"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #832, June 8, 2020
Issue #832, June 8, 2020
During Current Events Mayor Les Peterson announced that, along with Covid 19, the Town is doing everything possible to address fire preparedness. The last 2 weeks provided graphic evidence of the danger that is faced in the Desert Foothills area.
Using advice from the first responders, Carefree is making major communication efforts via COINS. He thanked Councilmen Mike Krahe and Stephen Hatcher for putting together information about what is needed in a "go bag" if an evacuation is called for, and the various evacuation phases, as well as how to be fire-wise around homes. The Town will put out as much information as possible, because this is serious, and this is just the start of the fire season. With all the dry vegetation out there, this could be a major area for fires, so Carefree will take a leadership role in both fire awareness and preparedness.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio noted that Herbert had recorded the presentation given jointly last spring by Maricopa County and Rural/Metro (R/M). He suggested that the link to that video be included in the Town's informational material. The presentation was very informative and would definitely apply again this year. Mayor Peterson thought it was a great idea. He said the Town had done written summaries, but that it would be good to put it out visually as well. (See below for the Carefree Truth issue, which includes the video)
Carefree Truth #763: Emergency Preparedness Presentation by R/M & County: 6/27/19
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-763.html
Vice Mayor John Crane expressed how refreshing it was to see the citizens and organizations in Carefree and Cave Creek working together to help each other. The Foothills Caring Corps, the Foothills Food Bank, and the Daughters of the American Revolution were delivering mobile meals. The Tumbleweed Hotel provided breakfast for firefighters and displaced citizens. The Town of Carefree is also agreeable to stepping up to help those people.
Councilman Gene Orrico reported that Johnny Ringo, who has a tour company in Cave Creek, lost 2 barns, all of his vehicles, and untold equipment in the fire. His house only survived because his neighbors, the Larsons, had 3 water trucks full of water. So many homes were lost. He suggested that people drive over Spur Cross Road to see the red areas where the slurry was dropped and fire devastation first hand, and to realize that they must clear the fire stops around their homes. He agreed 100% with the Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Using advice from the first responders, Carefree is making major communication efforts via COINS. He thanked Councilmen Mike Krahe and Stephen Hatcher for putting together information about what is needed in a "go bag" if an evacuation is called for, and the various evacuation phases, as well as how to be fire-wise around homes. The Town will put out as much information as possible, because this is serious, and this is just the start of the fire season. With all the dry vegetation out there, this could be a major area for fires, so Carefree will take a leadership role in both fire awareness and preparedness.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio noted that Herbert had recorded the presentation given jointly last spring by Maricopa County and Rural/Metro (R/M). He suggested that the link to that video be included in the Town's informational material. The presentation was very informative and would definitely apply again this year. Mayor Peterson thought it was a great idea. He said the Town had done written summaries, but that it would be good to put it out visually as well. (See below for the Carefree Truth issue, which includes the video)
Carefree Truth #763: Emergency Preparedness Presentation by R/M & County: 6/27/19
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-763.html
Vice Mayor John Crane expressed how refreshing it was to see the citizens and organizations in Carefree and Cave Creek working together to help each other. The Foothills Caring Corps, the Foothills Food Bank, and the Daughters of the American Revolution were delivering mobile meals. The Tumbleweed Hotel provided breakfast for firefighters and displaced citizens. The Town of Carefree is also agreeable to stepping up to help those people.
Councilman Gene Orrico reported that Johnny Ringo, who has a tour company in Cave Creek, lost 2 barns, all of his vehicles, and untold equipment in the fire. His house only survived because his neighbors, the Larsons, had 3 water trucks full of water. So many homes were lost. He suggested that people drive over Spur Cross Road to see the red areas where the slurry was dropped and fire devastation first hand, and to realize that they must clear the fire stops around their homes. He agreed 100% with the Mayor and Vice Mayor.
Spur Cross Road after the Ocotillo fire
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
(See this Wednesday's Letters from Readers for Herbert's video with all the still photos of the aftermath of the Ocotillo fire.)
Dr. Krahe asked if there were a way to map out the vulnerable residents who would be unable to get out of their homes in the case of a fire, or if R/M had already done that.
Gary Neiss replied that R/M and Maricopa County are the emergency management agencies for preparedness. R/M and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) provide the "boots on the ground" for that.
Vice Mayor Crane noted that citizens should register for emergency alerts so they are notified in case there is a fire evacuation order. (Carefree puts out information via email in COINS. If you are not signed up for COINS, it is a valuable informational asset in general, and you can sign up easily on the Town website www.carefree.org If an evacuation is ordered, Carefree residents are notified by phone through the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System if they are registered. You can register with the Maricopa County Emergency Notification system at: https://maricoparegion911.onthealert.com/Terms
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said the problem is that the emergency evacuation calls blanket a really huge area. She was told to evacuate twice. Once, she was in her car at midnight in the parking lot at Walgreens, and the other time she was getting into her car. It was terrifying. In both cases, it turned out that she was not in an area that needed to evacuate. She felt that a more specific system was required. Gary Neiss was good about getting COINS out, but there should be an accessible map showing the accurate evacuation areas.
Mayor Peterson agreed to check into that. He said he would rather over communicate than under communicate. If it happens in Carefree, they will do their best to communicate what to do and where to go, based on information from the first responders who are on the ground.
https://vimeo.com/425376088
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
(See this Wednesday's Letters from Readers for Herbert's video with all the still photos of the aftermath of the Ocotillo fire.)
Dr. Krahe asked if there were a way to map out the vulnerable residents who would be unable to get out of their homes in the case of a fire, or if R/M had already done that.
Gary Neiss replied that R/M and Maricopa County are the emergency management agencies for preparedness. R/M and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) provide the "boots on the ground" for that.
Vice Mayor Crane noted that citizens should register for emergency alerts so they are notified in case there is a fire evacuation order. (Carefree puts out information via email in COINS. If you are not signed up for COINS, it is a valuable informational asset in general, and you can sign up easily on the Town website www.carefree.org If an evacuation is ordered, Carefree residents are notified by phone through the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System if they are registered. You can register with the Maricopa County Emergency Notification system at: https://maricoparegion911.onthealert.com/Terms
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer said the problem is that the emergency evacuation calls blanket a really huge area. She was told to evacuate twice. Once, she was in her car at midnight in the parking lot at Walgreens, and the other time she was getting into her car. It was terrifying. In both cases, it turned out that she was not in an area that needed to evacuate. She felt that a more specific system was required. Gary Neiss was good about getting COINS out, but there should be an accessible map showing the accurate evacuation areas.
Mayor Peterson agreed to check into that. He said he would rather over communicate than under communicate. If it happens in Carefree, they will do their best to communicate what to do and where to go, based on information from the first responders who are on the ground.
https://vimeo.com/425376088
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.