It is common knowledge that numerous Emergency Services Sector (ESS) departments and agencies have experienced shrinking budgets resulting from the economic downturn. However, the current recession has prompted even more direct challenges for first responders. For example, spiraling foreclosures have triggered a significant increase in abandoned properties, which have always been dangerous environments for emergency personnel.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the adverse effects of the recession have become problematic for the operations and safety of ESS organizations for the following reasons in addition to other causes:
· More homeless people have surreptitiously occupied vacant structures.
· The structural integrity of empty buildings has often been compromised by squatters.
· Abandoned houses have increasingly been the source of criminal activities including arson.
· Destitute individuals have moved in with family or friends causing perilous overcrowding conditions.
· More basements and attics have been occupied and heated with unsafe appliances.
A 19 November Fire Rescue article discussed a strategy that can be implemented to mitigate the foreclosure problem. The article suggested ESS departments should partner with lending institutions as well as housing and community organizations to develop methods to prevent home foreclosures and the abandonment of homes. “It’s about working with organizations, letting them know the concerns of the fire department and how foreclosures and vacant homes generally may affect fire and arson rates,” said the NFPA director of high-risk outreach programs.
Additionally, the chief of the Columbus Fire Department in Ohio recommended categorizing buildings certified as abandoned and vacant, and arranging for them to be tagged with appropriate signage. “This action should help to eliminate the risk of injury to responders unless they have reason to believe a rescue is necessary.”
The complete Fire Rescue article can be seen at the following link:
http://www.fireresc ue1.com/Firefigh ter-Training/ articles/ 439214-Foreclusu res-challenge.
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