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Category Archives: Fire and Life Safety

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

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.

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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.

What are the Dog Days of Summer?

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?

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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

Prepare today for Hurricane Season

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

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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!

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.

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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!

Practice Fire Drills at School and at Home

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!

 

fire drill safety tips

 

 

Coronavirus Prevention: Keep our community healthy by following the CDC’s recommendations

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the immediate risk to the general American public for contracting the coronavirus remains low, they suggest that now is the time for communities to start preparing.

To stay up to date and informed on official coronavirus developments, you can sign up for the latest CDC updates here: https://www.cdc.gov/Other/emailupdates/. Below are the CDC’s prevention tips:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and certainly if your commute includes public transit.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The purpose of a face mask is to prevent droplets from sneezing and coughing from becoming airborne.

For more information on the Coronavirus visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

SLOW DOWN, SCHOOL’S BACK IN SESSION

Each morning as the big yellow bus rounds the corner, parents send their children off to school with the expectation they will remain safe. As children strap on backpacks filled with books, pick out their always important back to school outfits and ultimately kick off another school year we each must do our part to assure our children remain safe.

Schools in San Carlos Park Fire District are back in session Monday, August 12th and SCPFD would like to remind its residents to SLOW DOWN. SCPFD Firefighters will be posted at the high traffic areas and school zones throughout San Carlos Park reminding residents school is back in session and encouraging safe driving behaviors.

In the United States, 5,977 pedestrians died from traffic-related injuries in 2017. Nearly one-fifth (19%) of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.  While driving, pedestrians can be very hard to see. Due to their smaller size, children may be especially difficult to see if they are standing between parked cars on the side of the road.

For drivers, remember to slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones; take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs; and enter and exit driveways slowly and carefully.  In a school zone when a warning flashers are blinking, you must stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk.

Remind your children to cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks; never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars; and to make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them. The greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a bus but approaching or leaving one. From 2008-2017, there were 264 school-age children killed in school-transportation-related crashes. The majority of those students weren’t on a bus; 203 were either walking, waiting for the bus, biking, or in another vehicle.

Be on the lookout for students and your SCPFD Firefighters on the 12th and join us in accepting the responsibility to keep safety in mind during your commute so we may be sure children return home safely each evening.

Annual Florida Fire Statistics

The 2017 totals for Florida Fire Incidents have been tallied and we’d like to share some statistics with you. In 2017 there were a total of 52,895 fires and a total of 2,042,876 EMS and other emergency calls across the state. Lee County was responsible for responding to 1,864 of the total fires and 63,307 of the EMS and emergency calls. With these numbers it is easy to see how in Florida a fire department responds every 22 seconds to an EMS call which occurs every 29 seconds or a fire which occurs every 8 minutes and 7 seconds.

These numbers are encouraging and I must commend Florida and San Carlos Park Fire District’s Fire Prevention staff for their work towards reducing the number of fires that occur in our great state.  Education and inspection have led to smoke alarms being present in 37 percent of reported structure fires with 51 percent of those operational. Unfortunately, 42 percent of the structure fires did not have a smoke alarm present.  Please remember, not all fires are preventable but a working smoke alarm can alert you in time to save your life and the lives of the ones you hold most dear.  Take the time this month, and each month thereafter to assure your smoke alarm is in working order.  If you need assistance installing or checking smoke alarms in your home please contact San Carlos Park Fire District at 239-267-7525.