The Fire Chief’s Blog

This afternoon Assistant Chief Kip Springer sent out a notice to all of Eden Prairie’s CERT members. Kip is new to his role as the Assistant Chief in charge of Emergency Preparedness and Hazardous Materials, and has a good vision for his new role. Kip’s note simply reminded all CERT members to check to make sure their CERT supplies are all present and working. This is a timely reminder as the local weather experts are predicting the possibility of a major snowfall this weekend.

Kip’s reminder was this:

“Hello everyone,One of our CERT members mentioned this and I think it is a great idea to pass on to everyone.Based on reports from the national weather service we have the potential for some significant snow accumulation this weekend. This is the perfect time to make sure all of our CERT supplies are up to date and ready for action if needed (Don’t forget to check the batteries in your radio’s). Remember to plan for your family first and have enough supplies to help limit the amount of traveling you need to do this weekend. Consider checking in with your neighbors to see who is around and especially those more vulnerable adults who may need some extra help from us.Preparedness is the key to effective response.Have a safe weekend!!!”

I have great confidence in Kip and our CERT members as well. Hopefully this weekend will be an uneventful one, but if significant resources are needed, we have a team CERT members who are well trained and ready to assist.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow, as the song goes……

Last weekend was a bit cold, especially considering that the past few winters have been relatively mild. Luckily for the EPFD we didn’t have any major fires, but we did have a car fire on early Saturday morning. You’ll notice in the picture the amount of steam being generated, most of that is just from normal temperature water being sprayed and not from the smallish fire itself.

I am looking forward to warmer temperatures soon!

Over the past few months a process has been underway to select a site and then install a new outdoor warning siren. The new siren is being located just west of the Bent Creek Golf Course on the north side of Valley View Road. The site is on city property near one of the well houses. This siren will provide a wide area of coverage due to it’s location near several outdoor venues, the golf course and Edenvale Park. A lot of work has gone into this project, headed up by Assistant Chief, Scott Taylor (now retired) and Kirby Paulson from our Public Works Department. Kirby is the man when it comes to these outdoor warning sirens and all the details that go into locating them and installing them.

Below are a few pictures of the siren, already mounted on the pole and then the whole thing being raised by a crane and into place. Come this spring, a new strong voice will be heard in the neighborhood, adding another level of waring to our network of sirens.