The July 9 storm and subsequent flooding were good reminders that Colorado weather can be unpredictable ó and extreme. Rainfall reports from meteorologists and local residents ranged from 3.5 to 5.5 inches of rain in the Falcon area, with most of that falling in just one hour.Falcon firefighters assisted multiple motorists with vehicles stranded in high water. Some drivers were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, while others made poor decisions to drive through flooded roadways.FFPD firefighters want to remind residents to exercise caution during storms that can produce flash floods. Statistics from The Weather Channel (http://weather.com) show that 64 percent of deaths related to flash floods in the United States from 2005-2010 (excluding Hurricane Katrina) occurred in vehicles.According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and potential stalling. Many vehicles will float in 12 inches of water, and even pickups and SUVs can be swept away by 2 feet of rushing water. Water running over roadways can obscure damage and washouts.Important safety tips from the National Weather Service and FEMA:
- When storms approach, monitor weather radios and local news outlets.
- If flooding occurs, move to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding such as dips, low spots, drainage ditches, etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. ìTurn around, don’t drown!ôî
- Donít drive around barricades. They are in place for a reason.
- Never drive through floodwaters of unknown depth.
- If floodwaters rise around a vehicle, abandon it and move to higher ground, if it can be done safely.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Natural fuels drying outThe July 14 U.S. Drought Monitor report for Colorado showed that drought has affected less than 3 percent of the state. While this yearís rains have decreased the fire danger statewide, not all vegetation has fully recovered from the past few years of drought.ìThe trees are still stressed,î said Margo Humes, FFPD fire marshal. ìEven though weíve had tons of rain, it doesnít mean the trees have soaked it all up yet. Our deciduous plants and trees are doing well. Theyíre well hydrated. Itís our evergreens that arenít soaking it up as quickly.îAccording to a July 1 report from the National Interagency Fire Centerís Predictive Services, significant wildfire potential is anticipated to return to ìnormalî levels in August and September. Humes said that cheat-grass is already drying out. ìThatís what it does this time of year,î she said.FFPD reminds residents to mow overgrown grasses and weeds, and continue wildfire mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire, as conditions change.
2016 firefighter calendar includes FFPDWhen the 2016 Colorado Firefighter Calendar debuts in August, the Falcon Fire Department will be represented by one of its own.Falcon reserve firefighter/EMT Lauren Bachmann is one of 17 Colorado firefighters (14 men and three women) selected to grace the pages of the next calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales benefit Childrenís Hospital Colorado Burn Center and the Colorado Childrenís Burn Camp Program.Bachmann, a mother of four, auditioned for the calendar at the urging of a friend, and also because she wanted to be part of the burn camp program. ìIf youíre in the calendar, you can be a counselor at the camp,î she said.While being part of the calendar might seem glamorous and fun, it also involves work. ìItís not all about being a calendar model,î Bachmann said. ìWe commit 15 months of our lives.î Calendar participants are required to attend at least one fundraising event every month. Events are held throughout the state, and expenses are out of pocket. She said juggling shifts, work and family commitments has been ìa lot of work, but itís so worth it.îBachmann also views her role as an ambassador for the fire service and for her own fire department. ìEvery time weíre in the uniform, itís not about us. Every action is representative of our entire department,î she said. ìI have to make my station and community proud.î She also enjoys being able to set a positive example for her children. ìIf you want to give back to the community, you find time, you find a way to do it,î she said.For more information about the Colorado Firefighter Calendar organization, the Aug. 15 calendar launch event in Denver, or to purchase a calendar; visit http://cofirefightercalendar.org/
