West Pierce Fire & Rescue (WPFR) is ready to respond to emergencies on the water each and every day. One of the common problems encountered when responding to these types of emergencies is trying to get an accurate location and the closest access point to the incident.
Dispatchers often receive calls from a cell phone caller frantically trying to describe their location on the water by using landmarks they see nearby. Often times, the landmark will not allow the dispatcher to pinpoint their location. In this scenario, emergency responders are sent to a general location and attempt to locate the incident from there. This process takes valuable time and when there is an emergency, time is critical. In order to minimize response time, WPFR utilizes the Lake Addressing Program.
The Lake Addressing Program allows anyone, even non-resident boaters, to identify a location on the water or shoreline during an emergency by simply telling the 9-1-1 dispatcher the number located on the nearest dock. This allows for a fast and efficient emergency response to a known location, saving valuable time when it is needed most.
To be successful, the program requires a numbered sign be attached to each dock along the waterfront. The 9-1-1 dispatcher has the ability to cross-reference the dock number with a physical address and give emergency crews the location immediately. This program has been implemented on Gravelly Lake, American Lake and Lake Steilacoom in Lakewood.
The post What To Do When Calling 9-1-1 From A Lake In Lakewood appeared first on West Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Wow! Good for you Lakewood. Yours is a brilliant and innovative program. You have gone above and beyond to help citizens stay safe. You have done your part.
To guarantee that this safety program will work, boaters need to do their part. Boaters should internalize a brand-new habit. Why a new habit? Because the 911 emergency may happen between, away from, or out of sight of any dock number and thus the caller cannot inform 911 of their location.
The habit I recommend is a transfer of training from my motorcycle riding days. When out on the open lonely roads of America, I made it a habit of observing and remembering the last mile marker number I passed. If I called 911 and there was no marker at my exact trouble spot, I could give 911 the last mile marker and tell them I was east, west, south, or north of mile marker ###. That would be close enough to get the help I needed.
Boaters. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Pay attention. Remember the last dock number you observe while on the open water. Share the last dock number with 911 and help will be efficiently on the way.
Boaters, let your kids play Name That Dock Number.
Joseph Boyle – A guy with an opinion on every subject.