Hillsborough County Florida Hillsborough County s 9-1-1 Trailways Addressing Program 2010 ProBike/ProWalk Florida -Conference May 12-13, 2010 1
REQUEST Staff from the Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue requested an addressing program be developed to aid in their response to 9-1-1 emergencies along paved and off road trails in Northwest Hillsborough County. 2
9-1-1 RESPONSE ISSUES Citizens unable to provide their exact location in reporting 9-1-1 incidents along paved and off road trails How do you know where you are? Locating reported 9-1-1 incidents How do emergency response personnel locate an incident? Locating access points for entering trails How do emergency response personnel access trail segments to reach incidents? No address numbering scheme or marking system in place for trails to aid emergency responders Can a unique addressing number & marking scheme be developed? 3
REVIEW TEAM A team consisting of members from the following agencies was created to explore the request and issues. 9-1-1 Streets and Addresses & GIS Mapping Parks, Recreation and Conservation Dept. Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office (HCSO) Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) City of Tampa GIS Mapping Hillsborough County Emergency Dispatch Center Note: All team members were front line employees. 4
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Due to the increased use of trails, team members determined that the County would benefit from an Addressing Program to assist emergency response agencies in locating, dispatching and responding to 9-1-1 incidents on trails. 5
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Develop a unique addressing scheme that can be applied to all trails within the Hillsborough County. Develop a numbering system that does not duplicate numbers. Select 9-1-1 signage/markers that are easy to read and maintain. Avoid sign pollution. Install 9-1-1 signs/markers at specific locations along trails. Install street names markers at cross streets on trails. Incorporate the addressing scheme into GIS maps for viewing. 6
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Integrate the addressing scheme into the emergency response agencies mapping and dispatching systems. Provide GPS data to identify exact locations along trails. Provide addressing maps to all emergency response agencies. Coordinate the Program with all jurisdictions within Hillsborough County. Create a campaign to educate trail users on how to report 9-1-1 incidents. 7
ANALYSIS The team identified several address numbering and marking schemes used on other trail systems throughout the country. Mile markers markers posted at various intervals on posts and/or markers on ground beside trails. Landmark markers landmarks signs located along trails. Station number markers station number markers posted at various intervals on posts. Trail name markers trail name signage located at intervals along trails. 8
ANALYSIS It was noted that very few trails are marked for 9-1-1 purposes or integrated into the emergency response mapping and dispatch systems. Very few uniform address numbering schemes other than mileage schemes. No uniform markers or marking schemes. Few trails have some type of numbering scheme tied into emergency response systems. 9
PROGRAM ACTION PLAN Utilize and enhance a combination of addressing and posting methods identified on other trail systems to meet the Program s objectives. Develop an addressing scheme utilizing unique STATION NUMBERS to identify exact location points on trails that can be used for emergency response. Develop a uniform system to mark Station Number locations for paved and off road trails. Station Number markers will be located in the middle of paved trails and on posts next to the trail on off road trails. Integrate the Station Number addressing scheme into the emergency response agencies dispatching and mapping systems. Identify funding source. 10
PROGRAM ACTION PLAN Select one trail for a pilot project to test various marking products and receive input from citizens and emergency responders regarding the Program. Complete analysis of pilot project, make adjustments to the Program and start adding additional trails. Create map books for distribution to first responders and park personnel as trails are added to the Program. Train 9-1-1 call takers and first responders (police and fire). Develop a campaign to educate trail users on how to report 9-1-1 incidents. Media events, printed handouts, trail guide handouts, trail user meetings and signage. Divide the program into three phases. Phase I existing paved trails & trails under construction. Phase II existing off road trails. Phase III existing canoe trails. 11
ACTION PLAN HIGHLIGHTS STATION NUMBERS will be used for addressing purposes. Each trail will have its own unique set of STATION NUMBERS. STATION NUMBERS will be assigned at approximately 200 ft. intervals and/or at stationary objects (i.e. water coolers, pavilions, benches, etc.) Each STATION NUMBER will be noted by a marker adhered to the center of the pavement for paved trails and on a post for off road trails. GPS data will be collected for each STATION NUMBER. 12
ACTION PLAN HIGHLIGHTS Markers will be installed at intersections of trails and roadways to identify road names. Paved and off road trails will be added to the roads layer in the County s GIS system and the information passed to all emergency response agencies for input into their dispatch & mapping Systems. Emergency response agencies will utilize cross reference tables to identify trails by STATION NUMBERS. Emergency response agencies will dispatch personnel utilizing STATION NUMBERS and Trail names. Campaign to educate trail users on how to report 9-1-1 incidents. Printed handouts, trail guides, and signage. KNOW YOUR STATION NUMBER WHEN REPORTING 9-1-1 EMERGENCIES FROM THE TRAIL. 13
