Fotodelight

All posts by Jennifer Bossi

FEMA Final Public Notice

FEMA PUBLIC NOTICE

Lee Commissioners enact burn ban for all of Lee County

Fort Myers, FL, March 9, 2022 – The Lee Board of County Commissioners enacted a burn ban for unincorporated Lee County and municipalities effective immediately due to increasingly dry conditions throughout Southwest Florida.

The county’s ordinance bans “outdoor burning ignition sources,” including campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Grills for food and backyard fire rings are not included. Officials ask all county residents to be mindful of dry conditions and to use good judgment to mitigate potential for significant wildfires.

Extended weather forecasts are for continuing dry conditions, and there is an elevated risk of wildfires from fallen trees in undeveloped lands due to Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Forest Service offers residents information and tips at:

For the county to enact a burn ban, certain conditions must be met, including a Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) that reached or exceeds a value of 600. Lee’s index value today is a mean average of 602 out of 800. The county also coordinates with the Lee County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Florida Forest Service, both of which support the ban.

This ban does not apply to prescribed burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service, authorized public fireworks displays permitted by Lee County and other government agencies, and fireworks sales authorized by state laws.

The burn ban is accomplished by the Board adopting a State of Local Emergency. Commission Chairman Brian Hamman signed that State of Local Emergency and the burn ban after the Board of County Commissioners voted at its regularly scheduled March 7 meeting to authorize him to do so when conditions were met.

County officials will continue to monitor the drought conditions to determine how long the burn ban will be in place.

Move Over or Slow Down for Emergency Lights

January is Move Over Month! While majority of drivers understand to pull over for emergency vehicles approaching from behind, state law also requires vehicles to move over a lane for certain emergency and service vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down if they cannot safely move over.
It’s easy to comply with Florida’s Move Over Law and to keep first responders safe:
Move Over
1. As soon as it is safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, wrecker, or road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle when driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes.
2. Always signal your intention to change lanes.
3. Be prepared to allow those who are attempting to move over into the next lane.
Slow Down
1. If moving over cannot be safely accomplished, slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 mph or greater; or travel at 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less when driving on a two-lane road.

When you fail to Move Over, you put yourself and others at risk; you could crash into a vehicle or worker.

Have a Plan Whether You’re Driving, Riding or Hosting

If you’re celebrating and drinking this holiday season, always remember to plan ahead with a sober driver to take you home. If you’re the designated driver, it’s important to take the role seriously and don’t consume alcohol or use other drugs. Here are some more safety tips:

1. Never drink and drive.
2. Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking.
3. If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home.
4. Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
5. Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

Remember, just one drink before driving can put you and others in danger, because alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination.

For more information visit nhsta.gov

Christmas Tree Safety

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Take these steps to prevent a fire in your home during the holidays

PICKING THE TREE
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

LIGHTING THE TREE
Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.

For more information visit www.nfpa.org/education

Prepare your Disaster Supply Kit Today!

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for 7 days.  A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your disaster supply kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life. Once you take a look at the basic items consider any special needs your family might have, such as supplies for your pets or for seniors in your family.

BASIC DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (a 7 day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

  • Face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
  • Prescriptions medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

MAINTAINING YOUR KIT

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
  • Replace expired items as needed.
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

KIT STORAGE LOCATIONS

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

  • Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
  • Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
  • Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Source: ready.gov

Let’s Taco-bout the Peak of Hurricane Season

Let’s taco-bout being prepared for the peak of hurricane season which occurs between mid-August and late October, when the waters in the equatorial Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have warmed enough to help support the development of tropical waves. Do you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?

taco watch vs taco warning. Photo of all the ingredients you would need to make a taco with the text "Taco Watch: We have the ingredients. Tacos are possible." next to a photo of a plate of tacos with the text "Taco Warning: We are having tacos. Right now!".

A watch means we have all the ingredients necessary for a hurricane in the next few hours. During a hurricane watch, prepare your home and review your plan for evacuation in case a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued. Listen closely to instructions from local public safety officials.

A warning means a hurricane is occurring right now! During a hurricane warning, complete storm preparations and immediately leave the threatened area if directed by local public safety officials.

If you haven’t done so already, prepare now for the peak of hurricane season. Don’t taco-a-chance on facing a hurricane unprepared. Stock your disaster supply kit with 7 days of non-perishable food and water for your entire family (don’t forget about your pets), and find your evacuation zone by visiting https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/knowyourzone.

Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed!

We’ve entered into the dog days of summer and are experiencing triple digit heat index days on a regular basis. During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once, Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids. Using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s.

PIO/PES Alexis McLellan Earns Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year

Public Information Officer/Public Education Specialist Alexis McLellan
Earns Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year

Public Information Officer/Public Education Specialist Alexis McLellan was recognized by the Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators as the 2021 Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year. The annual award honors a member of the organization nominated by their peers and reviewed by a committee of the Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators.

IMG_0366

Public Information Officer/Public Education Specialist Alexis McLellan was nominated by San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District Fire Chief David Cambareri,  many of her Lee County peers, the Board of County Commissioners, and several community partners.  Throughout the nominations she was described as innovative, creative, loyal, a go-getter, selfless, a team player, and a mentor.

Fire Chief Cambareri and Alexis McLellan posing in front of step and repeat banner with trophy

Please join us in congratulating the Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators 2021 Florida Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year, Public Information Officer/Public Education Specialist Alexis McLellan.