What's changed or changing in your district?

Rooftops are considered prime real estate for many companies and many building owners know the value of these locations. Many building owners look to secure long-term contracts with private companies that provide a significant positive financial impact.

I have discussed many times that the fire service needs to do a better job at building relationships. Many departments do not have a positive relationship with their building and zoning department.

Not having positive working relationships creates operational concerns and potential safety issues. Your building and zoning department may not have the fire department in mind when approving solar panel installations or roof top cell equipment. 

Because this lack of communication exists, in some towns and cities you must do a better job of getting out of the firehouse and learning your district. Each and everyday changes are occurring and we need to see those changes first hand to have peak operational safety. 

In your travels you may be surprised what you find. You may find this occurring in your district today. The installation of another cell phone equipment room on top of a hi-rise. 

Seeing this installation gives you the ability to chat with those doing the install and find our critical information. Then the biggest and most important responsibility takes must follow. You must share your knowledge with the other shifts and members of your department.

Take a photo, share it electronically, print it and hang where all will see it, forward it to the training division. The information and knowledge you have only benefits you if its not shared.

So get out and tour your district and let us know what changed that we can all learn from.