Made here in the USA, Groves Gear Guard Covers were designed to protect your department’s PPE gear from UV degradation and particulates from diesel exhaust which increases the threat of cancer. They are made of 8 oz. PVC Laminate UV Shield material that is abrasion-/tear-resistant and fluid-proof, stain-resistant, and can easily be cleaned. Other features of the Gear Guard Covers is they have antimicrobial and self-deodorizing fabric with antistatic properties and are flame-retardant. Departments can order these covers for any of the Groves Red Rack units (they may work for other locker systems if similar to Red Rack Lockers) as well as other Ready Rack products like the Work Table, SOS Racks, and Multi-Purpose Storage Systems.

For more information, visit https://www.readyrack.com/product/gear-guard-rack-covers/.

US Digital Designs, is often asked how automated dispatching works. And, thanks to one of its longtime station alerting customers, you can get a quick answer in this video produced by the Scottsdale (AZ) Fire Department.

In it, watch Scottsdale’s first responders in action—starting with a 911 call and leading up to the saving of victims (even four-legged ones).

Here’s a brief overview of how automated dispatching works:

• A 911 call is dispatched from the Phoenix (AZ) Regional Dispatch Center, and is automatically sent to one or more units within milliseconds.
• Throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, fire departments have an “automatic aid agreement” so that the closest units are sent to the call.
• Depending on the 911 caller’s need, a combination of units are dispatched.
• Those automated station alerts appear in a variety of areas within each station—using both audio and visual means. At 0:15 in the video, the G2 Message Signs can be configured to display dispatch information, turnout timer, or unit status (with a capable CAD system). Message Signs are usually mounted above doorways, in hallways, kitchens, offices, and apparatus bays.

On average, it takes the Scottsdale Fire Department about 5.5 minutes from the time a unit is dispatched until the apparatus arrives on the scene.

For more information, visit www.stationalerting.com.

Tallahassee (FL) Fire Department hazmat unit. International 7500 cab and tractor; Navistar N10 370-hp engine; 59.6-foot Hackney drop-deck trailer and rear command center with ramp.