All posts by Jennifer Bossi

What are the Dog Days of Summer?

July 22, 2021 Jennifer Bossi | Fire and Life Safety

Welcome to the dog days of summer! We’ve all heard of the dog days of summer, but few people seem to know what the expression actually means. Where did the term dog days come from, and does it have anything to do with dogs?

The dog days of summer occur from July 3rd – August 11th, and boy are those days hot! While people most commonly think we call this time the dog days because heat makes the weather “not fit for a dog”, it is actually a reference to the fact that the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, or the Greater Dog.

In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the Sun. However, on July 23rd, it is in conjunction with the Sun, and because the star is so very bright, the ancient Romans believed it gave off heat and added to the Sun’s warmth, accounting for the scorching weather. They referred to this time as diēs caniculārēs, or “dog days.” With that, the term dog days of summer became the 20 days before and after the alignment of Sirius with the Sun.

Now, I think we can all agree this time of year is hot, but that heat is not due to Sirius as the Romans believed, no matter how bright of a star it is. The heat is a result of the earth’s tilt. In the summer months, the tilt of the Earth causes the Sun’s rays to hit at a more direct angle and for more hours during the day. This result is longer and hotter days.

Here are some tips to stay cool during the dog days:

1. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Air-conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
2. Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
3. Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
4. Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
5. Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter. Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
6. Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
7. Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
8. Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
9. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Information courtesy of the Farmers’ Almanac

Fire Chief David Cambareri Earns Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year Award

July 16, 2021 Jennifer Bossi | Community Events

Fire Chief David Cambareri Earns
Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year Award

Fire Chief David Cambareri was recognized by the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association (LCFCA) as the 2020 Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year. The annual award honors a member of the organization who served above and beyond, selflessly promoting the good of the LCFCA. The recipient is nominated by their peers and is reviewed by a committee of the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association.

Fire Chief Cambareri was nominated several members of the organization from across Lee County for being driven to provide the best in service, overachieving at every level through a strong work ethic, having persistence in getting things done, and possessing an attention to detail that is second to none.

He was described by his peers as always willing to assist with any item or issue and providing personal mentorship and assistance to Lee County’s leaders. Moreover, he was recognized for his positive thinking, leading the San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District in a progressive and professional manner, and positively reflecting upon the county as a whole.

Please join us in congratulating the Lee County Fire Chiefs Association 2020 Lee County Fully Involved Fire Chief of the Year, Fire Chief David Cambareri.

Lee County All Hazards Guide Hurricane Preparedness

May 26, 2021 Jennifer Bossi | Uncategorized

Lee-County-All-Hazards-Guide

Prepare today for Hurricane Season

May 7, 2021 Jennifer Bossi | Fire and Life Safety

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 Supplies 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

Learn Adult Hands-Only CPR/AED Today!

April 5, 2021 Jennifer Bossi | Fire and Life Safety

While SCPFD has been forced to cancel our in-person classes due to COVID-19, we are excited to offer our residents the opportunity to learn Adult Hands-Only CPR/AED in the safety of their own home. Residents may borrow our Family & Friends CPR Kit which includes all the materials necessary to facilitate a class for your friends or family.

Family & Friends CPR is a classroom-based course that can be led by a facilitator (a community member, family member, or friend) who wishes to share the lifesaving skills of CPR with others. This course is video-led and includes skills practice throughout the course. Skills are taught by using the AHA’s research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which allows participants to practice on a CPR training manikin while skills are demonstrated in the course video.

Call us today at 239-267-7525 to schedule a time to pick-up the Kit today!

Mail your Letters to Santa at SCPFD!

December 1, 2020 Jennifer Bossi | Uncategorized

San Carlos Park Fire District has made special arrangements with Santa Claus for our fire stations to be drop-off sites for letters to Santa Claus! Bring your children to drop off their letters in Santa’s Mailbox located at any one of our fire stations:

Station 51 located at 8013 Sanibel Blvd.

Station 52 located at 16901 Island Park Rd.

Station 53 located at 19591 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy.

Santa loves to get letters from boys and girls who have been good all year long! Make sure to include your child’s name and address on each letter and San Carlos Park Fire District will ensure each child receives a personalized letter from Santa. No stamp required, only a little magic!

The deadline to drop off letters at Santa’s Mailbox is December 15th.

2020 SCPFD Pumpkin Carving Contest

October 12, 2020 Jennifer Bossi | Uncategorized

We are so excited to announce the 2020 San Carlos Park Fire District Pumpkin Carving Contest!
Winners will be chosen in 4 different categories to receive these great prizes:
Halloween basket filled with candy and
a $20 ice cream gift card

Check out the rules below and submit your child’s entry by midnight October 28th!

Contest Rules:

Open to children age 12 and under who live in San Carlos Park Fire District
You must carve your own pumpkin (parents can help with the parts that require a knife)
Only 1 entry per child
Submit a photo of your carved pumpkin to rothring@sancarlosfire.org by midnight: October 28th, 2020.
Entry must include parent and child’s name, age, address, and parent’s phone number
By submitting your photo, you agree SCPFD may publish your pumpkin photo, first name, and age on social media
A panel of SCPFD firefighters will select a winner in the following categories
- Scary
- Goofy
- Fire dept. or fire safety related
- Cartoon
The winner of each category will receive a Halloween basket filled with candy and a $20 ice cream gift card

The first day of school looked a lot different for children in Lee County this year but no matter if your child is learning at school or at home, it’s important to make sure they can get to safety in the event of a fire.

Did you know your child participates in at least 4 Fire Drills at school each year? How many Fire Drills do they participate in at home? The truth is, a fire is far more likely to occur at home than at school, so home fire drills are especially important.

Whether your child is participating in virtual learning or heading to school each day, try conducting your first Home Fire Drill today. Follow this link to a blank Home Fire Escape Plan for you and your family to fill out together.

If you have any questions about developing your Home Fire Escape Plan or conducting a “Home Fire Drill” feel free to give us a call!