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Chief warns of severe-weather season, reports rising call volumes and updates on shelters and staffing
Summary
Red Oak public-safety leaders urged residents to use multiple weather-notification methods, reported rising call volumes and an increase in busiest times, provided an animal-shelter renovation update, and noted uncertainty about SAFER grant timing for additional staffing.
The city’s public-safety leadership updated the council on severe-weather preparedness, emergency-call volume and staffing plans.
Chief Wolf (fire department) told council that outdoor warning sirens are designed for outdoor notification and may not be heard inside homes; he recommended residents use multiple notification channels such as smartphone alerts, weather radio, television or AM/FM radio. He said the department’s annual report showed a 60% increase in call volume from 2014 to Feb. 2024, a 35% increase from 2020 to Feb. 2024, and a 10% increase from 2023 to 2024. The department’s busiest day is Fridays and the busiest hour is about 6 p.m., the chief said.
On staffing and facilities, the chief said the city is pursuing construction and staffing upgrades for the fire department. Staff anticipates issuing bids and bringing a guaranteed maximum price to council in April and starting construction in May; the projected construction period is about 15–18 months with a September target for parts of the work. The chief noted the city planned to apply for the federal SAFER grant to fund new firefighter positions but said that federal pause on SAFER applications currently prevents submission; the city will include staffing in the upcoming budget in the meantime.
Animal-shelter update: Chief Wolf said the animal shelter’s renovation work has progressed—interior framing, rough plumbing and electrical are in place, select fill has been added and the concrete slab for expansion is being prepared; staff characterized contractor communication as very good.
The update was informational; no formal action was taken.
