Severe Weather Preparedness

Before the Storm -

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit .
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

 During Thunderstorms and Lightning

If thunderstorm and lightning are occurring in your area, you should:

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
• Avoid contact with anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

Brought to you by FEMA

In Case of a Tornado

FWFD Lends a Hand and a Shovel

The Fort Wayne Fire Department received this note from a citizen on Wednesday, March 6. While the letter references Engine 12, it was Engine 10 and crew who were in a reserve apparatus. While Mr. Slack did not answer his door, we do know he is healthy and fine and was resting when the FWFD arrived that morning.

Dear Chief Biggs,  My name is Heather and I have lived across the street from Mr. Slack, who fought in WWII, my entire life.  Now he is 94 years old and a few weeks ago he was plowing his driveway when he collapsed at the end of it.  An off-duty city police officer, who lives in the neighborhood, contacted emergency services to help Mr. Slack.  City Police, Fire and TRAA arrived to help Mr. Slack who is a wonderfully stubborn and very independent man.Today we all woke up to 8-10 inches of snow and I was worrying about exactly how I was going to go plow Mr. Slack’s driveway as I sit with a high fever, strep throat and an ear infection.  About 2 minutes later I saw a fire truck slowly make its way down my street and park in front of Mr. Slack’s driveway.  Panic struck as I thought perhaps he had tried to plow again and collapsed. The men from Engine 12 knocked on his door and he never answered so the four men took large shovels from the truck and shoveled his entire drive, knowing that he would try to do it himself. It only took the 4 of them about 10 minutes but it would have taken Mr. Slack over an hour and possibly his life.Chief Biggs, I was so overwhelmed with their generosity and concern for his safety and wellbeing I just knew that something needed to be said.  Another neighbor of mine was also in complete and total awe at these heroes.I posted a photo of these men on my facebook page and explained the story.  I already have 55 likes and comments.  I wish there was something more I could say or do to show my gratitude to these men.  Please pass my thanks along to the men of Engine 12.Thank you so much!!
Heather

Spring Forward - Change Your Clocks and Batteries

SPRING FORWARD! CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND
CHANGE YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BATTERIES

FORT WAYNE, IND., March 8, 2013 - With daylight saving time beginning this Sunday at 2 a.m., the Fort Wayne Fire Department urges residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when they set their clocks forward one hour.

More than 70 percent of fatal fires throughout the U.S could be prevented if working smoke detectors were in place. A good way to make sure working batteries are in smoke detectors is to change them each time daylight saving time goes into effect so these life-saving devices are always operational.

Assistant Chief Jim Murua, Fire Marshal of the Fort Wayne Fire Department says, “Daylight saving time is a date and time twice a year that we all remember. As we go through our homes and change the clocks we should also make this the time to replace the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The chance of surviving a fire significantly increases when you have a working smoke alarm.”  

Murua also suggests in addition to replacing the batteries you should also prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.

For more safety fire tips or assistance in creating a fire escape plan visit www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org or contact the Fire Code Enforcement Division at 260.427.1479.

FWFD Saves the Day for a Young Boy

Returning from a structure fire, Truck 12's crew stopped to rescue a young boy's Christmas present - a remote controlled TOY helicopter that had made an emergency landing...in a tree. The operation was a success!