| You never can tell
when your training will pay off...as any of the hundreds of
volunteers who offered assistance during the awesome “Flood of
‘O1” will confirm...
The Ponderosa VFD is
prepared to handle many kinds of water emergencies. This
includes heavy flooding (1996, 1998 and ‘01) and when people
are trapped in the various streams and creeks in the area.
The Ponderosa VFD
maintains water rescue equipment and boats that are equipped
with outboard motors. This equipment is used by the department’s
Swiftwater Rescue Team, which consists of members who have
received specialized training at various water rescue schools.
The team also has a
full range of individual gear, including wetsuits, personal
flotation devices, helmets, gloves and many other items. Six
rescue rope throw bags are provided for shore or boat based
rescues. These are bags that contain either 35’ or 75’ of
rope and can be thrown to a person in distress, while the
rescuer holds onto one end of the rope.
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|
Residents
float down a flooded street in the Westador subdivision
near I-45 and F.M. 1960. |
A significant emphasis
has been placed on flood rescue and evacuation, since we have
several subdivisions that are prone to flooding during severe
rains and tropical storms. Our water rescue gear includes an
extra 18 life jackets that can be place on people while we are
evacuating them.
Our water rescue team
has assisted several of our neighboring departments with rescues
and evacuations during the past few years. The PVFD is
constantly working to improve our water rescue capabilities,
purchasing additional equipment and sending team members to more
advanced training.
In 2000, we purchased
our newest rescue boat – a 14’ inflatable made by Zodiac at
a cost of $5,000. In total, the PVFD has invested about $25,000
in equipment and training in order to protect our citizens
against the dangers of swift water and floods.
Jim
Luplow
Ponderosa VFD
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