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Volunteer Fire Department News Letter: October, 2024 Enhancing Our Emergency Preparedness: With
natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and those unexpected Texas
freezes becoming more frequent, we've equipped the station to double as
an emergency shelter. We've installed a generator, added propane tanks
and heating lines, and built a storeroom stocked with non-perishable
food items. Should the unthinkable happen, you and your neighbors will
have a safe, reliable place to turn.Responding to the EV Fire Challenge: As
you may have heard, EV fires can be incredibly stubborn and difficult
to extinguish, often requiring vast amounts of water and firefighting
resources. We have invested in a specialized fireproof blanket designed
to smother and contain EV fires. This tool is incredibly effective at a
cost of $1,700 per blanket, it's a one-time-use resource, but it's a
vital addition to our firefighting arsenal. We are proud to say that we
are only the second department in Kendall County to have one, and no
departments in Gillespie County are yet equipped with this technology.Insurance Changes and Fire Danger Mitigation: The Hill Country has now been designated as an area of "extreme fire danger"—a rating akin to that ofCalifornia. This classification not only puts us at higher risk but also impacts insurance rates for homeowners. We are actively working with a new coalition in the county to create programs aimed at reducing these risks. While we are still in the early stages of planning, we'll soon be reaching out to homeowners about participating in community meetings and fire prevention initiatives. We hope you'll join us as we work together to make our community safer and more resilient. The Need for a New Brush Truck: Our
current Brush 94, a 2001 Ford, has served us well for over two decades.
However, as with all aging equipment, it's becoming harder and more
expensive to maintain, and parts are increasingly difficult to find.We don't want to find ourselves in a situation where we can't respond to a fire because we're waiting on parts. The cost of replacing the truck is approximately $90,000, and we're about 25% of the way there. But we need your help to cross the finish line. Every donation—large or small—brings us closer to ensuring that we can protect your homes and property when disaster strikes. Our Dedicated Team and Growing Auxiliary: Your
Alamo Springs Fire Department is made up of 15 dedicated volunteers,
all of whom juggle their service with day jobs and personal lives.
Currently, we have three EMTs, and two more are just about to complete
their final exams—a major achievement! However, we're still in need of
more EMTs. Without them, we can't treat patients on the scene until EMS
arrives, which can make a critical difference in emergencies.In addition to our firefighting force, we've also started building up a small but mighty group of volunteers known as the ASVFD Auxiliary. This team was instrumental in organizing our July 4th Parade and Potluck, and they continue to assist with fundraising and community outreach. If you're interested in helping out but don't want to fight fires or pull hoses, joining the Auxiliary is a fantastic way to contribute. We can always use more hands! Important Reminders Please Remember: 1) To make sure your address numbers are clearly visible from the street—especially in the dark. This can make a big difference when we're trying to locate a property in an emergency. If you need reflective address numbers, the county has them available for purchase. 2) Additionally, if you plan to burn, please call dispatch at (830) 249-9343 before lighting the fire. This will ensure the burn ban is off and log your burn so your neighbors won't mistake it for an emergency. 3) In the event of a real emergency, always call 911 for the fastest response. Contacting a department member directly may delay getting the help you need. How You Can Help: We
meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the station, and
our doors are always open to visitors and potential new members. We
would love for you to get involved in any way you can whether by
volunteering or donating.As always, we are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from landowners and residents. The brush truck project is a costly endeavor, but with your help, we hope to have the truck in service by the end of the year. Your donations, no matter the size, make a difference, and as a 501 (c)(3) organization, all contributions are tax-deductible. You can donate to the Alamo Springs VFD
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and adventurous year ahead! On behalf of all our volunteers, thank you! Sincerely, The Alarmo Springs Volunteer Fire Department A tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization |
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