Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
A. Scope of Study <br />To assess the current level of services of Orange County and recommend a station <br />location plan to meet the needs of the County and its citizens giving consideration to <br />overall costs benefits and best practices. The study will: <br />Evaluate the location of existing and planned fire stations, ems facilities, and <br />rescue squads with regards to effectiveness, appropriateness, demand and <br />response capability. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current and <br />planned configuration and operations. <br />Assess the location and adequacy of each facility; including equipment and <br />volunteers, to meet the service delivery needs of the existing service area. <br />Important considerations to include are: <br />■ Demand <br />• Level and range of Service (what is being done now and <br />what could be done in future) <br />• Response times <br />• Population <br />• Value of structure <br />• Level of risk <br />• Age and adequacy of vehicles and equipment <br />• Adequacy of volunteers and career staff to meet service <br />demand <br />• Population centers and projected growth areas. <br />• Identify any gaps affecting services and identify critical areas to be addressed <br />by the County to continue to meet current demands, including potential <br />locations and staffing needs. Any changes in the facility configuration should <br />consider necessary equipment, availability of volunteers, career staffing, and <br />overall value to public safety. <br />• Recommend a strategy for addressing longer -term demands for Fire, EMS, <br />and Rescue Services within the County. For example, what criteria and data <br />are needed to address anticipated service demands? What methodology is <br />needed to determine how many fire stations and/or EMS or rescue squads are <br />needed to meet those demands and where should they be located in the future? <br />• Countywide public education programs on public safety and being self <br />sufficient in disasters. <br />• Identify the population in the unincorporated areas of Orange County served <br />by each volunteer fire department, EMS provider or rescue squad. <br />• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce cost, or improve the <br />overall service of the County related to facilities, personnel and equipment. <br />• Provide an estimated cost (operating and capital) of recommended solutions or <br />alternative solutions proposed. <br />• How the county can involve Fire and Rescue Departments in processes and <br />programs that affect operational issues. (Such as plans review on <br />development and water line extensions) <br />