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Summer Safety Newsletter

As the seasons shift, South Metro Fire Rescue is focused on ensuring our community is well-prepared for the changing risks that come with the summer months. We want to equip our residents with valuable information on our top concerns and provide essential tips to empower everyone to stay safe. It is our mission to encourage everyone to enjoy the warmth of the season while prioritizing safety. Your role in spreading this message is crucial, as you have the unique ability to reach those around you. By sharing this important information with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones, you could potentially save a life.


Thank you for being a part of our safety-conscious community!

CAMPFIRES send thousands of people to the ER with burn injuries every year.


Always check that campfires and backyard fire pit fires are permitted where you live. This can change at any time.


Arapahoe County Fire Restrictions


Douglas County Fire Restrictions



Jefferson County Fire Restrictions


It's important to understand that when a fire ban is in effect, it signifies that the fire department is particularly worried about wildfire risks and the potential for small fires to escalate rapidly. Even a single ember from an unauthorized fire has the potential to ignite a significant wildfire or put nearby homes in danger. Your cooperation in adhering to fire bans plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of your community and preventing devastating outcomes.


Please follow your county's fire restrictions.

TIPS and TRICKS:

  • If permitted, set up the campfire 25 Ft away from a structure or anything that can burn.
  • Watch children and pets while the campfire is lit. Do not let them stand too close.
  • Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel for dirt close by to put out the fire.
  • Do not leave the campfire alone for even a few minutes. Make sure it is completely out before walking away or leaving.
  • If your clothes catch fire, cover your face and STOP DROP and ROLL.
  • Treat a burn right away with cool water for 3-5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry dressing. Seek additional medical help if necessary.

Summer is a perfect time to plan your Home Escape Plan!


If a fire breaks out in your home, you may only have a few minutes to get out safely. Everyone in your home needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

Smoke Alarms:

  • Test your smoke alarms every month and change the battery if the "chirp" sound is heard. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years and the entire device will need to be replaced.
  • Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home as well as in every bedroom, and outside of each sleeping area. Alarms should be interconnected.


How to make your Home Escape Plan:

  • Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Know 2 ways out of every room when possible.
  • Choose an outside meeting place. This can be a tree, corner of the yard, or mailbox. Make sure everyone knows to meet there.
  • Practice your home escape plan with a fire drill at least twice a year. Practice using different ways out.


If your smoke alarm sounds...

  • Get Out and STAY OUT! Never go back inside a burning building. Wait for the firefighters.
  • If you have to escape through smoke, Get Low and GO!
  • Call 911 from outside your home.


If you practice your Home Fire Drill with children under the age of 12, let us know at ReducingRisk@southmetro.org so we can send you ColdStone Coupons for free ice cream!


Common Causes of Home Fires in South Metro's District

Each July 4th, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.


The ONLY safe way to view Fireworks is to attend a professional show.


Even if fireworks are allowed in your area, it is crucial to look at your county's fire restrictions for that day. The sparks and embers from fireworks can easily ignite wildfires, so it is important to use them outdoors and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidents. 


Tips and Tricks if you choose to light consumer fireworks:

  • Always use fireworks outdoors and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidents. 
  • Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting. 
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Designate a safe perimeter to keep people and pets safely away from fireworks. 35 feet out for ground-based devices and 150 feet out for aerial devices.
  • Fireworks that don't go off when you light them can still explode. Let duds sit for five or 10 minutes before you pick them up to dowse them in water.  
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose ready nearby in case of fires.


Sparklers may appear to be a safe alternative to things that go boom, but they are not. The National Safety Council says sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees — enough to melt metal. For children under five, sparklers account for half of all fireworks injuries. Keep them away from kids and use glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers instead.  


Please leave fireworks to the professionals this year.

Improper Disposal of Fireworks Puts You In Danger!


Colorado's Division of Fire Prevention and Control has created a "Bucket Brigade" Safety Program! This program is encouraging citizens to soak their spent fireworks overnight. (This also applies to coals from grills!)


Click here for more information about DFPC's "Bucket Brigade".

GRILLING SAFETY


Grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook food - especially in the summer, but placing your grill too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Let's cook up unforgettable memories without putting anyone or anything at risk.

TIPS and TRICKS:

  • Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Never leave the grill unattended.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill at all times.
  • When finished grilling, let coals completely cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Disposal of Oily Rags


Did you know that wet rags with Oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes on them can ignite on their own? This "spontaneous combustion" is incredibly dangerous and causes countless home fires around the country annually.


Click for NFPA's Safety Tip Sheet on Oily Rags

TIPS and TRICKS:

  • Never leave cleaning rags in a pile. At the end of the day, take the rags outside to dry.
  • Hang the rags outside or spread them on the ground. Weigh them down so they don't blow away. Keep them away from buildings.
  • Put dried rags in a metal container. Make sure the cover is tight. Fill the container with a water and detergent solution to break down the oils.
  • Keep containers of oily rags in a cool place. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Keep them away from other heat sources. Check with your town for information on disposing of them.

USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER


Consider this checklist when deciding whether or not to use a fire extinguisher:


  • Have I alerted others that there is a fire?
  • Has someone called the fire department?
  • Am I physically able to use the fire extinguisher?
  • Is the fire small and contained in a single object or to a surface (like a pan or trash can).
  • Am I safe from the fire's toxic smoke?
  • Do I have a clear escape?


If you are unsure whether or not you can extinguish the fire with your extinguisher, alert others, leave the building closing the door behind you if possible, and calling 911.

P-A-S-S

  • PULL: Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • AIM: Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • SQUEEZE: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • SWEEP: Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.


Contact your extinguisher manufacturer for further training.

WATER SAFETY

As we bask in the summer sun, it's essential to remember that it only takes a moment for someone to vanish beneath the water's surface. Whether it's responding to a text, grabbing a refill, or even applying sunscreen, these everyday distractions can have serious consequences near pools or lakes. That's why equipping ourselves with safety tips for water activities this summer is paramount. Let's ensure a season filled with fun and peace of mind by staying informed and vigilant around aquatic environments.


  1. Ensure every member of your family learns to swim and understands the limitations of their skill level.
  2. Employ barriers to prevent access to water (ex. pool gates), life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
  3. Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

The South Metro Safety Foundation offers American Heart Association-certified classes that cover adult, child, and infant CPR/AED and First Aid. These classes are offered throughout the year.

Click below if interested.

LIFE JACKETS


"If everyone wore a life jacket while on the water, there would be no need for our dive team this summer."

- SMFR Firefighter, Station 31 Dive


Being on the water can be a lot of fun, but it's important to remember that there are also risks involved. No matter what type of watercraft you're using, whether it's a boat, paddle board, or Jetski, wearing a lifejacket is absolutely crucial. This is true for people of all ages and swimming skill levels. Don't take any chances when it comes to your safety on the water - make sure you always wear a lifejacket.


  • Weather in Colorado can change rapidly - causing boats to capsize or currents to shift.
  • Distance across water looks closer than it actually is.
  • Underwater hazards can trap you or make it difficult to swim.

HELMETS SAVE LIVES

Bicycle-related deaths peak

in the warmer months

starting in July, and they remain high through October.


(Source: NSC Injury Facts)

Heads are often the first body parts to become injured in a bicycle accident. That’s why it is crucial to choose a helmet that fits properly. Wearing the right size helmet protects both your head and brain, preventing external and internal damage. This precaution holds particular significance for children, whose brains are in a crucial stage of development. If there is any doubt regarding whether an accident has caused injury, erring on the side of caution by seeking medical attention is always advisable.


RIDERS, MAKE SURE TO:



1. Check Your Equipment - Make sure all parts are working properly and secure.


2. Be Seen - wear bright and reflective clothing with flashing lights on your bike.


3. Wear Your Helmet - Adults and children, no matter how short or long your ride.


4. Review Traffic Laws - bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists

Preparing Our Homes For Wildfires

It's no secret that wildfires are a growing concern in the U.S. But with a little teamwork, we can minimize the risk to our homes and communities. By taking small steps to make our properties safer from wildfires, we can make a big impact. Let's work together to protect our neighborhoods and keep them safe for generations to come!


South Metro Fire Rescue is dedicated to keeping our community safe from wildfires. We are excited to announce that we are currently in the process of creating a comprehensive Wildfire Resource Guide to help homeowners and HOA's make their properties more resilient to wildfires. If you're interested in receiving a copy of this guide, you can sign up below. Additionally, we are organizing Neighborhood Assessment Days where our team of firefighters and staff members will be available to conduct in-person wildfire home assessments for community members who have signed up in advance. We are committed to working together with our community to ensure everyone is prepared and protected.


Make sure to sign up for REVERSE 911 alerts in your county!


Arapahoe County - ArapAlert


Douglas County - Code Red


Jefferson County - Lookout Alert


IF A FIRE OCCURS:


Only use an extinguisher on a small, easily controlled fire. Make sure everyone else is evacuating and someone is calling 911. A fire extinguisher is only effective if you know how to use it. Reach out to the manufacturer for instruction.


* * IF FLAMES SPREAD * *

Evacuate immediately,

close the doors behind you, and

CALL 911.


WHEN IN DOUBT, GET OUT.

Thank you for prioritizing your safety this summer! At South Metro Fire Rescue, we are always ready to respond to any emergency situation, but we would prefer to connect with you under happier circumstances. Remember to stay well-hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly, and make the most of this sunny season by looking out for one another. Let's enjoy this warm weather together while keeping safety at the forefront.



Your SMFR Community Risk Reduction Team

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