COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Pete Pilafas, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Cooperative Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance of Fire Station Alerting Systems with Honeywell International Inc. through its US Digital Designs Group (Chief Pilafas)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
General Fund
PURPOSE:
To consider approval of the purchase, installation, and maintenance of G2 Fire Station Alerting Systems for all fire stations with Honeywell International Inc., through its US Digital Designs Group, utilizing the National Purchase Partners Cooperative contract #PS20350 (500708) in accordance with City Code § 3.10.010.3(A)(1).
BACKGROUND:
The Lake Havasu City Fire Department currently relies on a station alerting system that was installed in 2001, which is deemed obsolete after 24 years of service. As we are making the transition to a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) interface and are making plans for the construction of Fire Station 7, this presents an ideal opportunity to replace our obsolete alerting system with state-of-the-art technology.
By upgrading to a modern station alerting system, the Department can significantly cut down on precious seconds during emergency response, a critical factor given that NFPA 1710 advocates for emergency personnel to arrive on scene within four minutes of a 911 call. Unfortunately, our current system’s reliability is in question; it is slow to activate and often distorts crucial dispatched messages, which can hinder our operational effectiveness.
The enhanced station alerting system offers numerous advantages, including:
• Reliable Communication: Establishment of a robust Fire Station Alerting Communication System ensures that alerts are transmitted without failure, enabling a cohesive, well-coordinated response.
• Improved Response Times: The new system aligns with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standards, which emphasize the importance of timely emergency response. Faster alerts can lead to quicker deployment of firefighting resources to emergencies.
• Clear Pre-announcements: Enhanced audio capabilities will allow for clear voice pre-announcements that improve the comprehension of alerts, ensuring firefighters are precisely informed of their tasks.
• Reduced Cardiac Stress and Anxiety: By mitigating the intensity of alerts and providing a more structured response process, the system helps lower the physiological stress experienced by firefighters, which can contribute to their overall health and wellbeing.
• Minimized Optical Shock: The implementation of modern LED lights greatly reduces optical shock when alarms sound, providing a more comfortable waking experience for firefighters, especially at night.
• Maximized Firefighter Safety: A safer working environment results in higher job satisfaction and productivity among firefighters. A system designed with their wellbeing in mind is essential for maintaining a motivated workforce.
• NFPA Compliance: Our new master control unit will adhere to NFPA 121 standards, providing constant electrical circuit supervision to prevent malfunctions and ensure reliability.
• Expandable for Future Needs: The new alert system is designed to be adaptable, allowing for future growth in service delivery capabilities, including the easy addition of emergency vehicles as needed.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: With readily available parts, maintenance costs will be significantly reduced, and repair times will be expedited, reducing downtime, and ensuring that our systems remain operational.
• Firefighter-Friendly for Nighttime Operations: During nighttime calls, the system can selectively alert only those firefighters required to respond, allowing others to rest and maintain their sleep cycles, which is crucial for overall health and availability.
In terms of health risks, significant evidence indicates that when the firehouse alarm sounds, firefighters can experience a drastic rise in heart rate, often exceeding 120 beats per minute compared to their normal resting rate of around 60 beats per minute. This surge can place tremendous strain on their cardiovascular, circulatory, and nervous systems. According to the NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration, heart attacks induced by stress and overexertion are the leading cause of fatal injuries among firefighters and represent nearly 50% of firefighter deaths. Moreover, the long-term effects of stress from outdated alerting systems can cause irreversible cardiac damage, contributing to numerous cases of line-of-duty fatalities, permanent hearing loss, and physical disabilities over a firefighter’s career.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The US Digital Designs Fire Station Alerting System significantly enhances the efficiency and precision of emergency dispatch by utilizing cutting-edge technology. This advanced system streamlines communication between our dispatch center and fire stations, ensuring that first responders receive real-time alerts with accurate information.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds in the amount of $760,077.30 are allocated and available in the General Fund Fiscal Year 2025-26 Administrative Services Department - Information Technology budget for this purchase.
ATTACHMENTS:
US Digital Designs Quote
SUGGESTED MOTION:R
I move to approve the cooperative purchase, installation, and maintenance G2 Fire Station Alerting Systems from Honeywell International Inc. through US Digital Designs Group.