What is MABAS-
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. MABAS is
both and intra-state and inter-state mutual aid organization for
Fire and EMS agencies. It includes over 1,600 departments in 5
states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri).
Who is behind MABAS
starting in Dane County-
The Dane County Fire Chiefs
Association and the Dane County EMS Association are jointly
forming the Dane County MABAS Division.
What does MABAS do-
MABAS
provides for a vast amount of resources when a community is in
need. Every community that is a member of MABAS has signed the
same contract, eliminating potential legal hassles or
misunderstandings. This is the same as many other mutual aid
organizations with the following two exceptions: MABAS is much,
much larger and can over more assistance; and is recognized by
the State of Wisconsin as the intrastate fire/EMS mutual aid
agreement for Wisconsin.
What will it do to
our current situation-
Dane County
is still in the process of forming the division. It is hoped
we’ll launch our division officially by the end of 2007.
When did MABAS
start-
MABAS started
in the late 1960’s in the Chicago suburbs.
When does it start
in DC-
Hopefully by
the end of this year.
How does it work-
Once a
community has joined MABAS, it pre-plans its alarm levels taking
into account needed resources, personnel, water supply, and a
number of other factors that dictate the number and type of
resources and personnel needed to mitigate a fire or other
disaster. Each alarm level can be requested by the Incident
Commander through the MABAS Division Dispatch Center.
Why did DC decided
to go to MABAS-
Dane County
decided to join the MABAS division as a way to expand upon
available resources during a disaster (the Watertown Tire Fire
and Stoughton Tornado showed the need for this). MABAS is also
the way to participate in the statewide mutual aid program for
Wisconsin, and also meets NIMS requirements for a mutual aid
agreement.
If anyone has
questions about the up coming MABAS program, send Rick an email
at rickhammond@verizon.net,
he
would be glad to answer any question that you may have. Or
contact us at webmaster@danecountyfirereport.com and we'll make sure the
information you're looking for gets answered.
Additional
information is available at:
www.mabaswisconsin.org
www.mabasradio.org
www.mabas.org
