By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 2, 2014 (San Diego)--The roads are slippery from much needed rain, which means you could slide more if you brake too quickly. Over time, engine oil and other substances build up on streets, and when rainwater gets added to the mix, a very slippery combination results. 

Always give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. There's also a chance that you could get water in your brakes, which will cause them to lose their stopping power. Never rush when it's raining heavily: accidents are even more likely when weather conditions are poor.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 10, 2014 (San Diego)--Cooler weather is upon us so why not put your best foot forward by keeping yourself free from accidents says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  ‘Walk this Way’ and plan walk-able routes. Map out a well-lit route with sidewalks and crosswalks and little traffic. Let someone know when and where you are going. Walks are a great opportunity to educate kids about safety. Explain the different traffic signals, remind your kids to stop at the edge of driveways to watch for cars, and teach them never to cross streets without being in a crosswalk.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 21, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - There’s a lot to cover for Halloween Safety and rather be a Pumpkin Head, let go over a few safety reminders advises Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.  Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.  Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always walk and don't run from house to house.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 14, 2014 (Southern California)--“The Silverado Fire in Orange County should serve as a reminder of things to come with extreme fire danger reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. A weak high pressure system had driven temperatures up and humidity levels down which are indicators Fall is upon us. This fire grew from hundreds of acres to over a thousand in a very short amount of time. Fortunately we did not have the fierce Santa Ana winds driving this fire or we’d likely be working this fire to the ocean.”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 29, 2014 (San Diego)--It appears the California Grape Crush came crashing in a bit early and un-expectantly for the Napa wine region. On the eve of the 2014 harvest, Napa and Napa Valley wineries were rocked by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of Sunday morning. The quake injured over 100 people, but fortunately claimed no lives says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Napa’s Resiliency is to be commended, however, a good reminder for all of us to be prepared… Coincidentally, September is National Wine Awareness Month and wine has become so vital to California, that it deserves a whole month.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County) July, August and right into Labor Day, we use our barbeques more than any other months.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 14, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - It’s that time of year when we notice large cumulous clouds forming around southern California. This ‘monsoonal pattern’ is produced by an area of high pressure over the four corners. The clockwise flow draws moisture into southern California from the south. These clouds can produce lightning, thunder, hail and heavy rain reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

By Sam DiGiovanna

June 30, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--These words are make fire officials cringe says Fire Cief Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine’s in-house fire chief and columnist.  It will be a long three-day 4^th of July weekend.

As drought conditions worsen and the fire danger escalates, fire officials recommend everyone attend public fireworks shows, and leave the lighting to the professionals.  Purchase or use of fireworks by individuals is illegal across San Diego County.

“The problem is many cities that ban fireworks are already seeing an influx of illegal fireworks being set off, says Chief DiGiovanna.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- We recently celebrated Memorial Day and D – Day honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom. True heroes, no doubt! We also celebrated National EMS/First Responder Week as well. It recognizes fire, police and medical first responders who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of emergency medicine's "front line."  Father's day is upon us and there are lots of Hero’s to recognize. Have you ever considered yourself as a Hero?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 10, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--"Prom and graduation season is here again - this is a time for celebration," says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. "Unfortunately, these happy occasions sometimes involve underage drinking which can result in tragedy. It is therefore critical that parents keep the lines of communication open when it comes to talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving."

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 28, 2014 (San Diego)--Cinco de Mayo is upon us and it has become a celebration of food, friends and alcohol.  Unfortunately, too often the party ends with alcohol-related crashes, injuries and fatalities when people don’t use good judgment and drive after drinking reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  Make sure you look after yourself and your compadres and have a designated driver or take a cab.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 10, 2014 (San Diego)--Those little nine-volt batteries that you changed last month from your smoke detector or just keep around in drawers could post a serious fire hazard if not stored correctly says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  The batteries could start a fire if surrounded by the wrong items.  Several house fires have been reported caused by the batteries.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 2, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The way you Drive directly reflects the way you look says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  The way you conduct yourself behind the wheel is how others view you.  Let’s take a look…

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March Madness!  It came in like a Lion, will it leave like a Lamb?

March 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - March came in like a Lion bringing more rain than we’ve seen in years, but will it leave like a Lamb?   “Though ordinarily not a big concern, March winds may pose a very serious fire danger says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  Normally we would have had more rain by now and brush fires are not quite a concern.  With drought conditions and little rain, fuel moisture content is extremely low says DiGiovanna.”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 28, 2014 (San Diego)--There’s good news forecasted for this week – Rain!  Two storms are possible this week says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. As the rain is very much welcome and needed, it’s important to keep safety in mind.  It will be hazardous.”