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Tarpon's shelter a model for state

A shelter dedicated to the families of emergency workers gives first responders peace of mind to do their jobs.

By ADRIENNE P. SAMUELS
Published February 28, 2005

Florida's largest cities could learn something important from tiny Tarpon Springs to prepare for this year's hurricane season.

The city has a dedicated shelter for the families of emergency workers. More than that, the shelter is actually a community center directly behind the city's emergency operations center - making it easier for firefighters, police officers and paramedics to work difficult shifts because they know where their family is located and the care they are receiving.

"We even have a place for pets," said Rick Butcher, a fire marshal and director of Tarpon Springs emergency management. "Our building is self-sufficient for eight to 10 days. We can take care of our folks so they can go outside (and care for others)."

Butcher was part of a panel of emergency workers attending a Friday conference at St. Petersburg College's Allstate Center. About 150 paramedics, firefighters, police and other emergency personnel gathered to discuss best practices and ongoing problems with what they referred to as "2004's Five."

The biggest mistakes were that many counties didn't take proper care of the families of their first responders, i.e., the people responsible for clearing streets, restoring power and keeping residents safe.

"You all need to take more of your own responsibilities," said Thomas Weaver, with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. "(Your workers) may be dedicated, but they're going to worry about their families."

It's an issue that hits close to home in Largo, where one city employee was fired last year for staying with his ailing mother. The employee wasn't comfortable leaving her in the city's dedicated employee shelter at the Largo Cultural Center, which is in a different location than where the city's emergency personnel gather.

Orange County had a similar problem when officials learned their emergency operations center simply wasn't large enough, and they were running out of food.

"You don't think about feeding in between shifts," said Preston Cook, acting emergency management director. "People working at midnight need food. It's tricky."

Butcher also encouraged conference attendees to establish good relations with the local power company, even offering them food during the storm if necessary.

While Tarpon's best practices weren't directly cited, a host of panelists alluded to them. Butcher, however, didn't gloat.

"I think it's real important for us to learn through their experiences and to steal all their ideas," he said.

--Adrienne Samuels can be reached at 445-4157 or samuels@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 28, 2005, 01:04:17]