Drill of the Month for March 2008

• address numbering system
• street grids (if applicable)
• directional orientation
• map book, mapping system
• being a navigator

SPO The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of his/her departments map book/mapping system, street numbering system, and how to navigate from one part of the jurisdiction to another.
EO 1-1 Explain the type of address numbering system used for north / south and east / west streets.

EO 1-2 Explain the jurisdiction's street grid system (if applicable).

EO 1-3 Gain directional orientation relating to north, south, east and west and how to relate this to the student's current location and the map book.

EO 1-4 Use the organization's map book or mapping system to locate an address. Student should be able to find where an address is on a street and what side of the street the address will be located on.

EO 1-5 Give directions to a driver in a calm and timely manner to reach a given address.
The purpose of this drill is to review and build on basic mapping skills. All emergency services personnel should be proficient in locating an address and figuring out a safe and efficient route to get from their current location to the location of the emergency. Different organizations may have their own map book or software used to locate an emergency. Organizations that use wireless technology may find this drill to be a good refresher of using a physical map book. Any computer based system is always susceptible to failure, which would force personnel to use physical map books.
This drill will require the instructor to be knowledgeable on his/her jurisdiction's address numbering and street layout system. Additionally, the instructor will need to create a map route for the practical skills portion.
It is assumed that the participants have some basic knowledge of the subject matter. The focus of the drill should include personal and team safety. The drill should include minimal instruction and maximum skills practice. Support apparatus may enhance the training by maximizing the number of two person teams. The practical portion of this drill is meant to be accomplished with only a driver and navigator.

1. Address Numbering System (1-1)
1. Addresses will normally follow a county or city wide numbering system. Address numbers will normally follow a logical sequence based upon north/south and east/west street orientation i.e. even number addresses may be on the north and east side of the street while odd number addresses may be on the south and west side of the street. The "block" numbering system should also be addressed. Addresses within a certain number range may fall within a geographic distance i.e. the 1000 block of Main Street is between 1st and 2nd Streets while the 2000 block of Main Street is between 2nd and 3rd streets. Many personnel are unaware of this "larger" plan to street numbering systems. Any special numbering sequences should be addressed by the instructor. Some streets may change their orientation from north/south to east/west and the addresses may or may not change.


2. Street Grid System (1-2)
1. Some cities and counties may have a master plan for street layouts. In the City of Detroit and Wayne County, Michigan, major east/west streets are named mile roads i.e. 8 Mile is the north border of the City of Detroit and Wayne County. Every mile south of 8 Mile Road, there is another "mile" road i.e. Six Mile Road, Seven Mile Road, etc. In Washington, D.C. letter streets i.e. "G" go east/west and letter streets i.e. "15th" go north/south. Personnel must know if such a system is present in their jurisdiction. This can be very beneficial especially if they find themselves outside of their normal first alarm district.




3. Direction Orientation (1-3)
1. A key aspect to understanding maps and directions is the ability of personnel to orientate themselves to which way they are traveling. Using a compass may initially help personnel who lack a general concept of direction, but personnel should be able to figure out what direction they are traveling based upon the street they are on. Major landmarks such as water towers, schools, rivers, interstates, etc can be beneficial to help personnel orientate themselves as to their direction of travel.


4. Using the Map Book (1-4)
1. A key component of this drill is for the instructor to develop a series of addresses that units can be "dispatched" to that will take them throughout the jurisdiction. These addresses should have the following criteria.
1. Avoid forcing apparatus to back-up
2. Avoid narrow streets that may cause damage to apparatus from items like low tree limbs
3. Have a logical, "circular" order.

Apparatus should not be driving across the jurisdiction to get from one address to another. There should be a logical sequence. Additionally, to keep things interesting, apparatus should not have to back track. Addresses should not be located where an apparatus would need to back-up.

4. Be creative.
The addresses should be a mix of houses, schools, industrial complexes, SARA Title III facilities, senior housing, commercial, etc. Some the address numbers should be hard to locate on the buildings or possibly blocked by trees. Remember, any building in the jurisdiction is a potential location for an emergency. Some addresses should be easy to find while others more completed. This will prevent crews from becoming discouraged.
5. All crews should have a map book, clip board, pen and pad of paper.


5. Navigate the Jurisdiction (1-5)
1. Upon completion of the classroom portion of this training, personnel should be assigned to apparatus, if not already. A non-emergency tactical or training radio channel should be designated. If units are still "in service" while training, the instructor must state who will be responsible for monitoring dispatch channel(s). Additionally, depending upon the drill's design, this training may take apparatus out of their normal first due area. If so, the instructor must address how apparatus will handle emergency alarms (dispatches) during the training. Seat belt use is absolutely mandatory during this evolution.


2. The instructor will server as a dispatcher / incident commander. The instructor will radio a different address to each apparatus, so each apparatus will start at a different point in the address list. Once a crew arrives at the location, they should call arrival and repeat the address given by the instructor. The instructor should also have a question to ask the crew to verify that they are at the correct location. This question may be something like the business name or the color of the siding on the house. At a half way point, the driver and navigator should switch positions if both personnel are cleared to drive.

Jurisdiction Mapping

• address numbering system
• street grids (if applicable)
• directional orientation
• map book, mapping system
• being a navigator

ASSIGNMENT: