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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Nothing Is Really Free

Nothing is really free ...

So why is it that independent groups have such a hard time getting funding in good time and definitely during tougher times?

There are many agencies and organizations that benefit from the support resources of these independent groups. Yet there are those that will frown at the idea of not having control over the independent resources and go as far as to make sure that the funding that independent groups are eligible to receive never gets to them. As time has progressed there are those that are saying that it is getting harder to find good volunteers, rural fire departments are suffering, some services are even going as far as securing their doors and ceasing operation due to the lack of resources.

Yet there are those that are willing to help, they want to be independent in nature so the resources can be utilized by any agency that needs it without having to have the approval from a controlling agency first. There are those that have said they would be glad to help, but they can not afford to leave their work and when they can leave work, who covers their expenses for them?

We want instant access to the many support resources that are available, yet in order to have the resources available on short notice those that respond to the call need to know that expenses that they have will be covered. The challenge of maintaining equipment and the cost of transportation is definitely part of the problem. What about the cost of training and making sure the necessary equipment to provide a proper response is available? Then when the equipment is available what about the people that will operate the equipment, will they be able to handle the cost without some support financially?

The resources are present but what about the funding?

Nothing is really free ...

Posted by at 1:24 PM
Edited on: Thursday, November 13, 2008 1:29 PM
Categories: General, Operations

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Dynamic Paths

Just like other living things there are good and bad times for dynamic paths that are taken.

One can opt to be static yet knowing dynamic paths will move you.

 


What does this mean to those that work in the area of emergency response?

Be flexible with the methods that are used, yet maintain the basic standards that allow a incident operation to be conducted safely. Standards which remain static can be used as a basis for operation integrity and also represent a road map to a successful mission.

Standard Operation Procedures provide the static portion for operational planning yet they should also be dynamic so that when new methods are presented they can be placed into the Standard Operation Procedures as soon as possible.

Every situation, every incident is different, thus the need for being dynamic in operational style. At times incidents will take place that are not amongst the normal operational situations. This indeed is one of the times that we need to be dynamic in readiness and response.

Flexibility is a key ingredient to readiness and the “all hazard” approach to emergency response and planning.

As a organization which path are you opting for: static or dynamic flexibility?

Posted by at 7:37 PM
Edited on: Sunday, November 09, 2008 8:03 PM
Categories: Communications, General, Operations, Training

Welcome Back ...

Welcome Back to ALERTradio KANSAS - Northwest.

We are moving the web sites to a new server and as usually is the case getting the database to match up with the data and content is a bit tough. So here we are, trying out a different approach to getting the pages up and operational.

ALERTradio KANSAS - Northwest Stamp  

Posted by at 7:18 PM
Edited on: Sunday, November 09, 2008 7:28 PM
Categories: Communications, General, Operations, Training, Weather