Columbus Fire and Rescue Magazine Volume 4 Numer 2 | Page 6

, chief s chair SERVICE IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT I Imagine its 2:00 in the morning. You, your spouse, and your children are all sleeping comfortably in your beds at home when all of a sudden your smoke alarm starts screeching. Everyone jumps out of bed, and remembering the rules "in case of fire", you all immediately gather at your planned meeting place. You use your cell phone to call "9-1-1" and report that your home is on fire. The Fire Department responds and puts the fire out, but the smell of smoke is so strong that there is no way you will be able to sleep in your home tonight, and you're not really sure the extent of the damage that has been done because it's dark and the electricity has been shut off for safety. Where can you get immediate help so that you and your family can get enough rest to make it through tomorrow, which you know will be a very stressful day? Columbus Fire & Rescue has continually been focused on serving our great community in the best ways possible. Our efforts have been constantly improving as we see needs that we are able to help meet. We have searched for something that relates to our service specifically, and will benefit our community directly. Columbus Fire and Rescue and the Columbus Housing Authority have partnered and we believe that we have found the answer to meeting these requirements. CFR and CHA are pleased to announce the development of the "CHA/CFR Temporary 06 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l Outreach Shelter", a temporary shelter for families that are displaced due to fire or natural disaster. It will provide a safe and somewhat "homey" environment for families to stay for a night or two until they are able to make other arrangements. The shelter will have sleeping quarters, a dining area, and a relaxing area to watch television. It will be a private and secure place to stay. There will be rules to follow, of course, and an agreement will be signed by the family in need stating that they have read, understand, and agree to follow these rules. We are currently working on getting the shelter set up with everything that is needed to make it a success. There has been a lot of footwork put into asking for donations of furniture which has, so far, been successful. We hope to have the shelter open and available in August or September of this year. A "Grand Opening" will be announced by CFR and the Columbus Housing Authority at a later date. Having been with the Fire Department for 28 years, I am proud to see how far we have come in the services that we offer. by CHIEF martinANDREWS [email protected] [phone]