Fire Danger Briefing (4/13/2017)

(Brevard County, Fla.) - The recent fire danger situation has prompted not only a level 2 activation at the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) but also a declared State of Emergency by Florida's Governor.  Below is a situational briefing on the Fire Danger:

Event Overview:

• As of Tuesday, April 11, the Governor issued a State of Emergency (EO-17-120) following the recent wildfires and the high potential for increased wildfires to continue this year.
• The State EOC has gone to a Level 2 Activation in support of over 100 active fires statewide, 23 of them exceeding 100 acres.
• Florida wildfires have already burned 250% more acreage in 2017 than this time last year.
• The likelihood of increased wildfire activity is high (due to a prediction of low rainfall and increased drought conditions).

Current Situation:

• On Tuesday, April 11, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) issued a Burn Ban Ordinance restricting the use of fire in Brevard County.
• 7 other counties have also implemented bun bans: Nassau, Polk, Seminole, Osceola, Glades, Okeechobee, and Hendry.
• The Florida Forest Service (FFS) Fire Danger Index (FDI) shows Brevard County at a "Very High Level," predicting a high potential for fire to start and require suppression action
• The National Weather Service shows a rainfall deficit of 3.5 inches over the last month and a half, and expects no significant rainfall in the next three months.

Anticipated Conditions:

• The National Weather Service predicts the small amount of rainfall over the next three months will hardly impact the dry conditions we have today.  Between the predicted low rainfall and breezy month of April, fire conditions will likely worsen.

Stay Informed:

• Anticipate road closures or hazardous driving conditions due to heavy smoke.
• Follow @Brevard2969, @BrevardEOC, @FFS_Orlando, and @FhpOrlando for the latest information on brushfires and road closures impacting Brevard County.
• To report a cigarette being thrown from a car that could potentially start a fire, call 321-264-5100 and provide the license plate number.
• YouTube Video (click here) for an interview with the Director of the Florida Forest Service

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By: Donald Slayman

       Public Information Officer

       Brevard County Professional Firefighters

       Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Spring Break is Here: Enjoy the Water Safely

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Brevard County's beautiful beaches and warm weather offer priceless memories for many families, but your Brevard County Professional Firefighters want you and your children to enjoy the water safely.

According to the CDC, drowning is the number-one cause of accidental death in children under the age of four.  "Water of any depth can be dangerous for children, even if it's only a tub or a shallow kiddie pool," says Don Slayman, Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters (BCPFF).  

Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters want you to know that by taking proper precautions, accidental drownings can be prevented.

Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters have joined Nationwide's "Make Safe Happen" campaign to create greater awareness of water safety and protect children from accidental drowning.  This Water Safety Campaign offers safety tips and other resources, including bathtub safety, how to identify "dry drowning" and how to keep your swim area safe.

"It's important to understand how water deaths in children are occurring," says Don Slayman.  "This is vital information that all parents, babysitters and caretakers of young children should understand."

Important safety tips include:

• Always be in arm’s distance from your child
• Choose life jackets over water wings
• Stay clear of drains
• Install a fence around your home pool
• Learn CPR and first aid
•  Always have a phone with you to call for help

“Kids love to make a splash and have fun, but they often don’t know their own limits,” says Richard Pierce, President of the Brevard County Professional Firefighters. “That’s why we need to actively watch them when they’re in or even around water.”

For more information about water safety, visit http://makesafehappen.com.

For potentially life-threatening situations, call 9-1-1 so your Brevard County Firefighters can respond quickly when lives are in danger.

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By: Donald Slayman

       Public Information Officer

       Brevard County Professional Firefighters

       E: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Tornado Safety - General Information

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Although tornadoes are mostly associated with the Great Plains of the Midwest, Florida ranks #4 in the United States for most tornadoes annually.

The safest place to be in the event of a tornado is an underground shelter - such as a basement.  In Florida, however, this might not be an option.  If you don't have a basement, the Brevard County Professional Firefighters (BCPFF) advise you to pick a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level.

As we approach storm season, your BCPFF want to remind you to "DUCK" when a tornado warning is issued or if threatening weather is forecast.

"It's also important to pay attention to local warning systems, " says Don Slayman, Public Information Officer for the BCPFF.  "This is critical since tornadoes often occur suddenly with little or no warning.  I recommend subscribing to the Brevard County Emergency Management resources for up-to-date information on emergencies."

