Fire Volunteering Opportunities

[Birddog1911]

Another thought; I'm at work, but perhaps someone can get hold of specific gun shops in these areas, and see if they'd be willing to allow evacuees to store firearms in their safes; folks might be more comfortable with that than at a site members house.

[cstone]

Elaborate on how and what these mutual aid groups may or may not do, please. Sounds interesting.

If someone needs to evacuate, the last thing they will be doing is posting on the board. If someone in Trinidad needs help getting ready or dropping trees, etc... the most logical place for that help to come from first would be SoCo. If SoCo had a two or three group captains in different parts of SoCo, one would be able to take a call from a group member and then relay that via text or phone call to local members. If not enough help was received or the need exceeded the ability of the group, then the group captains could post the need on a forum for specific assistance or go straight to a specific member from another region for specific assistance. All of this could be going on while the member in need was dealing with the thousands of little things that go into an evac or prepping for a fire.

No requirements, only an in place alternative communications method where people could provide specific skills, equipment, and contact numbers without posting them on the board for all to see.

[Birddog1911]

I could see that if someone is notified to be prepared to evacuate, they could get in contact with members in their same town or city, give them a call, and those volunteers could help in whatever way they can.

[Great-Kazoo]

Another thought; I'm at work, but perhaps someone can get hold of specific gun shops in these areas, and see if they'd be willing to allow evacuees to store firearms in their safes; folks might be more comfortable with that than at a site members house.

This will require a 4473 to retake ownership.

[Birddog1911]

Damn, well it was just a thought; thanks for clarifying that, Jim.

[J]

If someone needs to evacuate, the last thing they will be doing is posting on the board. If someone in Trinidad needs help getting ready or dropping trees, etc... the most logical place for that help to come from first would be SoCo. If SoCo had a two or three group captains in different parts of SoCo, one would be able to take a call from a group member and then relay that via text or phone call to local members. If not enough help was received or the need exceeded the ability of the group, then the group captains could post the need on a forum for specific assistance or go straight to a specific member from another region for specific assistance. All of this could be going on while the member in need was dealing with the thousands of little things that go into an evac or prepping for a fire.

No requirements, only an in place alternative communications method where people could provide specific skills, equipment, and contact numbers without posting them on the board for all to see.

I see, makes sense. So its a calling tree type setup to help other members evacuate if necessary. Good idea.

I was thinking you were talking about general help to all involved.

[HoneyBadger]

I could see that if someone is notified to be prepared to evacuate, they could get in contact with members in their same town or city, give them a call, and those volunteers could help in whatever way they can.

This is an intriguing idea and I would certainly be willing to help as my work schedule allows. I have a truck and slightly beefy arms

[Great-Kazoo]

I see, makes sense. So its a calling tree type setup to help other members evacuate if necessary. Good idea.

I was thinking you were talking about general help to all involved.

We have a calling tree in this area, and a somewhat central meeting place if needed.

A fire should not be the only reason to assist others. Having like minded neighbors in case of tornado, power outage, etc helps. It's also nice when a neighbor calls you and ask " Have you seen that red chevy in the alley"?
We noticed them last week driving slow in the neighborhood, thanks, get a plate number?
Or X is going to be out of town can you keep an eye on their house.
and so on.
For those that live in this area, after the tornado I and others open carried without LE OR NG interference.

The Red Cross, local Church and other groups always assistance in times like these.

[El Caballo Loco]

CAPS Colorado Springs
Red Cross
Helpcoloradonow.org
United Way

[cmailliard]

The idea of evacuations is one of the best. Adams County has a 4x4 response we team to help get people out of areas and response officials in to work during snow storms and severe weather events.

As far as phone trees there are some nice technology solutions to help with this.

Thinking beyond the current situation there are needs for crews to help clear roads after tornados (chainsaw crews), snow storms support, mitigation and preparedness efforts can be put in place (this would be huge), and more.

If you want to have some real opportunities to help and be taken seriously by officials there needs to be true organization and training done.

I think there is hard core group of people on here that really want to do some good. But as I said above being an organized group, not just a bunch of individuals will go far. Spontaneous Unaffilated Volunteers tend to be a large management problem for incident managers. In Houston after Katrina there was 25,000 evacuees and over 85,000 volunteers, which do you think became a bigger management problem?

I would be willing to help with organization efforts.