Monthly Requests For Service Report - February 2012

National Poison Prevention Week, March 18-24

Nationally, unintentional drug overdose, exposure to harmful chemicals, and other types of accidental poisoning claim thousands of lives every year. On the 50th anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week, Tacoma Fire Department encourages everyone to help protect their loved ones by identifying poisoning hazards at home; using, storing, and disposing of medication safely and effectively; and learning more about how to prevent and respond to poison emergencies.


Though there has been a dramatic reduction in the incidence of poisoning among children, accidental exposure to drugs and medicines, typical household chemicals, and other dangerous substances continues to threaten the health of our community’s youth - particularly those under the age of six. Parents and caregivers can help prevent poisoning by storing chemicals and medication in locked or childproof cabinets beyond their children's reach, and by safely disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs.

To find information, statistics and additional safety tips, visit the Washington State Poison Control Center or the CDC.gov.

Tacoma Fire Chief Ron Stephens announces retirement

Tacoma Fire Department Chief Ronald W. Stephens has announced his retirement effective March 29, 2012. Chief Stephens was appointed Fire Chief in 2006, and has served 35 years with the department.

Chief Stephens

Under Chief Stephen’s command, the Tacoma Fire Department achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. He oversaw a significant effort to increase the diversity of the organization and developed a strong culture of public service within the department.

“I feel honored to have had the privilege to serve as Fire Chief and work for the City of Tacoma,” said Chief Stephens. “I have enjoyed being part of the Tacoma Fire family these many years. I leave with the confidence that the department rests in good hands and will continue to provide excellent service to our community”

“In my short time working with Ron, I have appreciated his leadership,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “I have full confidence in Tacoma Fire to carry on this transition, and wish Ron the best in his future endeavors.”

City Manager T.C. Broadnax has appointed Assistant Chief James Duggan to serve as Interim–Fire Chief until a permanent replacement is named following a nationwide search.

Monthly Requests For Service Report - January 2012





Join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The unthinkable happens, a major quake devastates the greater Tacoma area, first responders are unable to get to your neighborhood to help - would you know what to do?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates participants about the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, utility safety, team organization, and disaster medical operations. 

The Tacoma Fire Department invites citizens who live or work within the city limits of Tacoma to become a certified member of our team through completion of the CERT program.  The spring 2012 CERT training begins March 6 and the cost is unbeatable - its free!  For more details about the course schedule and meeting dates register here and we look forward to seeing you there!

 

A Year In Review - 2011

The mission of the Tacoma Fire Department is to protect People, Property and the Environment. In 2011, Tacoma Fire dispatched 64,714 fire companies to 38,239 incidents. These incidents included:

• 1,445 Fire Incidents
• 30,263 Emergency Medical Service Incidents
• 6,531 Other Incidents

Departmental highlights from 2011 included:

• Receiving a $1.5 million dollar SAFER grant to hire 10 new firefighters
• The graduation of 37 new firefighters from two recruit classes
• Training over 800 citizens how to preform CPR at our annual CPR Sunday event
• Community involvement - including our food drive in support of the YWCA and firefighters Christmas presents project
• Re-accreditation of our Paramedic Training Program

Burn Awareness Week February 5-11, 2012

National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 5-11), is a great reminder to parents and caregivers that fire is just one cause of burn injuries - children can also be seriously injured by hot foods and beverages, heating appliances, hot pots and pans, electrical currents and chemicals. Of particular emphasis this year is the prevention of scald injuries. According to the American Burn Association and Shriners Children’s Hospital, about 95 percent of scald burns (which are caused by hot liquids, steam or foods) occur in the home. Scalds are the most common burn injury among young children and one of the leading causes of accidental death in the home for children under age four. U.S. hospitals treat an estimated 16,000 children under five for scalds every year.

Here are some recommendations to help prevent scald injuries.

• Install anti-scald devices on water faucets and shower heads
• Use knob covers on faucets
• Create “kid free zones” in the kitchen near the stove
• Reduce water temperature - the maximum recommended residential water temperature is 120° F (48° C)

Additional resources:
NW Burn Foundation
Center for Disease Control
Safe Kids