Orange County NC Website
b. Strength of current configuration and operations: Not addressed <br />c. Weakness of current and planned configuration and operation: The squad relies on <br />fundraising and is operating on a line of credit. Relations with the South Orange squad is not <br />positive. More 800MHz radios are needed. <br />d. Assess the location and adequacy of each facility equipment volunteers: Not addressed <br />e. Demand Level and range of Service: Fire departments are increasingly using extrication <br />which lowers the demand for the squad. <br />f. Response times: Broad countywide service leads to slow response times, especially in the <br />north. <br />g. Population: Not addressed <br />h. Value ofstructure: Site market or accounting value is not addressed. <br />i. Level of risk. Not addressed <br />j. Age and adequacy of vehicles and equipment: The current apparatus is detailed; replacements <br />in five years are expected on some apparatus. <br />k. Adequacy of volunteers and staff. Management lacks experience and financial skills. The <br />squad consists of 46 members, nine on the drive team, 15 on search and rescue, 15 on EMS <br />care and transport, and 25 on extrication. <br />1. Population centers and projected growth areas: Not addressed <br />m. Any gaps affecting services and critical areas to be addressed: Not addressed <br />n. Any changes in the facility configuration: Not addressed <br />o. Recommend a strategy for addressing longer -term demands within the county: SAGE <br />recommends dissolving the squad as a separate organization and be acquired with the Orange <br />County Emergency Management (OCEM). Operations will continue, with OCEM taking <br />fmancial and managerial responsibility for the squad. The squad would also get more training <br />from OCEM. <br />p. Countywide public education programs on public safety and being self sufficient in disasters: <br />Not addressed <br />q. Identify the population in the unincorporated areas of Orange County served.• Not addressed <br />r. Opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, or improve the overall service: Not <br />addressed <br />s. Provide an estimated cost (operating and capital) of recommended solutions or alternative <br />solutions proposed. Not addressed <br />t. How the county can involve Fire and Rescue Departments in processes and programs that <br />affect operational issues: The county should not lower taxes after property reassessments to <br />maintain fmancial stability. The county should improve communications by imposing a small <br />tax to assist departments with purchasing 800MHz radios and Computer Aided Dispatch <br />equipment. Expanded on in the fmal section "Countywide Recommendations." <br />u. Review ISO ratings and how county can assist Fire departments: Not addressed <br />v. Identify countywide training facility need and specific training standards: Not addressed <br />w. Identify opportunities where County can assist the Volunteer Departments with required <br />paperwork and administrative issues: Not addressed <br />20 <br />