PROGRAM BENEFITS EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Callers can report exact locations of 9-1-1 incidents along trails based on STATION NUMBERS. Closest responder can be dispatched based on STATION NUMBER. STATION NUMBERS will provide better statistical reporting of criminal/medical incidents on trails. STATION NUMBERS will aid in determining the appropriate jurisdiction for emergency responders. Helicopter landing zones can be established based on STATION NUMBERS. 14
PROGRAM BENEFITS EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Emergency responders will know how to access trails based on STATION NUMBERS. The use of STATION NUMBERS may deter crime because criminals will know the trails are closely monitored. Emergency responders can use STATION NUMBERS to assign personnel during Special Events. STATION NUMBERS within known high incident areas can be added to routine patrol. 15
PROGRAM BENEFITS TRAIL USERS: Ease of reporting any 9-1-1 incident based on STATION NUMBERS. Ease of reporting maintenance needs to park personnel based on STATION NUMBERS. New maps of trails will include STATION NUMBERS. 16
PROGRAM BENEFITS PARK PERSONNEL: Improved incident tracking based on STATION NUMBERS. Improved maintenance scheduling based on STATION NUMBERS. Locating employees working on trails based on STATION NUMBERS. Reporting of maintenance issues based on STATION NUMBERS. 17
PROGRAM BENEFITS NEIGHBORING CITIZENS: Property owners can use STATION NUMBERS to report incidents near their property. Ease of reporting maintenance needs to park personnel based on STATION NUMBERS. 18
PILOT PROJECT In 2006, the Town N Country Greenway Trail was selected for a pilot project. The trail runs East-West between Sheldon Rd and George Rd and is approximately 2 1/2 miles. Project Highlights: 67 STATION NUMBERS were assigned to the trail. GPS data was collected for each STATION NUMBER. STATION NUMBERS and trail data was entered into emergency response agencies mapping and dispatching systems. Tested Sheriff s Office & Fire Rescue's mapping systems. Completed live 9-1-1 test calls from trail at specific STATION NUMBERS. Developed and distributed map books. STATION NUMBER markers were installed. (Note: Do not install markers until testing complete.) Tested various types of STATION NUMBER markers. Informed Media and citizen s. Collected and reviewed feed back received from trail users. Collected actual 9-1-1 call data and input from emergency response agencies 19
PILOT PROJECT 20
PILOT PROJECT Stories regarding the Pilot Project have appeared in The Tampa Tribune, St. Petersburg Times and on Bay News 9. 21
PILOT PROJECT FINDINGS Program should be expanded to other trails. Citizens, trail users and emergency responders provided positive feedback and would like to see the Program expanded. Additional training required for 9-1-1 call takers and emergency responders. Trails should be indentified by a separate code and different color line segments in GIS systems and users informed. 22
PILOT PROJECT FINDINGS Media was very receptive of Program and provided excellent coverage. Need to continue campaign to promote public education. Only one type of Station Number marker held up during the pilot project. Determined additional information required on Station Number markers. Funds for expanding Program may be an issue. 23
CURRENT STATUS OF PROGRAM Completed the Pilot Project and made necessary modifications to the Program. Finalized the type of markers to utilize on different types of trails and the required information on each marker. Presented Program to County Officials and received authorization to expand Program. Expanded the Program to include the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. (Currently, a 7 ½ mile trail in process of expanding to 14 miles.) Continue making 9-1-1 test calls from trails in the Program and training 9-1-1 call takers and emergency responders. 24
CURRENT STATUS OF PROGRAM Continue public education through press releases, attending neighborhood meetings and printed handouts and signage. (Several additional stories have been televised on local stations and appeared in the Tampa Tribune and St Pete Times newspapers.) Start work with the State of Florida to include trails within State Parks. Made presentations to promote Program to surrounding Counties, the Florida Emergency Addressing Professionals Users Group, the State of Florida Greenway and Trail Users Group and various other Trail Users Groups. 25
CURRENT STATUS OF PROGRAM Identified and start work to add 4 additional trails to the Program. Approximately 30 miles of trails. Start work on adding the Suncoast Trail to the Program. This is a 41 mile trail across 4 Counties. Continue to work with local Cities to expand the Program into their jurisdiction. Submitted applications to obtain grant funds. Received an invitation to make a presentation about the Program during the 2009 USRIA/NENA Addressing Convention in Aug 2009. 26
