Friday, April 17, 2020 | View in browser
 From the Chief's Desk
As our community works together with equal parts of bravery, resilience and compassion to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take a moment to reassure you that the Evanston Fire Department has been answering the call on the front lines each and every day and will continue to do so with the highest levels of dedication and professionalism.
Given the challenge before us, we have joined forces with other key city, state and federal leaders in forming a Crisis Management Team to provide our first responders, health and human services team and other outstanding City staff with the direction, organization and resources necessary to accomplish our mission of minimizing the impact of COVID-19 and saving lives.
You can support our efforts in the following ways:
- During the Governor’s Shelter in Place Order - please stay home. It will take every person doing their part to break the cycle of disease transmission.
- Join the Medical Reserve Corps. The Corps is a volunteer group of medical and non-medical professionals who can assist the Health and Human Services Department. If you’re interested in joining, please email EvanstonMRC@cityofevanston.org.
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Donate Medical and Disinfectant Supplies. The City is welcoming donations of unopened medical, disinfectant and sanitation items to be dispersed throughout the community, including to the Evanston Police and Fire Departments. If you have personal protective equipment (PPE) to donate, such as N95 masks or gloves, please complete the PPE donation form.
It is an honor to serve our community during this critical time. Thank you for your help and support as we work together – Be Safe! Be Strong! Be Evanston!
Brian R. Scott
Fire Chief
Below is a breakdown of emergency responses in March.
EMS Calls
 519 calls
Fire Calls
 269 calls
Total: 788 calls
Response Time
EFD average response time for November: 3 minutes and 17 seconds from dispatch to emergency
NFPA Average: 4 minutes or less
Community
 The community comes together after the passing of Chaplin Jones
Training
 The Evanston Fire Department (EFD) practiced high rise firefighting skills in early March. THe EFD defines a “high rise” building as a structure that is five or more stories high. The fire department was allowed to use the eight story Homestead Hotel (1625 Hinman Ave.) while they were closed for renovation.
The EFD firefighters practiced aerial ladder operations to rescue people trapped on upper floors. The photo shows a 100 foot Pierce aerial truck that was able to reach the eighth floor for a victim rescue. Inside the structure, crews practiced advancing hoses and searching for victims. These skills are critical during a fire.
The EFD would like to extend a special thanks to Project Managers Kevin Thieme and Mike Whited as well as the Homestead Hotel ownership for going above and beyond for this valuable training. If you know of a building that the fire department might be able to use for training, please email Division Chief Matt Smith at mrsmith@cityofevanston.org.
Emergency Management
 We are hearing from many of you, especially those who live alone, that you are worried about what would happen to your pets if you become too ill to care for them. The most important thing you can do is to make a plan.
- Have a conversation with your family and friends to determine who might care for your animals. If not a neighbor or family member, perhaps there is a pet sitter, groomer or boarding facility you have used before. You should identify two potential caregivers, a primary and a backup. Confirm they are willing and able to care for your pet. Make sure they understand you are counting on them.
- If you do not have potential caregivers, the Evanston Animal Shelter is here to help. Because of the outpouring of support from the community we have a large number of people ready and willing to provide a foster home for companion animals until this emergency passes. We will take your pets into our Custodial Program and provide for them, free of charge. When you are back on your feet your four-legged family members will be returned to you.
- To be prepared in advance with the information the shelter needs, follow the link below and complete the Custodial Application. When the application is received, they will send you an email with more details about Custodial Care. Completing this application doesn’t mean you need help for your pets right now – it just provides important information in case that occurs.
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Everyone who has a pet should also consider preparing a pet supply kit. Suggested supplies include:
- Name and contact information for the person who will care for your pets
- Food, treats, a few favorite toys
- Leash and collar with ID tags for dogs; cat carrier for cats
- Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
- Vaccination records, if available
- Daily care instructions including behavioral quirks
- Your veterinarian’s name and contact information
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Escape planning
Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.
Safety Tips
- Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
- Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
- Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
- Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
- Practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Close doors behind you as you leave.
If the alarm sounds…
- If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
- Call the fire department from outside your home.
Facts
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- According to an NFPA survey, only one out of every three American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
- While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.
- One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!
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