July is dedicated as National Grilling Safety Month – Send the Right Smoke Signal - SAFETY!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 29, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “July, August and right into Labor Day we use our barbeques than any other months. Firefighters respond to many structure and wild-land fires that involve barbeques this time of year. We also treat many victims for injuries related to barbeques says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Barbeque Safety means sending the right smoke signal and that signal is Safety!”

“It's like a heat wave, Burnin' in my heart, I can't keep from cryin', It's tearin' me apart…”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “What a cool song…  But lately, temperatures haven’t been so cool. It’s been hot and humid which put an even greater strain on us. Extreme heat is a potential health concern reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

Drought and Your Health

June 23, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Summer is officially here and with more than half the U.S. currently in drought, there are concerns over the consequences of not only the country's crop yields and wildfires, but also on human health reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

By Chief Sam DIGiovanna

May 19, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--While next Monday we will be remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, Memorial Day can be thought of as one of the most important holidays in the U.S.  Observed annually every last Monday of May, people usually take some time off from their work and other activities to reflect on the significance of this all-important celebration and enjoy many outdoor activities and events.  Make this Memorial day memorable by following some of these safety tips.

What is making these current weather conditions so dangerous is the obvious “high fire danger” currently, however, these warm, dry gusty winds are stripping already drought prone vegetation complete of any fuel moisture content.  With no rain forecasted and heading into summer months, fuels are/will be bone dry of any fuel moisture early into the season.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 18 2014 (San Diego)--Stress, like water, seems to seep into every level of our life.  “What makes it worse, it’s very unhealthy says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  In fact it’s so dangerous stress needs to be addressed and reduced.”  No worries here as April is “National Stress Awareness month.”  You may be surprised by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate!

By Fire Chief San DiGiovanna

April 3, 2104 (San Diego's East County) - “Baseball season is now official and whether you’re going to a professional baseball game or to your local neighborhood field, keep your eye on the ball and make safety a priority so that your stadium experience is more like a home run than a strikeout says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 17, 2014 (San Diego)--During a hazardous materials incident, firefighters and first responders isolate the area and deny entry to keep it contained.  The same goes if you have the flu.  Both are toxic and pose an unreasonable risk to our Health, Safety and Environment!  Isolate yourself and stay away from others because it spreads through contamination.

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 3, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - “Now is the time to change your smoke detector battery reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  Day light savings is the traditional time to do this.  A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape a deadly home fire.  A working smoke alarm never takes time off as it continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  It never sleeps.”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--“On average 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits occur annually, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Firefighters and Paramedics respond to thousands of accidents every day.”

Follow some of these tips to help prevent accidents in your home:

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 5, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- The flu season is here and like a wildfire, it seems to be spreading rapidly.  Symptoms may include: A 100 ^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever), a cough and/or sore throat,  runny or stuffy nose. headaches and/or body aches, chills. fatigue. nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children).

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 23, 2013 (San Diego) -- It’s finally here!  Everything is out and up, presents are wrapped and time to eat and enjoy (if only it were that easy…) Here are some tips to keep your feasts safe during this Holiday season:

Go wash your hands!  Use hot soapy water to wash your hands, utensils, and work surfaces (including cutting boards). Repeat this throughout your preparation to ensure you aren't spreading bacteria around. 

December 11, 2013 (San Diego) – “Now that the outdoor decorations are in place, let’s look at a few indoor safety tips,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. 

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.  When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators.  “Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water,” reminds Chief DiGiovanna. Do not block doorways. Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.  Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.  Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.  Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. 

November 25, 2013 (San Diego) – Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when holiday gift buying begins.  Sales offering big discounts lure customers into stores, often beginning in the early hours of the morning.  “Unfortunately, Black Friday (and most major shopping days) is a day when shoppers may become victims of crimes and injuries,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

November 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) –Electrical failures cause thousands of home fires every year, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Those fires cause death and injuries and close to $1.5 billion dollars in property damage. One simple way homeowners can prevent costly electrical fires is with a home fire inspection.  Many fire departments offer this service—often free of charge.

Ask your local department about having an inspection for potential electrical issues and recommend steps for improving fire safety. An inspection should review all fire hazards in your home, from testing smoke detectors to making sure curtains and other flammables are a safe distance from heat sources.