Its that time again!

August 1st 2013 Commercial Fire

West Valley City firefighters handle this fire before it gets into the building.... Nice work A shift!


Remember Be Smart.... Be Safe.... BE READY!
 Fire Marshal Bob

WEST VALLEY CITY FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION

West Valley City Fire Department, responded to a carbon monoxide call this morning. When the first crew arrived they found a 17 year old unconscious and a 16 year old near unconsciousness. The teens were transported to Intermountain Medical Center. Other family members were evaluated at the scene and advised to be checked at the hospital. "We feel very fortunate that the other family members were able to call 9-1-1, this could have had a very different outcome", said Captain Steve Briley. After crews ventilated the home they investigated the cause. Apparently a water heater that was in the same room that the teens sleep had fallen or been displaced causing the ventilation pipe to come off and fill the room with carbon monoxide. 

We would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to have your appliances properly installed and periodically checked. West Valley Fire recommends that every home have a working carbon monoxide detector. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.
Safety tips

Carbon Monoxide safety tips

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.
• Download these NFPA safety tips on Carbon Monoxide   

We hope you find these tips helpful,

Thank you for helping make our community safer!

Fire Marshal Bob

THE HEAT IS ON!!!.... NOT JUST A GREAT GLEN FREY SONG

SUMMER IS HERE AND WEVE SEEN SOME VERY HOT TEMPERATURES. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP US KEEP OUR COOL IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

1. Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
2. Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety Continued
3. Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety Continued

Highlights

• Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.
• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. This pamphlet tells how you can prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems.

What Is Extreme Heat?

Conditions of extreme heat are defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for location at that time of year. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Extremely dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.

During Hot Weather

To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:

Drink Plenty of Fluids

During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.

Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.


Remember.....

          Be Smart..... Be Safe...... BE READY!
                                                                         Fire Marshal Bob

FIREWORKS NOW ON SALE!!!! Oh brother, here we go again

Happy summer to you all, it is that time again........fire works are on sale.
We just wanted to take a minute and remind everybody that just because they are on sale does not mean they are legal to light off!

West Valley City would like to remind you of the restrictions that are associated with fire works for our community.

West Valley Municipal code
17-24-112 DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS RESTRICTED

(1) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks within 100 feet of temporary stands, LPG flammable liquid, or gas storage and dispensing units.

(2) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks with in 20 feet of any residence, dwelling or other structure.

(3) It shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks in any area west of SR-111 in West Valley City.

(4) Except as provided in title 4, it shall be unlawful to discharge any fireworks on property owned by West Valley City.

In addition to the restrictions enacted, we are asking residents to restrict the use of fireworks within 100 feet of the Jordan River parkway, and within 100 feet of any of the irrigation canals in the City. We appreciate the cooperation and help with these critical safety issues.

Please be Safe and Sane as we CELEBRATE this wonderful time of year.

Here are other regulations in place for fire works in Utah this year.

Class “C” fireworks can be sold the following dates:

 June 23 – July 27 December 29 – December 31st 2 days before and on Chinese New Year’s Eve 

Fireworks can be discharged from
   July 1 - July 7  
July 21 - July 27
Dec 31 - Jan 1

Discharge Between the hours of 11am and 11pm except as noted: July 1 – July 7 (July 4 hours extended to midnight) July 21 – 27 (July 24 hours extended to midnight) December 31 (11am – 1am Jan. 1) Chinese New Year’s Eve (11am – 1am the following day)

This summer promises to be another dry year. Please use common sense as you celebrate this great time of year. Here is a reminder from Fire Marshal Bob about some dos and don'ts

OK enough said, Lets all remember to use our heads..

As always don't forget to
                              Be Smart.... Be Safe....  BE READY!
     
Fire Marshal Bob

WEST FEST IS COMING...... WEST FEST IS COMING!

Hello everyone,

Just a reminder that West Fest is almost here! Come join the Fire Department for this three day City event. West Fest starts on Thursday June 20th with a carnival, food, entertainment, and lots of things to see. If you come to the Fire Department and CERT booth, we will have activities for the family, picture opportunities, demonstrations.. and just fun! Friday is a repeat of Thursday. Saturday begins with a 5k race and parade, and then fun throughout the day.

West Fest culminates with Fire works on Saturday night at 10:00. The carnival will be open Sunday also.

Come Join us at Centennial Park for the fun and friendship

hope to see you there......Fire Marshal Bob

Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!

