Hello DMR community members,

Last night’s power outage showed us that we need to set up some protocols for when we experience a prolonged power outage. As the Fire Chief, when the power first went out, I immediately got on the HAM radio network to talk to people that might have information about the area of power outage. I was able to speak to a person that had gotten in touch with AEP and had confirmed with them that they were aware of the outage. AEP had given them a repair estimate of no later than 1am. They also posted it on the AEP website. Of course, you would need power to access this information. Myself, I am on the grid, so I had neither internet nor cell service. I do have a land line phone that does not require power, so you can contact me at 432-426-2111.

Our volunteers work hard in the service to our community, but I cannot ask someone to head to the station until we know that we will be needed.

If you are on a medical device that will require power after a certain amount of time, please try to contact someone. Call 911, call me at 432-426-2111, if you can, get on a radio to ask us to meet you at the station. Otherwise, unless the power is out for a prolong amount of time, we do not plan to open the station.

If we have 12 hours + of predicted power outage, then yes will we go and set up bay one with cots, blankets, etc. We have a limited amounts of cots but lots of metal chairs.

Please, if possible, bring a comfortable folding chair. Maybe a sleeping bag? We should have water gravity fed from the tanks, but we also have bottled water and a working bathroom.

Bring all the medications needed. Extra food would be appreciated.

I can house 20 people, maybe a little more if we use the limited space in the main bay. We have a generator and propane heat. We can heat food in the microwave and do some basic cooking if needed. We should have internet and phone service unless the dish is unable to get a signal.

At the heart of all of this is the need for our community to be as proactive for themselves as possible. The DMRVFD will do what we can to the best of our ability, but you need to be able to help yourselves and members of your household.

Sincerely,

Edna Queen  –  Fire Chief

DMPOAVFD, INC