Meredith Fire Department helps Golden View in propane leak drill

MEREDITH— Golden View, a community based non-profit, holds disaster drills every year to prepare staff and Golden View residents of what to do in case of an emergency. The facility tries to work with the community as much as possible during many of these drills, and in their day-to-day operations. In keeping with Golden View's tradition of community involvement, members and student interns of the Meredith Fire Department arrived at Golden View last Friday to assist them in a propane leak drill.

This drill was not only a great way for the students to learn more about the senior population and their needs during an emergency, but it was also a great way for Golden View's staff to learn from the Meredith Fire Department's expertise. Prior to the drill, Golden View's Safety Committee, a Dead River gas company employee, and the Meredith Fire Department's Deputy Chief met for a disaster planning meeting to go over the proper procedures when dealing with a propane leak. Employees who'd never smelled propane before were given scratch and sniff cards so they would be able to identify the scent in the future. After the drill, Safety Committee members and members of the Meredith Fire Department discussed the drill and opportunities to further improve the communication and response time between our two organizations.

Drills like the one at Golden View are part of the many training opportunities members of the Meredith Fire Department Student Intern Program experience. This highly competitive program only accepts four students each year and provides them with opportunities to gain practical experience.