CHAPTER 5 May 4, 2010 ALARM ASSIGNMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.0 INTRODUCTION 1 5.1 BARB (BOX-AREA AUTOMATED RUN-CARD BUILDER) 1 5.2 CADS UNIT ALARM ASSIGNMENT 1 5.3 COMPUTERIZED MANUAL OPERATIONS BACK-UP SYSTEM 1 5.4 EXAMPLES OF COMPUTERIZED ASSIGNMENT CARDS 2 5.5 ADJUSTMENTS TO BOX ALARM ASSIGNMENTS 2 5.6 STRUCTURAL RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT 1ST THROUGH 5TH ALARM (ENGINES, LADDERS, BATTALIONS, AND DIVISIONS)...4
5.0 INTRODUCTION Unit alarm response assignments are generated by computer and approved by the Chief of Department. Presently, STARFIRE uses two computer programs to generate unit alarm assignments: the Box-area Automated Run-card Builder (BARB) program and the Computer Assisted Dispatch System (CADS). 5.1 BOX-AREA AUTOMATED RUN-CARD BUILDER (BARB) BARB is a Geographic Information System (GIS) based software application for automating the building of alarm box assignments. By utilizing information about the road network from NYC s maps, BARB can generate response routes to every street address. Each firehouse and alarm box location is identified using its GPS location. The distance from each firehouse (Citywide) to each alarm box (Citywide) is calculated using the NYC maps to route the closest companies to each alarm box. These results build a computerized alarm assignment card. BARB also enables the reassignments of alarm boxes as a result of changes to road networks. Presently, Staten Island is being dispatched using BARB, with plans for additional Boroughs to be added in the future. 5.2 CADS UNIT ALARM ASSIGNMENT Other boroughs are still utilizing the CADS computerized unit alarm assignment information maintained by the Bureau of Communications. This assignment procedure will be phased out as BARB is implemented in all boroughs. 5.3 COMPUTERIZED MANUAL OPERATIONS BACK-UP SYSTEM (CMO) The color coded unit alarm assignment cards previously maintained as a manual back-up are no longer used. The Computerized Manual Operations (CMO) is a PC-based program developed to augment the manual system when the Starfire system is off-line. The CMO: Assists the Fire Alarm Dispatcher in processing alarms in the manual mode more quickly and efficiently than the color coded unit alarm assignment cards previously maintained as a manual back-up. Eliminates the need for use of the colored Rolodex street file cards used to ascertain box numbers and verify cross streets. Eliminates the need to handwrite a fire ticket. It provides the status board, voice alarm, and fire dispatcher with a printed legible fire ticket. Provides the status board operator with the appropriate assignment card for each alarm. Eliminates the need to manually look up CIDS information for an address. 5-1
5.4 EXAMPLES OF COMPUTERIZED ALARM ASSIGNMENT CARDS 3519 = BAILEY AVE & W 233 ST E1 E2 E3 E4 L1 L2 B1 B2 D1 D2 1 E081 E052 E079 E046 L046 L052 BC27 2 E095 E075 E048 E062 L037 L059 BC19 DC07 DC06 3 E042 E088 E063 E093 L036 BC15 BC13 4 E038 E046 E068 E092 L033 BC17 5 E045 E067 E097 E061 L056 Figure 5-1 8841= BX ST HOSP WATERS PL POWERHOUSE E1 E2 E3 E4 L1 L2 B1 B2 D1 D2 1 E061 E097 E089 E064 L050 L047 BC20 2 E090 E066 E038 E062 L041 L061 BC18 DC07 DC06 3 E045 E096 E088 E063 L051 BC15 BC27 4 E079 E046 E048 E082 L032 BC03 5 E094 E042 E295 E041 L058 Figure 5-2 Note: Some FDNY boxes are categorized as CL3D, or Dummy boxes. A Dummy box is a specific location where no actual alarm box exists, such as on highways, bridges, or in tunnels. This location is given a box number, assignments, and cards as if it were an actual box to enable the computer to assign units to that location. 5.5 ADJUSTMENTS TO BOX ALARM ASSIGNMENTS 5.5.1 BUREAU OF COMMUNICATIONS The Chief of the Bureau of Communications shall send the Alarm Assignment Unit (AAU) memos when necessary noting changes in alarm box designations and assignments. 5.5.2 ALARM ASSIGNMENT UNIT (AAU) The Alarm Assignment Unit is responsible for updating alarm assignments. Initially, as the BARB is implemented in each Borough, there will be a period of time in which box discrepancies will be addressed, and if necessary, changed. After this initial period, the only reason for changes, are as follows: A unit is temporarily relocated. A unit is disbanded. A new unit is established. Street, bridge, tunnel or highway openings or closings create a need to alter assignments. 5-2
5.5.3 BUREAU OF OPERATIONS A. The Chief of Operations shall inform the AAU by memo of any special instructions and/or changes in unit location or administrative boundaries related to alarm assignments. B. Company Commanders responsible for quarters can request a copy of their alarm assignments through the chain of command to the Chief of the Bureau of Communications. C. The following procedures and format shall be adhered to in submitting changes in alarm assignments. 1. All recommendations for unit alarm assignment changes shall be submitted through the chain of command to the Chief of Department for final endorsement. BC and DC endorsements are required. If the change is approved, it will be forwarded to the Alarm Assignment Unit. 2. Format of Report Subject: Recommended Changes in Computer Alarm Assignment A. Borough and Box No. B. Problem C. Reason D. Suggested Solution 5-3
5.6 STRUCTURAL RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT - 1ST THROUGH 5TH ALARM (ENGINES, LADDERS, BATTALIONS AND DIVISIONS) Engines Ladders Battalions Deputy 1st Alarm Minimum 3 1 1 1st Alarm Maximum, if available 3 2 1 1st Alarm - more than one source. (Must include telephone or ERS) 3 2 1 Signal 10-75 4 3* 2 Signal 7-5 (All Hands and Doubtful) 4 3* 2 1 Second Alarm 8 5 5** 1 Third Alarm 12 7 7*** 1 Fourth Alarm 16 9 7 1 Fifth Alarm 20 11 7 1 3rd Ladder Company shall be designated the FAST Unit. ** 3rd Battalion Chief shall be designated the Safety Officer. 4th Battalion Chief shall be designated the Resource Unit Leader. 5th Battalion Chief shall be designated for fire duty. (2nd Alarm Chief) *** 6th Battalion Chief shall be designated the Staging Area Manager. 7th Battalion Chief shall be designated the Air Reconnaissance Chief. (ARC) 5-4 Rev. 11/26/13