North Kitsap Fire & Rescue news

Spring!

Copies of the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue 2007 Annual Report are now available for your review at all of our staffed fire stations as well as at the Kingston library.

Outdoor season has begun – With the advent of spring and warming weather, many folks are heading outdoors for yard work or relaxation. If your plans include a burn pile to dispose of yard clippings or roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, don’t forget that all outdoor fires (regardless of purpose or size) require permits. Permits are available, free of charge, at any of our staffed fire stations and while you’re visiting, we’ll have an opportunity to make sure you know all the rules for burning safely outdoors. No fires, except in contained barbecue units, are allowed in county parks and many homeowners’ associations also prohibit fires on their shared beaches. Above all, never leave any outdoor fire unattended or incompletely extinguished – both are leading causes of uncontrolled wildland fires.

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Going boating or biking – Need helmets or life jackets? Join us for Kitsap Safe Kids annual countywide helmet and life jacket sale 3-6 p.m. May 1 at the Paul Nichol Headquarters fire station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston. The wearers must be present for custom-fitting of the $7 helmets or $15 life jackets. Not able to make it that day? These important safety devices are always available by appointment at our headquarters station. To schedule, call (360) 297-3619 or e-mail laboda@nkfr.org.

Emergency Medical Services – Your life is our mission. National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is May 18-24. Although you think of us as your “fire” department, we respond to many more medical incidents than fires; nearly two-thirds of all our alarms involve EMS. Most of our response personnel are dual-qualified as firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. Ever wonder why fire engines respond to medical calls? We send the closest appropriate unit to emergencies. Sometimes, our engines – which are all fully-staffed and equipped to provide vital basic life support for victims of illness or injury – arrive first. And, sometimes, we send an engine because resolving the incident may require more than the two people that staff an ambulance.

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When purchasing fire safety equipment, be a wise consumer – Local fire departments have recently been receiving phone calls from residents concerned about fire safety – apparently, following the callers’ attendance at fire safety presentations offered during free dinners that are sponsored by private businesses selling home fire safety packages. In some cases, callers are asking if the sponsoring businesses are associated with the fire department. As a taxpayer-funded agency tasked with protecting the public, we are active in promoting prevention. But we’re not in the business of selling anything except information. Although we won’t provide opinions on specific products or services, we encourage you to conduct careful research before making a purchase and encourage you to call on our expertise for information. Most importantly, we offer free home safety surveys and smoke alarm installations on request.

?Upcoming Classes – We’re holding an adult, child and infant CPR class from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at the Paul Nichol Headquarters fire station in Kingston. The cost is $20 per student, and reservations are required. To sign up, call (360) 297-3619 or e-mail laboda@nkfr.org.

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Car Seat Checks – Make sure your children are protected against their most common cause of injury – motor vehicle collisions – by stopping by for a free car seat check at our headquarters fire station on the second Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This month’s check will take place on May 10.

Michèle Laboda is Community Services Specialist for North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Contact her at (360) 297-3619 ext. 14.?

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