SWIFT WATER RESCUE MGT JANUARY 23, 2002
STEVEN T. WORLEY DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPT. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Definition • Low water crossing - area where storm drainage is known to flood a portion of a road. Flood gauge
PROBLEM • Citizens violate city ordinance by driving around barricades and through fast moving water crossing roadway. • Fire Department called to perform rescue or recovery.
PROBLEM • Firefighters at risk during rescue operations. • 165 low water crossings in the City of San Antonio.
TOPOGRAPHY • The topography lends itself to storm water being channeled to specific areas causing a swift water hazard. • Much different from flooding near the coast where the hazard is rising water.
SOLUTIONS • Warning signs and portable barricades did not solve the problem. • In 1992 an ordinance established a fee of $400 per person when a firefighting unit performs a rescue at a low water crossing.
SOLUTIONS • The establishment of the fee seemed to ignite the interest of the media to a greater degree. • During periods of heavy rainfall TV and radio commentators discuss not only the dangers, but also the fee for those needing rescue.
SOLUTIONS • At least one commentator was heard calling it the “Idiot Fee” for those stupid enough to risk their lives. • It has been an educational aid, helping to drive home the point of how crazy it is to drive through a flooded low water crossing.
FEE VS. FINE • A fee is charged because of the performance of a rescue. • Those who have driven around a barricade are subject to citation by the Police and may have to pay a fine.
EFFECTIVENESS • People continue to drive through flooded low water crossings, not sensing the danger presented by six inches of swift moving water. • People continue to die at flooded low water crossings.
EFFECTIVENESS • This has been one more tool in the arsenal to prevent accidental death, it is not the final solution. • The city continues to plan the construction of specialized barricades that will prevent crossing during flooding.
EFFECTIVENESS • One weakness is the collection of billing information by the incident commanders.
EFFECTIVENESS • 31 persons have been billed from 1999 to 2001 • The department collects the equivalent of two full fees per year.
SWIFT WATER RESCUE MGT JANUARY 23, 2002
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