— from Marla Johns —
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Management, is activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the main Fire Station. The purpose of the Emergency Operations Center is to fully staff and coordinate emergency and disaster response services, should they be needed. The EOC is staffed by an Incident Commander, Department of Emergency Management staff member, and other identified key positions. The activation of the EOC, at this time, is to allow a proactive staffing up of services rather than wait to react and play catch up if services are needed. OIFR continues to coordinate and communicate with agencies and County departments throughout the preparations and storm. Again, we are planning for the worst but hoping for the best.
Most recent weather predictions are for the winds to really pick up starting at approximately 5:00pm and worsen overnight. This appears to be a fast moving storm which is expected to move through by morning. OIFR wishes to remind island residents and visitors that large storm events can impact and limit emergency response, and to utilize 911 services for emergency purposes only. Non-emergency calls for service can be made to dispatch at 378-4151.
What a truly foresightful Fire Department! As our windows shaking mightily it is reassuring to know that there will be people who can help us pick up the pieces during and after the storm.
I would like to thank Acting Chief Scott Williams and his team for being ready to respond. We got lucky and did not have the
predicted strong winds but this was a good exercise of what needs
to be done should we have a similar situation again.
Thanks to OIFR for providing the comfort of “ready” help if needed from not only the weather but the myriad of other emergencies that can and do happen. When we were in the B&B business, the oft asked question was “what happens if I need emergency help when I am way out there on that island”? Our answer was always an assurance that the response time, care and expertise of the responders was un-paralled. Not to worry.
I feel we had a knee jerk reaction to news of the coming storm, hot on the heels of Hurricane Matthew’s effect. We looked for worst case scenario in the weather predictions, and took that as OUR weather.
I found Wunderground to be the most accurate site, pinpointing specific parts of Orcas.
A similar storm a few years ago, with winds from the SE and high tides, created much more “damage” in our West Sound area.
Good to be prepared, however.
OIFR stand tall, they are a reflection of all that is good in our community!
Orcas Fire and Rescue stands tall with their readiness, which exemplifies their commitment to our community, thanks crew!!