PROGRAM SUCCESS TO DATE Town N Country Greenway Trail (Live 3/1/06) Approximately 10 actual 9-1-1 calls received and dispatched. Call were for medical, fire and criminal activities. (108 activities by HCSO 49 intersections & 59 station numbers) Several reported maintenance issues using Station Numbers. Vandalism areas identified and increased Police patrol of areas based on Station Numbers. Upper Tampa Bay Trail (Live 12/26/08) First 9-1-1 call received and dispatched on 1/4/09-10 minute response time. 19 additional 9-1-1 calls received and dispatched. It was noted that there was a decrease in response time Calls were for medical, gator complaint and brush fires. (134 activities by HCSO 16 intersections & 188 station numbers) Numerous maintenance issues reported and checked using Station Numbers. Due to increased news coverage, surrounding Counties, State of Florida and local jurisdictions have shown interest in the Program. Excellent feed back from trail users noting how easy the system is to use and trail users feel-good knowing that we can pin point their location in the event of an emergency. 27
PROPOSED COST OF PROGRAM Cost per single marker for paved trails is between $5.00 & $8.00. Installation is approximately 5-10 minutes per marker. Cost per single marker and post for off road trails is between $10.00 - $12.00. Installation is approx. 10-15 minutes per marker. Canoe trails unknown at this time. The above cost projections do not include the installation cost. The team is proposing that the station markers be installed by Park staff and volunteers. Cost of markers decreases if purchased in bulk. Grant applications will be submitted to assist in funding the Program. 28
PROGRAM TIME LINE The team is currently working on a time line for the entire Program to include costs where applicable for implementing the Program. It is anticipated that the entire Program will take approximately 2-3 years to complete. 29
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TRAIL SYSTEM Currently, there are 226.0 miles of trails within the unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County. Paved trails -28.9 miles Off roads trails 138.4 miles 36.6 Equestrian 42.9 Hiking 40.3 Mountain Biking 18.6 Multi-Use Canoe trails 58.7 miles There is an additional 134.2 miles of proposed paved multi-use trails. 30
PROPOSED COST OF PROGRAM IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Paved trails -28.9 miles = 800 markers at a cost of $4,800 (material only). Installation is approx. 10 minutes per marker. Cost per single marker is $6.00. Unpaved trails 138.4 miles = 3564 markers at a cost of $35,640.00 (material only). Installation is approx. 10-15 minutes per marker. Cost per single marker and post is $10.00 Canoe trails 58.7 miles unknown at this time. 31
FUTURE Continue to secure funding for implementing Program on all trails identified in Phase I, II & III. Continue work with incorporated Cities and surrounding Counties to extend Program into their jurisdictions. Continue work with the State of Florida and the Suncoast Trails User Group to add STATION NUMBER addressing along the entire Suncoast Trail. Note: The County will proceed with utilizing STATIONS NUMBERS for our trail system, even if other jurisdictions or surrounding Counties do not proceed with the Program. 32
FUTURE Submit program to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URSIA) to become one of the addressing standards for trailway systems throughout the country. Submit program to the Florida Greenway Committee, Rails to Trails Conservancy Committee and the American Trails Association to become one of the addressing standards for trailway systems throughout Florida and the country. 33
EXAMPLE OF MEDIA COVERAGE 34
EXAMPLE OF FINAL STATION NUMBER MARKER 35
EXAMPLE OF TEST CALL DISPATCHED TO HCSO DEPUTY Snapshot from Deputy s onboard computer 36
EXAMPLE FROM MAP BOOK 37
EXAMPLE FROM MAP BOOK 38
Example of Handout Hillsborough County s Trails and Greenways 9-1-1 Addressing Pilot Program Hillsborough County Staff have developed an addressing scheme utilizing STATION NUMBERS to identify locations along trails within the unincorporated Hillsborough County to aid in reporting and responding to 9-1-1 emergencies from the trail. The Town N County Greenway Trail has been selected for a three month pilot program. A unique set of STATION NUMBERS have been created for this trail. STATION NUMBERS will identified by a marker adhered to the pavement in the center of the trail. In Emergency call 9-1-1 Give this Station Number 101 Over the next three months (May 17,2006 August 17,2006) Hillsborough County will be testing different types of markers, reviewing actually 9-1-1 call data and seeking input from the community on how to improve the program. Education is the key to this project. WE NEED YOUR HELP!! When reporting a 9-1-1 emergency from this trail, please know and provide the nearest station number to the 9-1-1 call taker. Anyone can call in these station numbers if needed. This includes adjacent landowners who need to dispatch emergency personnel to the trail at anytime. This program has been developed in conjunction with the following agencies: Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department 9-1-1 Street and Addresses Sheriff s Office (HCSO) Fire Rescue (HCFR) For More Information Call: Tina A. Russo, Sr. Park Manager at (813-801-6732 39
TRAIL MARKING SUPPLIER 40
CONTACT INFO Kevin Howe, Manager Hillsborough County 911 Agency Streets and Addresses Unit County Center, 13th Floor P.O. Box 1110 Tampa, FL 33601 (813)744-5911 phone (813)744-5857 fax Howek@Hillsboroughcounty.org Tina A. Russo, Sr. Park Manager Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department Upper Tampa Bay Trail, Suncoast Trail, Town and Country Greenway 9201 W Waters Ave Tampa, FL 33635 (813)801-6732 phone (813)801-6734 fax russot@hillsboroughcounty.org 41