PSA for the public around fire scenes Reminder from your Fire Department: When you see emergency vehicles responding to a fire or incident, please remember the following to keep everyone safe and allow us to do our jobs efficiently: 1. Do NOT call the fire station directly. Always dial 911. Firefighters are often out on calls and not at the station. Calling 911 directly will get help to you quickly and appropriately. 2. Stay clear of the scene. Please do not crowd the area. Give emergency crews space to work. Extra people and vehicles can slow response time and put everyone at greater risk. Avoid parking nearby or blocking access roads. 3. Do NOT try to direct fire trucks or yell instructions. We know where the emergency is. Firefighters and EMS are following a coordinated plan. Apparatus respond based on assignments from the incident commander, not just where the fire is visible. 4. First-arriving personnel have a critical job to do. Their role is to size up the scene, identify hazards or safety concerns, determine resource needs, and report back to incoming units. Their early observations shape the entire operation; so please don’t interfere or try to direct them. 5. Don’t be alarmed if an ambulance arrives before a fire engine. EMS crews are often closer and all are firefighters. They provide immediate assessment and relay important information to incoming fire trucks. 6. There will be multiple trucks arriving on the scene within the first ten minutes. They will be given different assignments as they arrive and may not be going directly to the fire. Emergency response is strategic. Just because the fire looks like it’s “straight ahead” doesn’t mean that is where the next truck needs to go. Routes and staging are chosen for safety, efficiency and overall control. 7. Crowds and congestion will only slow our process and could put lives at risk (firefighters as well as the public). Your cooperation helps us save lives. Let’s work together – give us space, follow directions and trust that we’re trained to handle the emergency. Every second counts, and safe, clear access makes all the difference. Thank you for supporting your first responders! (fb)

One of the busiest safety stations is Bike Safety. Bike helmets will be distributed while supplies last. Helmets and fitters courtesy of Cheryl Bowker Allstate and Trinity Health Systems. Just over a week away...June 7th (fb)