather conditions heating oil levels will be checked and report as needed to?
District Chief
What is the acceptable threshold sustained winds for field operations?
sixty five (65) miles per hour (mph)
What type of period will be in effect until winds drop below the 65 mph treshold?
No-go period
Who will have the authority to allow operations during sustained winds greater than sixty-five (65) mph?
ACOD for Operations + DAC
Providence FD Aerial devices are capable of operating safely during sustained winds speed of ?
thirty-five (35) mph or lower
Units are to treat downed wires as live wires until?
An on-scene utility company representative confirms that the wires have been de-energized.
note: other wires can be energized if tangled w/power lines
What is the safest way for fire department personnel to move energized power lines in an event of a condition imminently dangerous to life?
currently no safe way for FD
What actions shall members take in removing downed wires from people and /or vehicles?
Members shall not take any action until wires are de-energized by the utility company
T or F: Attempt to remove occupants from vehicle in contact with wires until wires?
F: do attempt to remove occupants from vehicle in contact with wires until wires are de-energized by the utility company or confirmation from two (2) hot sticks that there is no unshielded AC voltage present.
Although members may use caution tape to secure area in question. How far away should we be from downed wires?
twenty five (25) feet
What is voltage gradient?
ground immediately near a fallen wire that may be energized.
- avoid metal gratings, manholes, fences, puddles, wet grass, guardrails, etc.
- electrical potential difference between two (2) points separated by a certain distance
What shall members give to the BOC?
the pole number of the closest utility pole to the incident
At what point shall companies inspect all hydrants following a snowstorm?
within twenty-four (24) hours following the end of the snowstorm
- District chief shall inspect periodically
What should the winter bag have at a minimum?
extra shirt, gloves and socks
When an aerial device has been exposed to below zero temperatures without operating for a prolonged period, what should be done?
engage Power Take Off (PTO) allow fluids to circulate at a low throttle for one (1) minute before operating ladder or outriggers function
What should be drained after use in freezing temperatutes?
Waterway pipes
What are some tactics to use when operating in flooded roadways?
Exercise extreme caution, manhole covers may be displaced.
Use a pole to test area in front.
What should be done in flooded area?
apparatus shall be brought to a complete stop. proceed w/caution at slow rate of speed in the center roadway.
operators shall test the apparatus brakes after driving through flooded areas.
When shall apparatus not be driven in flooded areas?
if operator cannot account for boundaries of the roadway
Apparatus shall not be driven in flooded areas when the water is?
above the hub on their apparatus wheels.
Who shall be notified as soon as possible after any apparatus drives through a flooded area?
Automotive Repair Division
What shall members include in after-action reports?
each incident operated at,
minutes of service, disposition,
operational challenges and suggestions for improvements
