Fisher's Fire and Emergency Services

Fishers Fire and Emergency Services, in Fishers, Indiana begins it’s second year of culde-sac drills, a program designed to promote community safety and relationships with each fire station’s neighbors. This program has been successful in bringing neighbors together and bringing safety in their own homes to the forefront of thinking.

This program is a proactive approach to emergency preparedness in which neighbors get a sampling of firefighter functions on an emergency, through the drills they run in various cul-de-sacs and brings a better understanding for residents about keeping fire hydrants clear, roadways passable with street parking, developing exit plans for their families, and assuring they have working smoke alarms in their homes. Additionally, this allows firefighters more time in neighborhoods to become familiar with layout and challenges. Last summer, the department piloted the program in 18 neighborhoods. This summer, firefighters will be in 63

neighborhoods throughout June, July, and August. The captains of each station pick the neighborhoods and schedules randomly, making sure we pick new neighborhoods each summer. Fire Chief Steven Orusa says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and building relationships before the emergency establishes a trust in calling firefighters to respond when help is needed.”

As firefighters complete their drill, they leave a hose connected to water and assist kids/kids at heart to get a feel of using a hose. Some prefer running through the spray while others use the opportunity to ask firefighters questions regarding the job, safety, and making a connection with their neighborhood station.

In addition, firefighters have started a clothing line called #ThisHouseProtectsMyHouse in which community members can purchase clothing with the fire

logo of their fire house. The department doesn’t make any money from sales, but rather uses this as another opportunity to build community, ownership, and relationships. There may be a little competition between firehouses as well, just for fun.

For more information about these and other programs of the department, contact Public Information Officer, Captain John Mehling at mehlingj@ fishers.in.us.