Expo is a chance to have first-responders teach, shine
Every organization, every person in fact, likes to show personal or professional success to others. It is a way of showing the movement and seriousness with which the person or group operates. The same is true of those whose job it is to keep us safe. Displaying the hardware, instruction and programs used is not only satisfying, but it also lets the public know those in charge take their jobs seriously.
Saturday, the annual West Haven Public Safety & Health Service Expo will fill Savin Rock and its surrounding area. It is a chance for many various first responders to show the taxpayers the training, apparatus, and professionalism of those who keep us safe.
In other words, it is not just a chance to show off, but that is not a bad thing, either. Working hard to keep up with current trends of training and technology is something every enterprise likes to show its benefactors and “customers.” The taxpayer is the “customer” of the first responder professionals.
Besides demonstrations, the expo is an opportunity for safety professionals to impart their knowledge to the public. From proper ways to install child safety seats to what to do in case of fire, the many men and women of the various fire departments, health professionals, and police services employees offer useful tips and ways of keeping one’s family safe in case of emergency.
All the city’s three fire departments will be included in the expo, along with police, the city’s Health Department, 911 reporting service, Civilian Response team, members of the University of New Haven EMS Club as well as the University’s Fire Science Club, and the city’s Emergency Management Office. That is wealth of knowledge and expertise freely offered.
With its drone demonstrations, simulations of real emergencies, and just the feel of an old-fashioned muster, the event has become one of the most popular events on the city’s calendar and has served as a springboard for young men and women looking to get into the first responder professions. We encourage our readers to take part in Saturday’s festivities. The events are not only fun, but educational and can be useful in time of emergencies.
It is true that organizations of any profession like a chance to show off. When that chance includes a way to keep people safe, and give them the knowledge to survive, it is an opportunity that is a win-win for all.
Help keep drains open
The coming of autumn brings with it an increase of rain and, as it gets colder, other precipitation. Add that with increasing numbers of falling leaves and some annoying things can become downright dangerous.
Falling leaves are an unpleasant fact, and their cluttering up the gutters of city streets is just a normal occurrence. Add rain and the potential for small flooding and dangerous conditions result. Public officials ask homeowners to help the situation by keeping street drains clear of debris. It does not take much for leaves to inhibit the run of rainwater, resulting in minor flooding and/or slippery conditions.
It takes little to help keep the drains clean, and we encourage our readers and homeowners to help city crews.