| Fire Protection |
Why will staffing be reduced at the Anderson Mill Road fire station (#38)?The unit stationed here is called a quint. Because of its dual capabilities as both a fire engine and a ladder truck, in the past it has been staffed as two units with three firefighters each, with a total of six firefighters. It will be a more efficient use of resources to operate the quint as a single unit with four firefighters.What will the response times be? Response times to the Anderson Mill MUD area should meet our Standard of Response Coverage goal of a first-in unit on-scene within eight minutes of call receipt 85% of the time. The addition of a new station at Spectrum Drive and Parmer Lane and the Automatic Aid Agreement with the Jollyville Fire Department will provide additional units that can respond to the area if the first-in units are unavailable or when a multiple unit response is required. How will the change in the fire service provider impact homeowner's insurance premiums?The Austin Fire Department (AFD) has the same ISO rating (2) as Jollyville Fire Department, so there should be no impact on homeowner's insurance.What happens if a firefighting unit is out of service?AFD will move units around as needed. AFD has agreements with several other fire departments in the area so that they can be called for help if needed.What will happen to the Jollyville Fire Department?At the public meeting in January, Chief Kiracofe explained that the ESD will remain in existence to serve the remaining 2/3 of its district. Staff and equipment at the station within the MUD will be moved to the station on Anderson Mill Road, for which an expansion is planned. Jollyville Fire Department may still be called upon to respond to incidents in the MUD because of its Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Austin.You mentioned AFD's fire prevention education efforts for school children. What programs are available for adults who would like to improve the safety of their homes? AFD will be glad to make an educational presentation to your community group. Individuals who live in a single-family home (renters and owners) and have an income of less than $42,000.00 a year are eligible for free installation of a smoke alarm. Senior citizens are especially encouraged to participate in this program as most fatalities in fires are senior citizens. When will the new AFD station at Spectrum Drive and Parmer Lane open?This station is expected to open in February or March 2009.What medical calls will AFD respond to?AFD responds to Priority One, Two, Three, and Four medical calls. For these calls, AFD will often be the first responder on the scene. EMS will also be dispatched and will take over response from AFD upon arrival and will transport the patients to the hospital if needed.Who in APD can the neighborhood association or residents contact with questions? Will the Austin Fire Department support neighborhood events with fire equipment displays?The AFD Public Education Office serves this function. Call the office at (512) 974-0290 for general questions or to request a fire truck appearance, AFD guest speaker, or exhibition booth. |