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The Oakland Town Council held the monthly meeting on January 11, 2021 and discussed lags in emergency responses. The above picture is from the June 11, 2020 meeting. Shalene White •The Madill Record
The Oakland Town Council held their monthly meeting on Monday, January 11, 2021. The members discussed concerns over 911 responses at the tail end of the Public Works Authority meeting
Councilmembers said they would like to see 911 responders have a better understanding of locations within the community just northwest of Madill.
Examples of having emergency crews responding to a recent brush fire and a medical emergency incident recently were some of the concerns aired.
Councilmember Sam Dishman stated his concerns on a recent brush fire up on the hill. He said, “a tanker truck was brought in, because of no nearby hydrants.”
He also noted that if the crews had known sooner of the lack of access to water, they could have responded more appropriately.
Town Council Secretary Rhonda Whitsett added her concerns on the difficulty emergency responders have when attempting to find residences during an emergency. She said if first responders would locate residences and be sure they are clearly marked; it would cut down on crucial time during an emergency.
“If EMS would get out and do that, they wouldn’t have such a problem,” she said.
Councilmembers said they feel that if fire and EMS crews better familiarized themselves with the area better, they could respond more quickly and also find the quickest routes to certain areas that may have limited access to locations.
Council said they might put this item as an agenda on a future meeting and explore this topic in the future.