Calling all CERTS.....Calling all CERTS

Hello everyone.. I just want to invite all West Valley Cert trained people to our drill this comng friday May 17, at the Utah Cultural Celebration  Center. (1355 West 3100 south). The drill will begin at 7:00 and run for a couple of hours. Bring your gear and come ready to play. We'd love to see you!
If you would like to know more about West Valley Citys CERT program follow our facebook page and keep up to date with us at www.wvcert.com.


Fire Marshal Bob



Be Smart... Be Safe.... BE READY!

NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTTS

Recently our fire crews responded to a medical call. As they were treating the person they found five piles of cigarette butts through out the apartment.

BUTT... I DIDNT THINK IT WAS A HAZARD

As fire Marshal of our city I was concerned about the potential for the loss of life in this apartment and the adjacent apartments. We are working to get this particular incident taken care of.  While this is a rare case it is a perfect example for me to introduce our safety campaign for the next year.

Our campaign is HOME SAFE HOME! So during the next year we will be providing safety tips and campaigns to help make our city safer...... One home at a time. If you have questions suggestions or topics you would like us to cover please email us at prevention@wvc-ut.gov. Or leave your comment here.  Fire Marshal Bob is my name..... But PREVENTION is my game..


Be Smart.... Be Safe...  BE READY!

Fire Marshal Bob

Free Community CPR classes

Space is going fast sign up today!!!

BE Safe....BE Smart....  BE READY!

Awards Banquet

West Valley City Fire Department

Meritorious Cross: Awarded to a member who has performed an act of bravery or heroism to aid another while not on duty.

Captain Brett Russell

Sr. Firefighter Scott Pearson

On Easter Sunday morning at approximately 0715 hrs, Captain Paramedic Brett Russell and Firefighter Paramedic Scott Pearson had left work after a 48 hour shift. I-215 had reports of 20-30 traffic accidents and slide off’s because of severe weather conditions so they both went a different route home. Driving in Salt Lake City they encountered a vehicle that slid off the off ramp near Bangerter and I-80 and rolled over. The driver of the vehicle was ejected and had several life threatening injuries including bi-lateral femur fractures, and a collapsed lung. Captain Russell and FF Pearson stopped to render first aid. The patient was unconscious and in critical condition. They opened her airway, took c-spine precautions and rolled her over and treated her as best they could with no medical equipment.

Captain Clay Coles of the Salt Lake City Fire Department and his crew arrived on scene and continued care of this patient. He stated that he truly believed these two off duty firefighters saved the life of this woman with their actions.

For 7 month after the incident we were not aware of the actions taken by these two individuals. I was on a fatal rollover on I 215 and Captain Coles assisted our crews. After the incident he approached me and proceeded to tell me how appreciative he was to these two men for the help they rendered on that Easter morning and wanted to know who they were. Nothing was ever mentioned about this incident by the firefighters. I am sure they felt like it was just another day at work. They have been good employees and excellent paramedics. Their contributions to West Valley City go unrecognized every day. I believe that their humble attitudes and actions on that cold morning should be recognized as heroic and honorable.

Rookie of the Year: Awarded to a first year suppression employee who has shown excellent learning skills, superior performance, and a desire to gain skills, knowledge, and education to be successful and valuable to the WVCFD.

Firefighter Luke Williams

Not very often in this field of labor does an individual come along who is naturally cut out for all aspects of the position of  FF. FF Luke Williams is one of those rare few. These kids come out of boot school wound a little tight and afraid to make mistakes. Not Luke. He is always first in line to try and learn something new, a hard charging, self starter who has obviously put in his book time and practical hands on time. He is a great communicator, very polite, and goes out of his way to help everyone. It has been a pleasure having Luke in the station, on the crew, and in the classroom. His insatiable hunger for knowledge and experience has challenged those on his crew and in the classroom to keep up with him. He is well liked and respected by everyone in the department and he understands how important it is to treat every citizen with respect and uphold our public image. Luke is currently in paramedic school which shows his motivation and desire to serve.

Outstanding Service to the department: Given in recognition to the individual who puts forth the extra work from day to day that enhances the quality of service that our department can provide to the community.

  

Deputy Fire Marshal Carl Andreasen

Deputy Fire Marshall Carl Andreasen is a valuable asset to the West Valley City Fire Department. On several occasions I have witnessed Carl’s willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. When Carl is off, he is never off. Even when he had knee surgery he answered his phone and was always willing to help the crews with problems, answering questions from concerned business owners and citizens. I have also seen Carl while conducting business inspections, discuss issues with business owners and remain calm and kind throughout the conversation, which is extremely hard to do sometimes, and by the end, they have given Carl a pat on the back and thanked him with a smile. Carl has an amazing work ethic and a knowledge of the fire codes that is second to none. Carl is truly one of those silent heroes behind the scenes who truly deserves recognition for his work. He is a humble man and wears his badge with pride.

