Post by 3105 on Nov 10, 2007 6:20:57 GMT -5
If your department isn't already doing this, a "donor" home that is going to be demolished makes a great training resource. We have a good relationship with our Township zoning and construction officials who "bird dog" possible homes and buildings, then refer us to their owners. Generally the owners are usually agreeable, provided that the department provides a suitable certificate of insurance to safeguard them.
Before accepting the place, conduct a thorough walk-through with the owner and make certain you tell them exactly what you plan to do and more importantly, that you'll keep the place secure and uncompromised. Check for safety problems...is the roof strong enough for people to walk on? Are the floors sound? Doors intact? Electricity, fuel, and water turned off? Another important aspect is health conditions...if the place loaded with mold and mildew you may want to take a pass. I once inspected a place for possible training and found that someone had taken multiple dumps in closets...and quickly crossed it off my list. Look closely and don't let your eagerness overpower reason. It doesn't have to be perfect...just safe. Also look at the grounds (where everyone will be walking around)...are there tripping/fall hazards, broken glass, or anything else that could result in a trip to the emergency room? What can be cleaned up/fixed up and what's beyond hope?
Since there's an ongoing ban against burning in the state, that's obviously out of the question, but there are multiple training exercises that can be used from search and rescue to ladder placement, RIT techniques, handline stretching, ventilation, forcible entry, overhaul, VES, coordinated attack...the list is endless and only limited by your imagination and a need to keep the place secure until the date it's torn down. Usually we save the destructive parts until the night before the wrecking crews get there in order to minimize vandalizing.
If your department isn't actively seeking donor structures, I'd highly recommend they take a look at starting.
Before accepting the place, conduct a thorough walk-through with the owner and make certain you tell them exactly what you plan to do and more importantly, that you'll keep the place secure and uncompromised. Check for safety problems...is the roof strong enough for people to walk on? Are the floors sound? Doors intact? Electricity, fuel, and water turned off? Another important aspect is health conditions...if the place loaded with mold and mildew you may want to take a pass. I once inspected a place for possible training and found that someone had taken multiple dumps in closets...and quickly crossed it off my list. Look closely and don't let your eagerness overpower reason. It doesn't have to be perfect...just safe. Also look at the grounds (where everyone will be walking around)...are there tripping/fall hazards, broken glass, or anything else that could result in a trip to the emergency room? What can be cleaned up/fixed up and what's beyond hope?
Since there's an ongoing ban against burning in the state, that's obviously out of the question, but there are multiple training exercises that can be used from search and rescue to ladder placement, RIT techniques, handline stretching, ventilation, forcible entry, overhaul, VES, coordinated attack...the list is endless and only limited by your imagination and a need to keep the place secure until the date it's torn down. Usually we save the destructive parts until the night before the wrecking crews get there in order to minimize vandalizing.
If your department isn't actively seeking donor structures, I'd highly recommend they take a look at starting.
