A meeting to create a new protocol between the Region of Queens EMO and its local fire departments has been set.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, a report was submitted by the EMO coordinator on issues that arose during Hurricane Dorian, which included the unauthorized opening of comfort centres in local fire departments.
According to the report, the region was expected to reimburse the cost of these openings due to a previous agreement, but because departments were opening them without permission, the report suggested terminating that agreement.
Mayor David Dagley said the suggestion was differed.
Instead, a meeting between all members of the Emergency Measures Operations Committee, which includes local fire chiefs and EMO coordinator Brian Hatt.
“Its an opportunity for those who participate in the operation of an EMO situation to flesh out what the issues actually are,” said Dagley.
“We want this to move smoothly so everyone is pleased with the results.”
During Hurricane Dorian, the region didn’t authorize the opening of comfort centres in an attempt to keep people sheltered in their homes and off the roadways and highways.
Despite that, many departments ran comfort centres, offering residents a warm place to charge their devices, wash up and, at some, get a warm plate of food.
In the weeks after, the region received bills for reimbursement, some of which reached into the thousands.
“There are fire departments who feel they make that decision, and, they make that decision,” said Dagley.
“But going forward, it is the spending of tax payers dollars so it would be good to have a structured document stating when and how that process works.”
The meeting is set for Tuesday, with the hopes of forming a new agreement that will satisfy all parties. From there, a recommendation will then be made to council at a later date.