Last Updated: 11/17/2008
Important and Interesting "Things"
"ReadyNotifyPA" {PDF 249 KB}
Click for Direct Link to "ReadyNotifyPA"
Chester County Department of Emergency Services - RSAN form {PDF 69 KB}
{Added 11/17/2008}
{Philadelphia Inquirer Article 8/12/2008}
{Added 9/8/2008}
{Philadelphia Inquirer Article 8/12/2008}
{Added 9/8/2008}
{Added 7/29/2008}
{Added 7/24/2008}
{Added 7/23/2008}
{Updated 7/30/2008}
{Updated 7/31/2008}
{Added 7/14/2008}
{Added 7/1/2008}
{Added 6/27/2008}
Recruitment and Retention of Fire and EMS volunteers
{Added 6/27/2008}
SB1196
{Added 6/24/2008}
"If you want to see the traffic cameras in SE PA, use this web site...........WOW. It takes a picture every 5 seconds............"
{Link found by Joel Gramling}
HR 3997 (HEART Act) - 7/11/2007
{Added 7/2007}
Subject: Gov. Rendell recommends more than $25 million for local first responders. Importance: High ============================================== Governor: Gov. Rendell recommends more than $25 million for local first responders. Text of Oct. 4, 2007 press release. Funds to Help Firefighters, Police, First Responders Communicate During a Disaster HARRISBURG -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced recommendations for more than $25 million in federal grants to help state and local first responders better communicate and coordinate with the public during natural or man-made disasters. Governor Rendell said the recommendations are an integral part of allocating funding from the U.S. departments of Commerce and Homeland Security to Pennsylvania’s statewide plan for public safety interoperable communications. When disasters strike, we want our first responders to have the best tools available," Governor Rendell said. "Allocating these grants to our firefighters, police officers and emergency responders will help them communicate most effectively in the minutes that matter most." The grants are subject to final approval by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. If approved, the investments would help local public safety agencies acquire and use communications systems that enhance first responders’ efforts to communicate with one another, and the public, via voice, data and/or video signals. The funding would also support Pennsylvania’s overall interoperability plan, which includes investing in advanced technologies, improving spectrum efficiency and using cost-effective measures like shared infrastructure to leverage existing investments. Pennsylvania is taking an all-hazards approach by investing in advanced technologies and local plans that best address the need for response to any level or any type of emergency, from floods to fires to terrorist threats. The Governor’s Office of Administration, along with the Office of Public Safety Radio Services, is administering the interoperability plan. EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a list of grant recipient, or local investment, recommendations included in the statewide plan. Awards are not final until the Department of Homeland Security and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration have approved the investment justifications for each of the projects recommended for funding, to be submitted with the commonwealth’s statewide communications interoperability plan by Dec. 3. The recommended amounts for each regional counter-terrorism task force listed below may include multiple projects within the region. North Central Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $750,000 Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties Northeast Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $2,030,000 Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties Northwest Central Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $750,000 Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties South Central Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $4,000,000 Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties Southeast Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $9,450,000 Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties Southwest Counter-Terrorism Task Force -- $8,253,718 Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties Contact: Chuck Ardo, 717-783-1116; Mia DeVane (OA), 717-772-423
Stolen or Cloned Emergency Vehicles Dear Pennsylvania Ambulance Provider: We are forwarding this information to you on behalf of the PA Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. Please take a few minutes to review it and consider your existing policies or procedures. Topic: Stolen or Cloned Emergency Vehicles The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) continues to receive information about incidents of stolen or cloned emergency vehicles. Although it is not an indication of a major crisis among Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies, it is still a matter for concern and correction. Federal officials have repeatedly stated that domestic and transnational terrorists may use stolen or cloned emergency vehicles to deceive force protection measures and transport weapons and explosive ordnance to their targets without delay or discovery. According to law enforcement authorities, the use of stolen or cloned vehicles to facilitate criminal activity is not a new tactic in the United States. Numerous bulletins have been released in recent years detailing this growing problem. These bulletins warned that the appearance of an official vehicle frequently reduces the inquisitiveness of emergency responders and security