Brevard County Emergency Management is a great resource for staying informed:

• Subscribe to the Brevard County Emergency Management alert system (click here).  
• Follow on Facebook - facebook.com/BrevardEOC/ 
• Follow on Twitter - twitter.com/BrevardEOC 
• Or visit their website for additional info 

In addition, know how to recognize an approaching tornado by watching for these signs:

• a dark or green-colored sky
• a large, dark, low-lying cloud
• large hail
• a loud roar that sounds like a freight train

Public Information Officer, Don Slayman also stresses the importance of taking the necessary precautions before storm season begins and developing a plan of action following a tornado.

Before the Tornado:

• Develop and practice a tornado drill
• Listen to the NOAA Weather Radio
• Follow the tornado safety checklist
• Prepare a natural disaster emergency kit, including batteries, flashlights, food, water, copies of personal documents and a first-aid kit
• Consider purchasing a generator in case of a power outage.

After the tornado, if you have been evacuated from your home, return only when officials say it's safe to do so.

Following any significant natural disaster, it's also important to have a licensed professional check the gas system and electrical wiring of your home for damage.

As always, if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help, dial 9-1-1.

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By: Donald Slayman

       Public Information Officer

       Brevard County Professional Firefighters

       Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Appreciation Week

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Many times, firefighters receive recognition for their selfless acts that save lives and property; however, there are many people working hard (and often unnoticed) to keep everyone safe.  

Ever year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored.  The week-long event is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public.  

Public Safety Telecommunicators (or sometimes known as Dispatchers) are the first line of defense for public safety.  When a citizen makes that frightening call to 911, the Telecommunicator is the first voice that citizen hears.  Whether the emergency is an active shooter, a lifeless child, or someone's home on fire, dispatchers must stay strong.  They must offer strength, guidance and reassurance during a tragedy that could leave an entire community crippled with grief.  Even though they may be crying on the inside, they stand strong to help guide that citizen calling for help; they stand strong to reassure emergency personnel that their back-up is coming; they selflessly work nights, weekends, and holidays away from their loved ones to ensure our communities are safe.

So, next time you think about the police or fire departments, remember the Telecommunicators who work hard to keep us all safe.

Thank you for all the sacrifices made by our Dispatchers/Telecommunicators to create a better and safer world for the public.  Your commitment to your profession is greatly appreciated by the public safety community and the citizens you serve.

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By: Donald Slayman

      Public Information Officer

      Brevard County Professional Firefighters

      Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Wildfire Facts and Safety Tips From Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters

(Brevard County, Fla) - Brevard County Professional Firefighters (BCPFF) provide all-hazard fire and emergency services to a uniquely divserse urban/suburban/rural population.  Although some residents don't experience the potential devastation associated with wildfire, many portions of our county are all too familiar with the dangers.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, up to 90% of wildland fires in the U.S. are caused by people - unattended campfires, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson.  The remaining 10% are naturally caused.

BCPFF's Public Information Officer Don Slayman says: 

"Everyone should take preventive measures against wildfires, even if you think it won't happen to you.  It's vital that we come together as a community to ensure everyone is prepared, aware of their surroundings, and ready to act early should a wildfire impact the community."

National Geographic asserts there are more than 100,000 wildfires annually in the U.S. clearing more than 4 million acres.  Taking preventive measures helps your Brevard County Professional Firefighters not only maneuver resources while combating wildfires, but also supports your safety.

"Planning ahead for these fires can really help us in reducing both the number of fires and their impact on our community," says Slayman.  "One of the biggest preventive measures for residents is to ensure you have a safety zone around your home.  This 'defensible space' gives us a fighting chance to save your home and your family" (click here to learn about "defensible space"). 

Creating a Defesible Space gives firefighters a better chance of saving your home.

 Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters offer these prevention tips:

• Call 911 if you notice an unattended or out-of-control fire.
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended.  Completely extinguish the fire before leaving.
• When camping, take care when using and fueling lanterns, stoves and heaters.  Make sure lighting and heating devices are cool before refueling.  Do NOT dispoe of flammable liquids by tossing them on the ground, and store fuel away from appliances.
• Do NOT discard cigarettes, matches and smoking materials from moving vehicles or on the ground.  Ensure they are completely extinguished and dispose of them properly.
• Follow local ordinaces when burning yard waste (click here to see Florida's Outdoor Burning and Forest Fire Laws)

Remember, droughts increase the risk for wildfires; and droughts can occur in any climate, hot or cold.

