3/14/2008
Media Contact:
Marcus J. Barlow
Office of the Mayor
Email: mbarlow@indygov.org
Direct: 317-327-3713
Cell: 317-496-5515 |
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Mayor Ballard Joins Indianapolis Fire Department for
Water Rescue Demonstration
INDIANAPOLIS – (March 14, 2008) Mayor Greg Ballard joined members of the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) on site today at a water rescue evolution teaching drivers what steps to take if a vehicle becomes displaced by water and simulating an emergency response.
IFD submerged a car in water at Fall Creek Parkway and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. while divers demonstrated “POGO,” the acronym they use to describe a safe way to exit a vehicle in water:
- Pop your seat belt
- Open the window
- Get Out of the vehicle
“Severe weather season is approaching, and water safety is something we need to put in the minds of everyone in Marion County,” Ballard said. “The Fire Department is ready to respond if needed, but we would rather teach citizens to take some preventive measures and make a water rescue a last resort. Demonstrations like this one today are important teaching tools”
If a water rescue is necessary, IFD is staffed with 56 divers, 5 dive instructors and 5 swift water dive instructors. They are also equipped with 6 primary water craft, 4 reserve water craft and Tactical 14 – a regional response apparatus. To date in 2008, IFD has responded to 25 water rescue incidents.
For more information on IFD education and support services, visit www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPS/IFD
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