Hello from District 7 and the east side of the state. I hope all are enjoying the summer. With the days getting longer and warmer that means lots will be outside enjoying time with family and friends so here are a few things to think about so we can enjoy the days of summer.
Summer weather means cookouts, fourth of July fireworks, and all sorts of campfire fun as families across the country take advantage of the warm temperatures to get back in touch with nature. It is certainly relaxing to enjoy a beach bonfire with friends and loved ones, or roast marshmallows by the lake or in the backyard fire pit, but it is also important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines.
I would like to thank FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration for their assistance in putting together this list of five summer fire safety tips:
Keep a bucket of water handy. If an ember floats out of your fire pit, or a log falls from your bonfire stack and sets nearby foliage, paper, or other flammable materials aflame, you do not want to be scrambling for a way to put the fire out. Having a bucket of water nearby is a great first response tool to keep a fire under control.
Supervise all fireworks sparklers and pinwheels might seem “low risk,” but the reality is that there are not any fireworks out there that are safe enough for kids to use without adult supervision. It is also important to ensure that no one tries to re-light fireworks that do not work properly the first time. Dump these in a bucket of water and move on to the next package.
Do not let barbecue grease build-up. Whether you are using a charcoal or a gas grill, it is important to keep it clean to prevent accidental grease fires caused by all the gunk that can accumulate on a grill over time.
Inspect the area around your BBQ and campfire. You do not want to grill or light a campfire anywhere near other flammable materials. This includes deck railings, overhanging branches, dry grass, or that pile of dry wood and recycling sitting in the back corner of your yard. If you are camping, clear out the area immediately around your BBQ or campfire spot to be sure that there’s no scrub or brush nearby that could ignite if a spark lands on it.
When you are done with the fun, put out the flames. While it might seem romantic to fall asleep in front of a campfire, you really should dump water and/or sand on those embers before catching some shut-eye. The same goes for BBQs. Close your propane valve and the unit’s lid, as well as any vents on a charcoal grill once you are done. Unsupervised BBQs can easily tip over in the wind. A breeze can pick up and carry coals and embers from that campfire, dropping them where they can ignite dry grass, branches, trees, or deck planks.
With the dog days of August around the corner, that means so is the 2021 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. Since the fair had to do some changes last year, the poster contest winners were not able to attend. So last year’s winners are invited to attend the 2021 fair along with this year’s winners as our guests at the fair. The poster contest winners and their immediate families will get a ticket to get into the fair and the poster contest winners will receive passes for the midway. Parents and guardians, please contact Jaime Miller at the FFAM to make arrangements. Thanks again for all that entered and a big congratulations to all the winners, I hope to see all the winners at the fair.
I would like to announce we have a new member of the District 7 family, the Gerald Area Ambulance District. We are immensely proud to say welcome. Our newest member covers 212 square miles, mainly rural. The district covers some industrial and two RV recreational parks. Gerald Ambulance provides coverage for the following towns in Franklin and Gasconade County: Beaufort, Leslie, Gerald, Rosebud, Drake, Sullivan, Owensville, Spring Bluff, Beemont, Port Hudson, and Champion City.
The ambulance district runs with the Beaufort Leslie and the Gerald Rosebud fire district. The ambulance district staff has a great working relationship with both fire districts. We all operate like a well-oiled machine we are here for the good of the citizens we serve.
In the 47 years from March 26th, 1974, until the present time the district continues to strive to have outstanding equipment and train the EMT’s/Paramedic’s with the newest ways to render the best possible care, the ambulance operates three ambulances to provide safe efficient transports of patients to the medical facilities in our area.
The newest addition to the Gerald Ambulance happened on October 31, 2020. The district moved into a new station which also serves as headquarters. So with a new place and excellent equipment and dedication of each EMT/Paramedic with the support of the citizens and the board the Gerald Area Ambulance District will be providing another 47 years of outstanding care for the citizens and travelers of the area.
Also a big shout out to the Beaufort Leslie Fire Protection District with the completion of the new station one. I recently had the opportunity to stop by for the open house and I have to say that they have a very fine-looking firehouse. Chief Terry Feth, thank you for the tour and the hospitality.
One other summertime fact. When you’re in the river no matter your skill of swimming, wear a life jacket because you never know what can happen. In the St Louis area we have had way too many water deaths due to not wearing an approved life jacket. Be smart stay afloat and enjoy the water with your family and friends. In addition to monitoring river conditions, Public Health urges people of all ages to follow these tips for safe swimming in all bodies of water:
• Avoid distractions when kids are swimming or around water. Supervision requires complete attention, even if another adult is present. Drowning can happen swiftly and silently.
• Teach children how to swim. Enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Early and often swim lessons will teach children the skills needed to stay safe while in and around water.
• Wear a life jacket. Children, teens, and adults should wear life jackets while boating, using personal watercraft, inner tubing or while using other water sports equipment. Life jackets should also be worn while swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
• Ensure children always wear life jackets. Inflatable toys do not keep children safe. By law, children 12 years and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on all vessels 18 feet or smaller.
• Avoid alcohol use when swimming or boating.
• Don’t dive into shallow water or jump off bridges or cliffs.
• Swim in designated swimming areas only. Signs will be viewable letting you know when and where it’s safe to swim.
FFAM