 Outstanding Service to the Department:

Sr Firefighter Bill Miano

Sr. Firefighter Bill Miano in the past several years has written numerous grants for the West Valley City Fire Department that has directly benefited the firefighters in their work and helps keep us safer. Our department has been awarded just under 2 million dollars in federal funding. Because of these grants we have been able to purchase SCBA communications equipment, and upgraded SCBA’s which is valuable for our firefighters while working in hazardous conditions. We were also able to acquire a new Thermal Imaging Camera which helps us in or firefighting efforts to provide a better service for the citizens and keeps us safer while performing our job. We have also been able to increase our staffing by receiving a SAFER grant which helped increase our minimum manning and our ability to function as fully staffed crews in emergency situations. These funds have directly impacted our ability to fulfill our goals as a department.

  

Outstanding Service to the Department:

Sr. Firefighter Mary Lindsay Vonk

Sr. Firefighter Mary Lindsay Vonk has been working in the Fire Prevention Division this past year and in that time has consistently demonstrated her ability to help the citizens feel that they are an important part of our community and are contributing to make our future better. Mary spends countless hours with the elderly population to make their lives better and safer, which contributes to their quality of life and longevity. Mary also does an incredible job with the schools in the community by teaching the students how to be safe in their homes and schools. She is truly a good person who will do everything she can to make our lives better. Mary spends countless hours of her own time and I am sure at times, her own money, to complete assignments and responsibilities that directly benefit others. When Mary sees a need, she goes full speed, 100% of the time until it’s done. Mary is the best example I know of service, to the citizens and the members of the West Valley City Fire Department.

 Instructor of the Year: Given to recognize the extraordinary efforts of a member to share their practical knowledge or innovations by providing training to other firefighters, their company, battalion or the department.

Captain Chuck Cruz

To Captain Chuck Cruz every call is a chance to learn. I don’t believe anyone that has worked with chuck has not come away a better EMT or Paramedic. Chuck regularly gives up his time in an effort to teach and train all those who are around him. Chuck takes a special interest in the probationary firefighters and newly trained paramedics that he comes in contact with. Quoting from a new paramedic that Chuck spent time with, much if it off duty, stated; “I recently completed my probation as a FF and Paramedic and had many mentors that helped me put into practice what I learned in paramedic school, but Captain Cruz went above and beyond as a mentor, instructor, and professional coach. He would come in on his days off to teach me in great detail about the ins and outs of a particular drug or EKG rhythm, or how a drug works, or intervention is applied. He openly shared his philosophies about what makes a great FF/Paramedic and provide advice on the non-clinical aspects of the job. From EMT school, to the Fire Academy, to paramedic school, Captain Cruz is by far the best instructor I have ever had.” While others choose to sit around and maintain the status quo, Chuck takes the time to teach whenever he can. He has an unselfish desire to help those he works with.

 Firefighter of the Year: Awarded to a firefighter that has shown superior performance, compassion, and motivation.

Sr. Firefighter Mike Reardon

Sr. FF Mike Reardon is an extremely dedicated FF and he loves his job. He truly enjoys helping the citizens of our city and he always treats them with true respect. He always shows his professionalism regardless of how insignificant the call. To Mike every call is important. He is an excellent paramedic and takes advantage of every opportunity to learn. Last year Mike flew back East to participate in a new test bank for the National Paramedic Test.  Mike is very well liked by everyone in the department. He is an excellent mentor for the young firefighters that work with hm. He is currently one of the instructors for our new recruits and they struggle to keep up with him. They all admire his work ethic and look up to him as a great example of what a firefighter should be. A couple years ago a young boy was severely burned here in West Valley City. He sustained 3^rd degree burns to his face and upper body. After his release from the hospital, this young boy was having a difficult time in school. Many of his classmates made fun of him and he struggled to fit in because he obviously looked different. Mike found out about his problem through a family friend and went out of his way to help this young boy adjust to his new life. On his own time and with his own funds, Mike had a West valley City Fire Department sweatshirt made and visited his class and presented it to him and made him feel like he was a very special young man. This is just one example of Mike’s willingness to serve others and does so with a great attitude.

  

Caduceus Award: Awarded in recognition of a members critical judgments and actions in performing life preserving or life resuscitative efforts for severely injured or ill patients.