personnel. Furthermore, international experience demonstrates that official vehicles operating in sensitive areas will draw less scrutiny from first responders, security guards, and the general populace. Counterterrorism experts believe it is no longer sufficient to simply lock the parking lots, stations, and garages where emergency vehicles are parked, stored, and repaired. They maintain it is now necessary to be actively observant for responder vehicles that have been stolen, cloned, or purchased to exploit vulnerabilities, destroy critical infrastructures, and harm people. To prevent the unauthorized or illegal use of actual emergency vehicles, the EMR-ISAC encourages ESS organizations to review, improve, and enforce SOPs pertaining to the employment and security of department or agency vehicles. Although there must be reasonable exceptions, such as at the scene of a major ongoing incident, ESS leaders should expect that all vehicles will be locked properly wherever and whenever unattended. Thank you for your review of this information. Sincerely, JANETTE M. KEARNEY Executive Director PA Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC) 600 Wilson Lane, Suite 101 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-795-0740 or 800-243-2EMS in PA 717-795-0741 FAX www.pehsc.org e-mail – jkearney@pehsc.org The PEHSC is a statewide advocacy group that has been fostering improvements in the quality and delivery of emergency health services throughout the commonwealth for over 30 years. Since 1985, the PEHSC has been recognized as the official advisory body to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and all other appropriate agencies on matters pertaining to emergency medical services. The staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to the improvement and enhancement of Pennsylvania’s EMS system to effectively support the emergency health needs of the citizens and visitors of the commonwealth. To become involved in the PEHSC as an organization or individual, visit our website at www.pehsc.org - there is no fee for membership.
Yellow vs Red flashlight cones Title 67. Transportation. Chapter 101. Authorizing Appropriately Attired Persons to Direct, Control or Regulate Traffic § 101.3. Minimum attire. (4) Emergency vehicle personnel and Park Maintenance Supervisors, Park Rangers I and Environmental Education Specialists of the Department of Environmental Resources, Bureau of State Parks, shall wear their official uniform or shall utilize a red flag to control traffic during daylight hours and a flashlight with a red luminaire during hours of darkness. A firefighter’s hat is sufficient attire for a firefighter and an official hat and badge is sufficient attire for fire police.
4571. Visual and audible signals on emergency vehicles.
(a) General rule.--Every emergency vehicle shall be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing red lights and an audible warning system. Spotlights with adjustable sockets may be attached to or mounted on emergency vehicles.
(b) Police, sheriff, fire and coroner or medical examiner vehicles.--
1. Police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles may in addition to the requirements of subsection (a) be equipped with one or more revolving or flashing blue lights. The combination of red and blue lights may be used only on police, sheriff, coroner, medical examiner or fire police vehicles. **** 2. Unmarked police and sheriff vehicles, used as emergency vehicles and equipped with audible warning systems, shall be equipped with the lights described in this subsection.
(b.1) Mounted lights and additional equipment.--
1. Police, sheriff and fire vehicles may be equipped with a mounted rack containing one or more emergency warning lights or side mounted floodlights or alley lights or all such light, in conformance with department regulations. 2. Additional visual or audible warning signal equipment, including, but not limited to, flashing headlamp system, flashing or revolving white or clear lights, steady burning lights, traffic-control emergency directional light assembly, amber lights and intersection lights, may be utilized on emergency vehicles in accordance with regulations promulgated by the department.
(d) Vehicles prohibited from using signals.--Except as otherwise specifically provided in this section, no vehicle other than an emergency vehicle may be equipped with revolving or flashing lights or audible warning systems identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and (b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual or audible warning systems in violation of this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
(e) Authorized period of use.--The lights and warning systems specified by this section may be used only during an emergency or in the interest of public safety, or by police officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs in enforcement of the law. Unauthorized use of the lights and warning systems specified by this section shall be a summary offense punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
4572. Visual signals on authorized vehicles.
(a) Flashing or revolving blue lights.--Ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters certified volunteer search and rescue scuba divers and owners and handlers of dogs used in tracking humans may each equip one motor vehicle with no more than two flashing or revolving blue lights. No dashlights, behind the grill lights or rear facing deck lights. The lights must be visible 360 degrees.
