Page 4 MKBttk The Shoreline February, 2002 fS£J Emergency Management New Public Safety Building: The Office of Emergency Services is awaiting architect drawings and proposals of our new Public Safety Building. The Public Safety Building will house the Office of Emergency Management, Fire & EMS Department, as well as the Police Department. The building is being designed and constructed to accommodate these departments and their future needs. The Office of Emergency Services wants to commend the Town on its efforts to provide us with such a proper and beautiful facility. Hazard Mitigation Plan: A recently approved Senate Bill 300 requires local governments to have an approved hazard mitigation plan in order to receive public assistance funds, after state-declared disasters. Carteret County received grant funding to prepare a countywide hazard mitigation plan. The Town of Pine Knoll Shores, by a resolution, adopted this plan and is now in compliance with this Senate Bill. Plans are to modify the Carteret County Hazard Mitigation Plan to the Town's specific needs. This is to insure the Town and taxpayers are reimbursed for debris removal and other disaster related expenses. It's a New Year and in an effort to continue to offer our community the best possible service, the Town of Pine Knoll Shores Fire-EMS is offering some exciting new services to our citizens. Public education programs will be offered year round with emphasis on fire safety in and around the home. Other topics such as first aid, CPR and blood pressure screenings will be offered dependant upon demand. The professionals at Pine Knoll Shores Fire-EMS would like to share their expertise with their neighbors and citizens of this great community. Watch for monthly announcements in the Shoreline for upcoming dates and topics. Donald Melby, Emergency Services Director Submitted by. Roger Middlesteadt PKS Fire Department The Department received four fire calls during the month of December - three alarm activations and one mutual aid call. Training in December consisted of a simulated high-rise fire attack at the Royal Pavilion using the motel's standpipe system. Lieutenant Mike Efferson held the Department's first Public Fire Safety Program in December. Attendance was low, however, those who did attend the session on fire extinguisher operation and maintenance felt that it was very valuable. From time to time, other Public Safety Programs will be conducted for the town's citizens to increase their knowledge on fire safety. We encourage you to attend. Russell Ford joined the Department as a new volunteer member. Russell has previous volunteer experience in the town of Wake Forest. The Department has been fortunate recently to have the addition of younger new members which enhances our abilities to handle the various firA| situations that may occur. Welcome aboard, Russell! Now that it is winter when most of the trees and shrubs are dormant, you have the opportunity to trim back those that are adjacent to driveways and fire hydrants. Unfortunately, you could have a situation where an emergency vehicle may need to get close to your home. If trees or shrubs obstruct the passage of these large vehicles, you may not get the quick response necessary to handle the situation or the vehicle may be damaged and the occupants injured as they try to assist. Or, the growth of trees and shrubs close to a fire hydrant could prevent or slow down the connection of the necessary hoses to fight a fire. These situations can be prevented if the property owners take the necessary steps to keep these areas cleared. Driveways should be cleared to fourteen feet in height along their full width. Fire hydrants should be cleared so that there is a plant-free three-foot radius around them. Please take the time to clear these areas for your well being and the safety emergency personnel.