Do NOT fight wildfires on your own, call 911 IMMEDIATELY.

For more information on what you can do, see our Press Release on creating a defensible space around your home.  

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By:  Donald Slayman

        Public Information Officer

        Brevard County Professional Firefighters

        Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

Creating a Defensible Space Can Help Firefighters Save Your Home From Wildfire

(Brevard County, Fla) - By creating a defensible space around your home, you can give firefighters a better chance of saving your home should wildfire emerge.

What is the Zone Concept?

The Zone Concept was developed in the late 1990s by USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen.  He based the concept on the results of experimental research on how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat.  Fore more than 15 years, NFPA's wildfire safety recommendations have been improved upon, allowing firefighters to educated the community on how citizens can prepare their homes and landscape to resist wildfire.  

Using the Zone Concept

One of the best things homeowners can do to prepare for wildfire is to limit the amount of flammable vegetation and materials around their home.  The "Home Ignition Zone" is the 200 feet surrounding your home and is broken up into three distinct zones.  

Zone 1 includes the structure and all attachments (decks, fences, etc.) for 30 feet on all sides.  In this area:

• Plants should be carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
• Mow the lawn regularly. Prune trees six to ten feet from the ground.
• Space conifer trees 30 feet between crowns (to prevent crown-to-crown fire spread) and trim back trees that overhang the house.
• Create a "fire-free" area within five feet of the home.
• Remove dead vegetation from under decks and within ten feet of the house.
• Consider fire-resistant material for patio furniture, swing sets, etc.
• Remove firewood stacks and propane tanks; they should NOT be located in zone 1.
• Water plants, trees and mulch regularly (consider Xeriscaping if you are affected by water-use restrictions).

Zone 2 is 30 to 100 feet from the home, and plants in this zone should be low-growing, well irrigated and less flammable.  In this area:

• Leave 30 feet between clusters of two to three trees, or 20 feet between individual trees.
• Encourage a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees
• Create "fuel breaks," like driveways, gravel walkways and lawns
• Prune trees six to ten feet from the ground.

Zone 3 is 100 to 200 feet from the home and this area should be thinned, although less space is required than in zone 2.  

• Remove smaller conifers that are growing between taller trees.  Remove heavy accumulation of woody debris.
• Reduce the density of tall trees so canopies are not touching.

Learn more about your home and wildfire.

Use the interactive modules, games and quizzes below to learn about how wildfire behaves and what you can do to make your home safer.

• Firewise Landscape / Construction Guide
• How to have a Firewise home
• Preparing a Home for Wildfire Season
• Wildfire Approaching
• Explores a Fire wise Home
• Firewise Plant Lists
• Research About How Homes Ignite.

Videos.

Watch Firewise Videos to learn more about wildfire behavior and how to make your safer.

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By:  Donald Slayman

        Public Information Officer

        Brevard County Professional Firefighters

        Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com

March 19th through March 25th is Poison Prevention Week

(Brevard County, Fla) - Some poisonous products, such as household cleaners, are obvious; but the list doesn't end there.  The top five poisonous household products include hand sanitizers, button batteries, laundry detergent, e-cigarettes and medications.

Your Brevard County Professional Firefighters (Local 2969) warns that these items pose a bigger risk than you may think.  For example, just two to three squirts of certain hand sanitizers make children really sick - even to the point of alcohol poisoning.

"According to the CDC, poison control centers receive more than 17,000 calls each year in regards to hand sanitizer exposures in children under 12 years old," says Don Slayman, Public Information Officer for the Brevard County Professional Firefighters.

Children have a way of getting into everything, even household items that can be dangerous.  In fact, nine out of 10 poisonings occur in the home.

"It's important to know which items pose serious dangers and to take the rights steps to help protect your kids," says Don Slayman.

For more information about poison prevention, visit MakeSafeHappen

If you have any questions about poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 or dial 911 for potentially life-threatening situations.

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By:  Donald Slayman

        Public Information Officer

        Brevard County Professional Firefighters

        Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com