1. In order to be eligible to display lights on their vehicles under this subsection, the names of the ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters and certified volunteer search and rescue scuba divers shall be submitted to the nearest station of the Pennsylvania State Police on a list signed by the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company, the head of the search and rescue scuba diving organization, and each dog owner and handler shall register at the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station. 2. The manner in which the lights are displayed and their intensity shall be determined by regulation of the department. 3. The lights shall be operable by the driver from inside the vehicle. 4. The lights may be used only while en route to or at the scene of a fire or emergency call. 5. The lights shall be removed from the vehicle immediately upon receipt of notice from the chief of the ambulance or fire department or company or the head of the search and rescue scuba diving organization to remove the lights upon termination of the person’s status as an active volunteer firefighter or ambulance person or upon termination of the person’s active status as a certified volunteer search and rescue diver or dog owner or handler, or when the vehicle is no longer used in connection with the person’s duties as a volunteer firefighter or ambulance person, certified volunteer search and rescue diver or dog owner or handler. 6. This subsection does not relieve the driver from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons nor exempt the driver from complying with all provisions of this title.
(b) Flashing or revolving yellow lights.--Vehicles authorized pursuant to the provisions of sections 6106 (relating to designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania State Police) and 6107 (relating to designation of authorized vehicles by department), tow trucks and vehicles used for snow removal may be equipped with one or more flashing or revolving yellow lights. The manner in which the light or lights shall be displayed and the intensity shall be determined by regulation of the department.
(c) Vehicles prohibited from using lights.--No vehicle other than a duly authorized vehicle may be equipped with lights identical or similar to those specified in subsections (a) and (b). A person who equips or uses a vehicle with visual systems in violation of this section commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.
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**** while it does not clearly state this, they are referring to dept owned fire police vehicles, NOT privately owned.
If you want to take the chance and run red/blue, by all means knock your socks off, BUT remember you are only opening yourself up to bigger problems.
Rob Hill PA State Certified Fire Police Officer, Evaluator and Instructor Captain, Dennison Twp FP LT, White Haven Boro FP Luzerne County 911 Fire/EMS Advisory Board
Who may run red? Emergency vehicle—A fire department vehicle, police vehicle, sheriff vehicle, ambulance, blood delivery vehicle, armed forces emergency vehicle, one vehicle operated by a coroner or chief county medical examiner and one vehicle operated by a chief deputy coroner or deputy chief county medical examiner used for answering emergency calls, or other vehicle designated by the State Police under 75 Pa.C.S. § 6106 (relating to designation of emergency vehicles by Pennsylvania State Police), or a privately owned vehicle used in answering an emergency call when used by one or more of the following: (i) A police chief and assistant chief. (ii) A fire chief, assistant chief and, when a fire company has three or more fire vehicles, a second or third assistant chief. (iii) A fire police captain and fire police lieutenant. (iv) An ambulance corps commander and assistant commander. (v) A river rescue commander and assistant commander. (vi) A county emergency management coordinator. (vii) A fire marshall.
House passes Solobay bill expanding small games of chance. Text of June 30 press release. HARRISBURG, June 30 -- By a vote of 173-27, the state House today passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, that would allow volunteer and community organizations that are authorized to run small games of chance to run daily and weekly games simultaneously. "Allowing these organizations to run daily and weekly drawings simultaneously would help them raise funds for the important work they do for their communities," Solobay said. House Bill 169 would raise daily prize limits from $500 to $1,000 and weekly prize limits from $5,000 to $20,000. It also would allow volunteer and community organizations to offer a monthly prize of up to $50,000. The types of organizations that would be affected include volunteer fire companies, veterans’ organizations, religious groups and civic and service clubs. The Pennsylvania Local Option Small Games of Chance Act was passed in 1988 to allow certain nonprofit organizations to conduct small games of chance for the purpose of raising funds for public interest purposes. The act currently prohibits organizations from running more than one type of game at a time. For example, an organization running a daily drawing every day for a week cannot offer a weekly drawing that same week. Small games of chance include punchboards, pull-tabs, raffles, daily drawings and weekly drawings. The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
Gentlemen,
Can we get the word out about this growing issue - Fire police are using the designation of XX-31-A and XX-31-B.
According to the CC Chiefs; fire police and EMS Officers should flow in numerical order unless you have an excess
of 10 fire police officers and/or EMS officers. They continuously use the non-recognized designations which
brings confusion to the responders and dispatchers.
Beau
George "Beau" Crowding
Deputy Director for Fire Services
Chester County Emergency Services
601 Westtown Rd, Suite 012
PO Box 2747
West Chester, PA 19380-0990
Email: gcrowding@chesco.org
610-344-5148 Office
610-344-5050 Fax
610-888-3242 Cell