Flood Risk America was proud to host a specialized training session with the dedicated City of Marco Island Fire Rescue Department. We extend our sincere thanks to the Marco Island Fire Rescue team for their incredible professionalism and commitment to community safety. This training is a crucial step in ensuring they have the knowledge and tools necessary to protect residents and property during emergencies when the FRA Flood Panel is involved.
Training Highlights: Equipping the First Responders
Our training focused on providing the team with hands-on experience and up-to-date knowledge on flood and fire safety protocols. The main highlights included:
- New Flood and Fire Safety Products - We introduced the team to our latest innovations in flood mitigation and emergency response equipment, ensuring they are aware of the most effective tools available for any scenario.
- ASCE Guidelines for Safe Exit and Entry - A critical component of the training focused on the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) guidelines. These standards are vital for establishing safe and effective protocols for building entry and exit during concurrent fire and flood events, prioritizing the safety of both responders and those being rescued.
- Interactive Learning with FRA Flood Panels - The team engaged in interactive activities using the FRA Flood Panel, including destroying one with their heavy-duty tools. This hands-on segment allowed them to experience how to break through an FRA flood panel, should it need to be done in an emergency scenario.
Why Flood Panels are Essential for Rapid Response
The FRA Flood Panel is a key tool in flood preparedness. Our panels are designed to be a rapidly deployable, temporary barrier that can seal off entryways, windows, and garage doors, preventing floodwater from entering structures.
- Fast Deployment - Time is of the essence during a flood. Our panels can be installed quickly, often in minutes, giving property owners and first responders a crucial advantage.
- Reliable Protection - Constructed from high-strength, durable materials, the panels are engineered to withstand significant hydrostatic pressure, keeping buildings dry and safe. The design minimizes potential points of failure, offering a secure, watertight seal.
- Versatility - They are custom-fitted to protect a variety of opening sizes, making them a versatile solution for different types of residential and commercial properties. We emphasize the importance of having pre-measured and labeled panels ready for immediate use.
The Reality of Flood Risk in America
Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Preparing for it is not just about building higher - it’s also about resilience and response.
- Growing Threat - Factors like climate change, rising sea levels, and increased development in flood-prone areas mean that flood risk is growing, emphasizing the need for robust mitigation strategies. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) consistently shows an increasing frequency of high-tide flooding events in this region.
- Community Impact - Flooding causes billions in property damage annually and poses a severe risk to life. Empowering local fire rescue teams with the best tools and training directly translates to a safer, more resilient community and significantly reduces the long-term economic impact of disasters.
- Insurance and Preparedness - We encourage all homeowners and businesses in the area to review their flood insurance policies and establish a comprehensive flood emergency plan, which should include the pre-staging and easy access to mitigation tools like the FRA Flood Panels.
Partnering With Communities
We are committed to continuing our support for first responders across the nation. By working together with dedicated teams like the Marco Island Fire Rescue, we can continue to strengthen America's flood defenses, one panel and one training session at a time. The collaboration with local agencies ensures that our communities remain safe against the threat of floods and fires.
Would you like to learn more about the specifications of the FRA Flood Panel or schedule a risk assessment for your property? Speak to one of our flood experts today.