By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. However, the danger will lurk with mudflow and erosion problems. Make sure you are prepared!

In the next few days, you might find your home and property damaged and you’ll be wondering how do I get this put back together?

Where do I start? 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 29, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- We certainly have had our share of wind lately. Not to mention the unusually cold weather. This could affect your health!

They’ll Love You Forever with This Gift! 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 12, 2022 (San Diego) -- The holidays provide a good opportunity to spend quality time with family, friends, and co-workers. Rather than getting stressed about holiday obligations, think about these opportunities as making "deposits" in your relationship banks. The time you spend is an investment into the relationship's long-term success. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder Effects Over 3 million People in the U.S.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 28, 2022 (San Diego) -- Feeling an onset of sadness? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder associated with seasonal changes. Commonly seen as depression arising during the winter months, it happens due to a disturbance in the circadian system of the body.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- Please Pass the Safety! And can you add some manners, too?

Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the Holiday Season. Many of you are starting your Thanksgiving plans. Most will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays.

It’s time to serve up these cooking safety tips. After all - Thanksgiving is the single worst day for residential fires!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 3, 2022 (San Diego) -- We are about to step into the height of fire season as Santa Ana Winds will soon be blowing. During wildfires, winds can send embers flying well over a mile on and into unprotected combustibles and openings around your home.

By Sam DiGiovanna

August 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Though we are reaching the peak of summer, it seems like it’s been an “endless summer” as it’s been hot for so long. Many people are spending their time in pools to beat the heat. Unfortunately, there is the dangerous side to summer and swimming pools.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 8, 2022 (San Diego) -- There’s a new wave coming to town – HEAT! Temperatures will exceed triple digit in the deserts and things will be warming up around most all of Southern California.

Here are some safety tips to help you beat the heat:

Whose fault is it? We all own a bit of it!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 9, 2022 (San Diego) -- Let’s Rock! The month of April is declared “Earthquake Preparedness Month” by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services according to Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. We are “way” over-due for an earthquake. Now is the time to prepare, not afterwards says Chief DiGiovanna!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- I remember as a young firefighter responding on a structure fire in the south end of town. Upon arrival we had a single-story, single-family dwelling with heavy smoke from the bravo side. My Captain told me to pull a pre-connect and make entry. RIT teams, two in, two out were not policy.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 18, 2021 (San Diego) - Your state’s drought really is a state of emergency, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Let’s start with the obvious: wildfires. There are close to 10,000 personnel, hundreds of fixed wing & rotary aircraft, hand-crews, dozers and water tenders battling multiple wildfires that have burned over 941,003 acres in California alone and not much end in sight. We still have another month or so before the real height of fire season kicks in with our Santa Ana and Diablo winds. Start preparing now!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Don’t Turn Your Back – It Happens Just Like That!

July 19, 2021 (San Diego) – This is the time of year where swimming pool drownings reach their peak.  Drowning incidents are dramatically on the rise both locally and nationally. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, just under 400 deaths a year on average are attributed to drowning in a swimming pool or at a spa. Sadly, of the total number of accidental drownings, approximately one in five victims are aged 14 or younger.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- We have not seen significant rain in several months. Fuel moisture content is at 0%. We are at what we call 100% probability of ignition. This means the tiniest spark can start a fire.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before you, your family & friends celebrate, make sure everyone knows about Fourth of July safety. Since Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County, there are still safety precautions to provide safety while celebrating.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna 

May 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- Make it Memorable This Memorial Day Weekend - with Situational Awareness!

This Memorial Day Weekend will be the biggest weekend in over a year with less Covid 19 restrictions. With great weather in the forecast, many people will be hitting the trails, parks, lakes, barbeques, golfing and of course our highways and roadways will have lots of traffic.