SOP #43: Adverse Weather Operations

Question 1

Why is it important for members to have have a pre-plan at home during adverse weather?

Answer 1

members may be away from home for more than forty-eight (48) hours

Question 2

Who shall maintain contact with National Weather Service (NWS), PEMA (Providence, Emergency Management Agency) + RIEMA (RI Emergency Management Agency)

Answer 2

Command Staff + on duty Chief Officers

Question 3

When can an officer of the department be assigned to the Emergency Support Function (ESF) 4 position as a liaison?

Answer 3

When an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at PEMA is established.

Question 4

During adverse weather conditions which equipment will be identified and made available for deployment as needed?

Answer 4

snowplows, backhoes, pay loaders, tow trucks + Parks Department’s forestry equipment

Question 5

In what instances will the ACOD of operations or DAC issue an adverse weather operations announcement via department communications network?

Answer 5

It is apparent that weather conditions will impact normal fire operations
NWS warning, watch, advisory or special weather statement has been issued

Question 6

Who will have the authority to temporarily suspend operations at any incident when weather conditions present too high of a risk?

Answer 6

Safety Operations Battalion

Question 7

For storm preparations members shall test?

Answer 7

all powered equipment and ensure fluid levels on apparatus and powered equipment is at proper levels

Question 8

What shall members ensure during adverse weather conditions when it comes to battery-powered equipment?

Answer 8

Spares and battery-powered equipment are fully charged

Question 9

During adverse weather conditions heating oil levels will be checked and report as needed to?

Answer 9

District Chief

Question 10

What is the acceptable threshold sustained winds for field operations?

Answer 10

sixty five (65) miles per hour (mph)

Question 11

What type of period will be in effect until winds drop below the 65 mph treshold?

Answer 11

No-go period

Question 12

Who will have the authority to allow operations during sustained winds greater than sixty-five (65) mph?

Answer 12

ACOD for Operations + DAC

Question 13

Providence FD Aerial devices are capable of operating safely during sustained winds speed of ?

Answer 13

thirty-five (35) mph or lower

Question 14

Units are to treat downed wires as live wires until?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What is the safest way for fire department personnel to move energized power lines in an event of a condition imminently dangerous to life?

Answer 15

currently no safe way for FD

Question 16

What actions shall members take in removing downed wires from people and /or vehicles?

Answer 16

Members shall not take any action until wires are de-energized by the utility company

Question 17

T or F: Attempt to remove occupants from vehicle in contact with wires until wires?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Although members may use caution tape to secure area in question. How far away should we be from downed wires?

Answer 18

twenty five (25) feet

Question 19

What is voltage gradient?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What shall members give to the BOC?

Answer 20

the pole number of the closest utility pole to the incident

Question 21

At what point shall companies inspect all hydrants following a snowstorm?

Answer 21

within twenty-four (24) hours following the end of the snowstorm
- District chief shall inspect periodically

Question 22

What should the winter bag have at a minimum?

Answer 22

extra shirt, gloves and socks

Question 23

When an aerial device has been exposed to below zero temperatures without operating for a prolonged period, what should be done?

Answer 23

engage Power Take Off (PTO) allow fluids to circulate at a low throttle for one (1) minute before operating ladder or outriggers function

Question 24

What should be drained after use in freezing temperatutes?

Answer 24

Waterway pipes

Question 25

What are some tactics to use when operating in flooded roadways?

Answer 25

Exercise extreme caution, manhole covers may be displaced.
Use a pole to test area in front.

Question 26

What should be done in flooded area?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

When shall apparatus not be driven in flooded areas?

Answer 27

if operator cannot account for boundaries of the roadway

Question 28

Apparatus shall not be driven in flooded areas when the water is?

Answer 28

above the hub on their apparatus wheels.

Question 29

Who shall be notified as soon as possible after any apparatus drives through a flooded area?

Answer 29

Automotive Repair Division

Question 30

What shall members include in after-action reports?

Answer 30

each incident operated at,
minutes of service, disposition,
operational challenges and suggestions for improvements