Parking on Narrow Streets
The Orange County Fire Authority and the Dana Point Municipal Code mandates that parking is not allowed on cul- de-sac streets and one-way-streets that are less than 28 feet in width. The reason is that it will restrict emergency vehicle access and/or reduce the ability to respond to critical situations promptly.
Almost all the folks residing on our narrow streets, such as the “Bay” streets, understand this, and normally park in garages or designated parking stalls. However, occasionally on these narrow streets some well-meaning folks, who were only going to leave their vehicle at the curb for a moment while they unloaded packages, become unexpectedly occupied and forget they left their vehicle illegally parked.
Unfortunately, guests sometimes park curbside on these streets and fail to appreciate the consequences of what they are doing. If the host forgets to remind guests to park else- where, the guest winds up receiving a citation.
We all should be aware that curbside parking on a relatively narrow street of 28 feet or less can likely impede the movement of an emergency vehicle, and our car should be parked elsewhere. We are not asking folks to carry a mea- suring tape but to utilize good judgement. Our parking enforcement personnel will exercise patience where possible to include monitoring the situation, photographing and time stamping the violation, and—only as a last resort— take enforcement action.
Life Saving Equipment
Normally, should someone experience symptoms of a cardiac arrest, first responders are only moments away and they bring top-notch equipment to support their efforts. How- ever, depending on the number of calls at the moment, there could sometimes be delays. Should that occur, we can now deploy our new Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D.). This device can analyze a heart’s rhythm and, if appropriate, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart reestablish effective rhythm. One such device will be in our patrol car and the other is stored in the lobby of the Clubhouse. Our on-site personnel have received training in the use of these devices. Remember to call 911 first, and then alert our patrol.
—God Bless . . . Tim Murphy
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