Sr. FF Zach Hatch

FF Cody Fisher

On June 30, 2012 Medic Ambulance 74 was dispatched to a Cardiac Arrest/ Possible Choking, as all other West Valley units were at an apartment fire. Paramedic Zach Hatch and Paramedic Cody Fisher arrived and found an elderly female outside on the patio, unconscious, cyanotic, with a respiratory rate of 4. Upon visualizing the patient’s airway, there was a large mass of food in the patient’s trachea. They were able to remove some of the obstruction but the large mass was difficult to reach. The patient was loaded in the ambulance for a rapid transport to the emergency room. In route to the hospital, several attempts were made to remove the obstruction but were unsuccessful. The decision was made to perform a Surgical Cricothyrotomy to remove the obstruction as the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. Prior to arrival at the hospital, these two paramedics successfully removed a large piece of steak from their patient’s airway. The ER staff was surprised that this procedure had been done prior to their arrival but noted that the patient most likely survived because of the actions taken by Zack and Cody. The patient was recovering quickly from the surgery and gave the family a smile and a thumbs up. These men performed a very difficult procedure under very difficult and stressful conditions. They are to be commended for their professionalism and incredible success serving the citizens of West Valley City.

Officer of the Year: Awarded to an officer who has shown superior performance, guidance and motivation.

Retired Battalion Chief Dean Williams

Battalion Chief Dean Williams has the ability to set the bar of expectation to an attainable height for himself and all those who work for him and sets a great example of what a fire officer is and should be. Chief Williams is usually the first to take advantage of a training opportunity and is always strongly suggesting to his guys to take classes to better themselves and be prepared for anything and everything. Dean always provided training opportunities for his crews and demanded quality performance and continued participation and was so persistent that the department now recognizes Dean training as the norm. Dean’s philosophy that he demanded was that everyone goes home when their tour was over, healthy and hopefully better than they were before. Dean was always willing to show that he cared about his crews, but didn’t stop there. He was also concerned about our families, so much so that he set up a training session with the wives and families of the new and veteran firefighters, to help them understand and manage the different dynamics that this job brings to the otherwise normal lives that they were used to. As a fire ground commander, Dean was always cool and calm even when things did not go as planned. He was very knowledgeable and had a great command presence. Dean was an excellent instructor and made his classes fun to learn. Chief Williams gave over 30 years of dedicated service to the West Valley City F

West Valley City Fire to host an Awards banquet.

The men and women of the West Valley City Fire Department will be recognizing I their own this evening with a long over due awards banquet. They will  recognize those that have exemplified excellence and also  a number of recent retired members. The event will be held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. The doors will be open at 5:30 and dinner will be served at 6:00. Check back tomorrow for a recap of the event right here on the blog.

Remember,

Be Smart... Be Safe.... BE READY!        Fire Marshal Bob

LAST Call ......

On Sunday January 27, Dave Taylor a long time employee of the West Valley City Fire Department answered the "last call". He passed away at home with his family close by. Dave will be remembered for his quiet strength. He was never a man to put himself in the spot light, but did so many things behind the scenes. Dave was alway honest and straight forward. Dave was a hard worker and one that was not easily provoked. Dave was able to show compassion to those that he served. You will be hard pressed to find an image of Dave with out his trade mark ball cap. Dave's funeral will be held this coming Thursday.

We all take for granted that we will be around for another day, or that we will see each other next round. That we'll be able to catch up on things at the next reunion or meeting. I hope that each of us will remember how precious our time together is. Even those times we may get on each others nerves. Each one of us will have to answer the bell of the "last call". May we remember Dave's example and answer that call with dignity.

Our thoughts are with Dave's family. May they have comfort in this time.

Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY
FIRE MARSHAL BOB

The Ice Man Cometh!

Hello everyone, I certainly hope you are surviving this winter wonderland. I keep waiting for the January thaw but honestly I don't think it's coming. This is just a reminder to everyone......please be careful on the roadways today. Freezing rain and expected snowfall is making being outside.......well... interesting. Slide offs, roll overs, slick sidewalks, you name it its bad. Ive even heard of a plane sliding off the runway at Salt Lake international airport. With all that said I just want you to know that we all can slow down, step carefully, and look our for each other.

As always.........Be Smart.... Be Safe.... BE READY!   Fire Marshal Bob

Carbon Monoxide??? What is it and should I be Worried?

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.
Safety tips

Carbon Monoxide safety tips

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.
• Download these NFPA safety tips on Carbon Monoxide   

We hope you find these tiprs helpful,

Thank you for helping make our community safer!

Fire Marshal Bob