Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/915561
W EEKLY EDITION DEC 13, 2017 Disaster Dispatch: PSAI Members Discuss the California Wildfires …continued The PSAI reached out to some of our California Membe rs to hear how the current fires are impacting their day - to - day operations and how portable sanitation is needed in the relief efforts Matt and Eric both shared how they prepare for wildfires and natural disasters in general. "We have our phones manned 24 hours a day for emergencies, set up with on - call supervisors to take care of disasters," Matt said of Honey Bucket's preparedness. Eric explained how Cal - State Site Services is still relatively new to the industry on the sanitation side. "But we have an a mazing crew," he said. "The first call [following a natural disaster] will come to me, and then from there I coordinate wit h our dispatch Manager and yard Manager. They will contact drivers who have expressed interest in any emergency type work to coordina te their deliveries. We have crews designated for both restrooms and fencing." Eric also shared a list of the "key notes" he's learned from taking on this emergency , with the hope that these tips will help others in similar situations when applicable. 1. W e always have a trailer loaded with units for immediate delivery. I can be to the yard in 10 minutes and on the road in less than 30 minutes. Sometimes crews will meet onsite to help with off - loading and then head to the yard for more units. 2. Fires are pred ictable and we even said last week, "keep your heads up, something is coming." 3. Logistically, it can be hard to service fire crews. They need to be serviced two to three times a day sometimes and you are amongst 3 to 4 other companies. It can be difficult t o battle the balance between regular route service and fire service, but for the most part, Californians get it and don't complain when you have to bypass to take care of fire crews. You can see and smell smoke all over the Southland so everyone is aware o f the situation. 4. I have also learned that a white truck and a clipboard will get you past most every police blockade and allow you access to certain areas. The PSAI is thinking of all of our Members affected by the fires in California and we hope that yo u are safe. If you have been impacted by these wildfires and would like to share you r insight, don't hesitate to contact Rachel at rachelj@psai.org . By sharing your experiences with your fellow Members, you're better preparing our industry to handle natur al disasters of all types. PAGE 3 Above: View of the fires from Cal - State Site Services when the flames came within 100 yards