News

The City of Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department would like to remind all local residents and businesses of the importance of staying safe during the cold season.  Every year fires, injuries and even deaths are caused by space heaters, improperly maintained heating systems and unsafe burning. 

As a result, the City would like to offer the following safety tips to prevent any of these incidents from occurring during this cold season:

·Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from household combustibles

·Do not use heaters in damp places, such as bathrooms

·Inspect cords of space heaters and do not use if cord is frayed or damaged

·Ensure that your home heating system is properly serviced by certified technicians annually

·If natural gas is used in your house, ensure that you have a functioning Carbon Monoxide detector

·Never use a grill or fire pit inside of your house.  These will produce deadly conditions of Carbon Monoxide which is colorless and odorless

The City of Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year.  Please follow these tips to ensure your entire family can enjoy another wonderful year together.

DBFR would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.  Remember these tips when celebrating and decorating your house this holiday season:

• Keep your tree fresh and do not allow it to dry out.  Check out the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Facebook page for a video on how dangerous a dried tree can be.
• Ensure all lights are intact and wires are not frayed or bare.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree.
• Place candles where they are out of children's reach and cannot be knocked over.
• Remember your emergency plan in case of fire and PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

For more information on safety during the holidays go to:

http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/

http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=301&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Holidays/Winter/holiday%20safety&cookie%5Ftest=1

In light of the current hurricane in the tropics it is important to remember how to stay safe in the event of a hurricane.  DBFR has produced an informational flyer to help keep everyone out of harms way during the peak of this hurricane season.  Please review the attachment below. 

For more information on hurricane preparedness go to:

http://mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Departments/Fire-Rescue/News/Hurricane+preparedness.htm

Last Tuesday a group of 22 citizens and buisness owners graduated from the CERT training program.  CERT is a community volunteer team designed to respond in the event of a natural disaster.  They will assist in the initial assessment and mitigation of an emergency in their communities.

The latest class has been trained with the most up to date material from FEMA.  They were educated by certified Firefighter/Paramedic and CERT instructor Kenny Thompson over a 2 month period.  The topics covered were:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Communication/Fire Suppression
• Disaster Medical I and II
• Search and Rescue
• Terrorism/Incident Command System
• Disaster Psychology
  

The final class the students participated in a scenerio involving hazardous materials, fire, victims, triage, treatment, and communication with the Delray Beach Emergency Operations Center.

Delray Beach Fire Rescue is excited to have these 22 new members on the CERT team to assist in the event of a disaster.  Congratulations and great job!!!

To look at more pictures go to:

http://mydelraybeach.com/Delray/Departments/Fire-Rescue/Gallery/2011-001+Gallery.htm

In a partnership with the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department invites you to come learn how to stay safe around water.  Activities will include:

• Life Jacket Station
• Floating Station
• Bobbing for Prizes
• Information for Parents on Water Safety and Importance of CPR
• Tours of City Fire Trucks

This event is taking place at Pompey Pool (1101 NW 2nd St, Delray Beach) on July 23rd anytime from 12-5.  This is going to be an all day event so stop by whenever you can and make sure to bring your bathing suits so you can participate in some or all of the stations!

See you at the pool and remember:

THERE IS NO SOUND WHEN SOMEONE DROWNS

In light of the recent events in Palm Beach County the City of Delray Beach Fire Rescue Department would like to offer some tips to keep our kids safe this summer.

Remember the ABC’s of drowning prevention:
• Adult Supervision:  designate a “WATER WATCHER” whenever kids are in or around water.  Make sure that is the sole responsibility of this person for 15 minute “shifts”.  That means no reading, talking on the phone, or other outside distractions.
• Barriers:  have a physical barrier around or on pools that meet code requirements
• Classes:  water safety course for kids are crucial in preventing drowning.  Also taking CPR classes is an important step our families safe.  First responders are a crucial first step in the chain of survival in an emergency

Remember: There is no sound when someone drowns!  Let’s all work together to keep all our kids happy and healthy this summer!!!

June 1^st is the official start date for the 2011, 6 month Atlantic hurricane season. The seasonal hurricane outlook issued by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says an above-normal season is likely, with 12 to 18 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes, and 3 to 6 major hurricanes.  Please take the time to read the following 2011 Hurricane Guide.

Prepare, Plan, and Stay Informed.  Check out this link for tips on Hurricane Preparedness.  www.ready.gov

Delray Beach Fire-Rescue has recently promoted two employees to new positions.  Kris Schied has been promoted from the position of Firefighter/Paramedic to Driver Engineer.  Kris has been with the department for over six years.  He successfully passed a promotional exam that included a 100 question written test and a practical portion testing hands-on skills of a Driver Engineer. 

Another recent promotion within the department is that of Lieutenant Curtis Jepsen.  Curtis has worked for DBFR as a Firefighter/Paramedic for six years.  He will be taking over the position of Public Education Lieutenant.  He will be involved with teaching community education classes for schools and citizens of Delray Beach.  He is also the coordinator of the city’s CERT team.

Delray Beach mourns the loss on an Officer and friend today. Public safety and the Delray Beach Police Department especially  will weather these dark times with the love and support of all those around them. Please keep the family, friends, and loved ones of Officer Rosenthal in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this terrible loss.