Training and certification
- Two EMS reservists have completed all required training and were sworn in at the February FFPD board of directors meeting.
- Two Explorers and two EMS reserve trainees completed Firefighter I training and passed their written tests.
- Six FFPD personnel have been working on Driver/Operator Pumper training and are scheduled to complete the course in March.
- Two FFPD officers attended ICS-300, Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents.
Winter safetyMarch 21 marks the official arrival of spring; but, according to the National Weather Service, March is also the snowiest month for Colorado Springs and surrounding areas. The members of the Falcon Fire Protection District want to remind residents to stay safe by remaining prepared for winter weather.
Carbon monoxide alarms save livesDuring the winter months, firefighters typically see an increase in calls for carbon monoxide alarms. Sometimes, they find that batteries in the alarms need to be replaced, and occasionally CO alarms malfunction. However, Falcon firefighters have recently responded to a few CO alarms that were doing their job: warning people of dangerous situations in their homes.Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuels (such as natural gas, propane, kerosene, gasoline, coal, methane or wood) that burn incompletely. Heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide in homes. Running a vehicle in an attached garage can also cause CO levels to increase in a house, even if the garage door is left open while a car idles.
The U.S. Fire Administration offers these tips for CO alarms:- Change carbon monoxide alarm batteries at least once a year or when the low battery alarm sounds. Always use good quality batteries.
- Test CO alarms monthly.
- Sensors in CO alarms have a limited life. Replace CO alarms according to manufacturer instructions or when the end-of-life signal sounds.
- Do not run vehicles inside garages, even with the garage door open. Always move the vehicle outside to let it warm up. (Note: It is illegal to leave an unattended vehicle running within Colorado Springs city limits.)
- If a CO alarm sounds, leave the house immediately and call 911.
Winter driving: take it slowColorado weather is notorious for changes with little warning. A day that starts out sunny can end in snow and slick streets.One of the most effective ways to cope with adverse weather conditions is simply to drive slower. Reducing speed helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle and allows time to react when other drivers lose control. Remember, itís better to be a little late arriving at a destination than to not arrive at all.
Other tips:- Clear snow and ice from all vehicle windows to allow maximum visibility.
- Itís not too late to invest in good tires!
- Do not text and drive, regardless of the weather.
- Keep a safe distance from other drivers.
- Stay calm if the vehicle loses traction and starts to skid.
Stay off the ice!Despite some of the recent arctic cold snaps, ice on local ponds and lakes remains thin and unstable. Stay away from ice-covered water, and donít chase pets onto ice. If people or animals fall through ice, call 911 for help.
Got smoke alarms?FFPD has a limited number of battery-operated smoke alarms available for residents who do not have them in their homes, or whose smoke alarms are older than 10 years.FFPD crews can also assist residents with changing batteries in their smoke alarms. Call 719-495-4050 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
FFPD: serving residents in a variety of waysIn addition to assisting with smoke alarms, FFPD firefighters and EMS personnel provide other non-emergency services to its residents:
- Blood pressure checks: Stop by Station 1 (12072 Royal County Downs Road) or Station 3 (7030 Old Meridian Road) for free blood pressure checks.
- Infant/child car seat checks: Call 719-495-4050 to schedule an appointment.
- Wildland mitigation assessment: The FFPD webpage (http://falconfirepd.org) hosts a wealth of wildfire mitigation information. Firefighters can also help homeowners with wildland fire mitigation assessments. Call Vernon Champlin, fire marshal, at 719-495-4050 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Upcoming events- The Easter egg hunt will happen at FFPD Station 1 on April 19. Look for more information in the April issue of The New Falcon Herald.
- Bike rodeos at local elementary schools are scheduled for May.
