Four firefighters join department

Published 7:59 pm Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dowagiac Department of Public Safety Fire/Rescue Division is proud to announce that four new part-time firefighters have joined the fire department.

We would like to welcome Probationary Firefighters Ethan Pasternak, Lenny Ross, Martin Buckland and Chad Bundy.

Both Ross and Buckland are already Michigan Certified Firefighters and bring with them many years of professional experience in the fire/rescue fields.

We are also proud to announce that Firefighter Shawn Sirk and Probationary Firefighter Chad Bundy recently passed their Michigan certification boards to become certified as Fire Fighter Level II.

This is a noteworthy achievement as it represents more than 200 hours of basic and advanced fire training in addition to certification to the Hazardous Materials Operations level, and emergency vehicle operations.

In addition to attending the required classroom and practical training, fire candidates must also successfully pass both a written and practical state exam to receive their certifications.

This training is compliant with current National Fire Protection Association standards.

This accomplishment is indicative of their dedication to becoming professional fire fighters and to protecting the public that we serve.

The Fire/Rescue Division is proud of our staff!

Family Home Hazard Hunt provided by MSP/Emergency Management Division

Dowagiac Department of Public Safety Director Thomas A. Atkinson continues the Family Home Hazard Hunt as provided by MSP/Emergency Management Division in recognition of September as National Emergency Preparedness Month.

Families are encouraged to use the following checklist as a guide for the hazard hunt of their home.

Electricity

Yes __      No __        Avoid use of extension cords (if used, ensure the correct wattage rating)

Yes __      No __        Plug only one heat producing device into an electrical outlet

Yes __      No __        Insure cords are not placed under rugs

Yes __      No __        Verify circuits are not overloaded

Yes __      No __            Replace damaged cords, plugs, sockets

Yes __      No __        Use bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps and fixtures

Yes __      No __        Check fuses/circuit breakers for the correct amperage ratings

Yes __      No __        Don’t override or bypass fuses or circuit breakers

Clothes Washer and Dryer

Yes __      No __        Verify that appliances are properly grounded

Yes __      No __        Insure lint filter is cleaned regularly and serviceable

Yes __      No __        Check vent hose and vent line to insure they are clean and provide unobstructed airflow

Fire Extinguisher

Yes __      No __        Verify that an all purpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) is maintained in an accessible location

Yes __      No __        Insure that all occupants know how to use it

Yes __      No __        Are additional fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen, garage, basement and sleeping area?

Yes __      No __        Store used oily rags in sealed metal containers

Yes __      No __        Never store combustibles such as newspapers

Heating Equipment

Yes __      No __        Insure fireplace inserts and gas/wood stoves comply with local codes

Yes __      No __        Clean and inspect chimney annually

Yes __      No __            Dispose of ashes in metal containers

Yes __      No __        Keep clothes, furnishings, electrical cords at least 12” from wall heaters and 36” from portable heaters

Yes __      No __        Service furnace annually

Yes __      No __        Set water heater thermostat @ 120 degrees F

Yes __      No __        Elevate new or replacement gas water heaters at least 18 inches above the floor

Next week Safety Corner will bring you the final categories of the Home Hazard Hunt including bathrooms, family preparedness, smoke detectors and earthquake hazards (all rooms).

Although we usually don’t expect earthquakes in this area, there is a fault line that crosses the Midwest and poses a potential danger.

You also never know when you may be traveling in an earthquake-prone area.

The Hazard Hunt will increase your awareness of safety issues in these areas.

If you have additional topics you would like included in future editions of Safety Corner, contact Patty Klug at  Dowagiac Police Department, 782-9743, ext. 301.