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2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires: Difference between revisions
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2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires (view source)
Revision as of 11:48, 26 December 2023
, 26 December 2023→References and Notes
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* Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests. | * Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests. | ||
=== Observation #9: Map wayfinding === | |||
'''''When mapping a site that is in a large parking lot, label the parking lot lanes to coordinate site locations.''''' | |||
Some NET volunteers created site maps numerically or alphabetically labeling lanes of the parking lot site. The evacuation site had no pre-designated spots and evacuees came and went freely with no check-in or check-out process. Therefore, labeling the lanes on a map proved helpful when planning the location of resources, tracking how different RVs moved to different spots on the site, or confirming that an RV or camper arrived or left the site entirely. Taking this idea a step further and marking each parking lot lane with signs would facilitate wayfinding in future deployments at similar sites. | |||
'''Recommendations:''' | |||
* On site maps where evacuees are camping in a large parking lot, decide on and implement a system for labeling parking lot lanes. | |||
* Match signs to the labeling system, plant them, and use them for wayfinding throughout the incident. | |||
=== Observation #10: NETs and evacuation site security === | |||
'''''The presence of NET volunteers can effectively improve the safety and security of an evacuation site.''''' | |||
NET volunteers are not security officers by training or mission. PBEM trains volunteers to report suspicious persons who appear to have no productive business at an evacuation site to security officers or the police. Nonetheless, a command post managed by uniformed volunteers appeared to discourage unwanted visitors and curious onlookers. Anecdotal reports suggested that the presence alone of professional volunteers conveyed a sense of order and safety. | |||
Volunteers enhanced this impression with regular foot patrols around the perimeter. Volunteers greeted (not confronted) unfamiliar persons and asked if they needed help. CTC security helpfully approached and intervened as needed when volunteers’ hails were rebuffed. In one particularly jarring incident, the scrutiny of NET volunteers helped chase off a person who arrived at the evacuation center impersonating a FEMA representative and told evacuees they had to leave the site. Though this offender was not caught before authorities arrived, he received an appropriately chilling welcome from the volunteers on duty. | |||
PBEM and NET can enhance non-confrontational security simply by knowing better who belongs on site as an evacuee (see Observation 5). | |||
'''Recommendations:''' | |||
* Offer training to NET volunteers on non-confrontational site security techniques, and continue to make de-escalation training regularly available. | |||
* Follow recommendations in Observation 5 to improve site security by keeping better track of legitimate evacuees. | |||
=== Observation #11: NET deployment "go-kit" === | |||
When arriving on site, PBEM brought a canopy and some chairs, envisioning that is all the deployment would require (Clackamas County provided a couple tables). In a short period, the PBEM NET Coordinator found himself relying on MC ARES and NET volunteers for a generator and canopy lighting. | |||
PBEM would do well to invest in a deployment go-kit that staff can stand up at sites such as Clackamas Town Center. An optimal go-kit could include: | |||
* One or two 10x10 canopies; | |||
* Dual fuel generator and propane tank; | |||
* Multi-outlet heavy duty extension cord; | |||
* Lighting system for the canopies; | |||
* At least two portable tables; | |||
* At least four portable chairs; | |||
* Traffic control devices; | |||
* Log book and ICS forms; | |||
* Clipboards, pens, office supplies, etc; | |||
* Dry erase A-frame signs and other wayfinding devices. | |||
[[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']] | [[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']] | ||
== Acknowledgements == | |||
Thank you to the following volunteers, emergency management staff, and others who made contributions and other edits to this AAR: | |||
* Molly Bradley | |||
* Helen Chauncey | |||
* Glenn Devitt | |||
* Bob Fischer | |||
* Mark Ginsberg | |||
* Sarah Harrington | |||
* Erik Hovmiller | |||
* Bill Hulley | |||
* Lisa Jamieson | |||
* Ernie Jones | |||
* Wynter Lewis | |||
* Heidi McNamee | |||
* Michael Schilmoeller | |||
* Adam Seidman | |||
* Tara Sprehe | |||
Also, special acknowledgement to Deb Provo and [https://multnomahares.org/ Multnomah County ARES], [[wikipedia:Val_Hoyle|Val Hoyle]], and Kenny McElroy for loaning out equipment to the command post. | |||
Kenny even let us borrow an air quality monitor he built himself (pictured left). Where was this guy when I was in eighth grade and all I got for the science fair was a “Participation” ribbon? | |||
== References and Notes == | == References and Notes == | ||
