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Pool Is Focus of Emergency Preparedness Project

Residents of the East Bay area in California know all too well a major earthquake could disrupt vital services like water and electricity. If that were to happen and water mains were to break, it might make it very difficult for emergency personnel to fight fires. In such a case, pool water might become the only hope for firefighters battling a blaze.

That’s where Scouts Baron L. and Tucker B. of the Piedmont Council knew they could make a difference.

The East Bay Times shared the story of how Baron and Tucker are working on a pair of related projects to help the city of Piedmont in the event of a major disaster.

Pool is Focus of Emergency Preparedness Project
Scouts Baron L. and Tucker P. measure the length and breadth of the pool. (photo: East Bay Times)

One project involves measuring and documenting the volume of pool water in all of Piedmont’s public and residential swimming pools, and the other includes reviewing San Francisco’s system of underground cisterns so that they could possibly be used in the event of fire hydrant failure.

“We are measuring not only the volume of water, but documenting streets and cross streets, how to access the pool from the street and the distance from the pool to the curb,” said Baron.

It’s a massive undertaking. The city has approximately 250 pools that need to be catalogued. Once all of the information is collected about each pool, it will be provided to the Piedmont Fire Department.

“It boosts our system to have a ready list of water sources in case EBMUD lines go down,” said Piedmont Fire Chief Bud McLaren. “It benefits the fire department and the community to know about and have access to these static water sources. Knowing the distance and access to the pool enhances our capability of fighting fire should that arise. It’s an outstanding venture for the Scouts.”

“‘Be Prepared’ is the Scout motto, and this project will ease the minds of Piedmont’s Emergency Services and residents alike,” said Scoutmaster Jon Stewart.

To learn more about the project, be sure to read the full article in the East Bay Times.

To learn more about the positive impact that Scouting can have on young people like Baron and Tucker, be sure to check out this article on the recent Tufts study, and watch this video:

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