| Caribou Emergency Management Agency |
|
Caribou Emergency Management Agency 158 Sweden Street Caribou, Maine 04736 |
Phone: (207)493-4216 E-mail: firechief@cariboumaine.org |
Caribou Emergency Management Agency
Annual Report for 2008
The purpose of the EMA is to coordinate activities between the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Public Works, Utilities and other departments within the City during a major emergency. In the event the emergency goes beyond City control and capabilities, the EMA coordinates help between City, County and State of Maine EMA’s.This agency of the City has approximately 30 volunteer members who are willing to give their time to help the different departments should the need arise. The Caribou EMA is always looking for new members and would welcome a call from you. It is hard to find people today willing to help others and give spare time without being paid. These people will receive a small amount of training in firefighting, police work, emergency medical care and help the Public Works in various ways. We have response guides for the different jobs such as communications, evacuation, animal control, sheltering, damage assessment as well as others.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training began in August 2003 and finished with an overview and simulation in September 2004. Training includes emergency preparedness, fire safety, search & rescue and medical operations. Through the CERT Program we were able to apply for grant money to buy a trailer, equipment and other items, which can be used at emergency scenes. This program continues to grow throughout the country; if you are interested we would welcome a call from you.
The Caribou EMA has developed an emergency plan for about any emergency situation you can think of. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located at 158 Sweden Street (next to the Court House). The Caribou EMA shares space with the Aroostook County EMA Office, and can operate all departments from there in the event of a major emergency. We hope to be able to broadcast from that point, all emergency messages to the citizens as needed.
This department took part in the Halloween activities with what we call “Child Watch”. Volunteer members rode around the city street to help the Police Department watch out for the safety of the children while they were out trick or treating.
The EMA department is activated only during major emergency situations within the City and other communities that we cover. By keeping the Caribou Emergency Management Agency active and up to date, we hope to be prepared for the unexpected.
I would like to thank the City Council, the City Manager and the volunteers for their continued support.
Roy E. Woods
EMA Director