From the Fire Chief's Corner

From the Fire Chief's Corner

CHIEFS CORNER: CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING GOES UP AS TEMPERATURES GO DOWN

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 5, 2024 (San Diego) -- We are having a cold spell here and a lot of times during these cold spells, or during the wintertime, we respond to an increased call of natural gas odors in a home. But carbon monoxide is a silent poison. It’s a colorless and odorless gas. You can’t smell it. But there are warning signs if there is a leak in your home.

If you start feeling flu-like symptoms or achy or you just feel very tired, there’s a good chance you may be having carbon monoxide symptoms.  I say that with hesitation because right now is flu season, and we have COVID 19 that’s running and starting to spike a bit. If you start feeling that way, and maybe several people start feeling that way in your house, I would get out of the house, open the house up, air it out and call 911.

However, there are many ways people can prevent these leaks before they happen.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: REALISTIC RESOLUTIONS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 10, 2024 (San Diego) -- Making a New Year’s resolution is one thing. Remaining resolute and seeing them through is quite another. It’s important to make them realistic and obtainable.

Every January we start a new recruit fire academy. The first order of business is to review all academy policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Understanding policies, and training on them repeatedly, provides recruits with a sound foundation in safe and consistent operations before learning basic firefighting skills.

In addition to learning policies, our recruits develop “Integrity Agreements.” Integrity Agreements are like policies but are more personal in nature. The recruits develop them as a team, but they own them as individuals.

Like policies, these agreements hold recruits accountable for actions on and off the training ground. We tell them, “If you don’t live up to the agreements, you have no one to blame but yourself. You own them; they are custom-made by and for you!”


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: CHRISTMAS TREE AND INDOOR SAFETY FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 8, 2023 (San Diego) - This last week, we covered outdoor Christmas safety, let’s look at a few indoor safety facts and tips. Did you know that half of those that purchase live Christmas trees fail to keep them properly watered reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. There’s also other factors that can cause Christmas tree fires.


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CHIEF'S CORNER: THE ESPERANZA FIRE--DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF ENGINE CO. 57

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 28, 2023 (San Diego) -- I would be remiss if I did not write this as we step into and are preparing for our first Red Flag Warning for 2023 in Southern California. This is dedicated to the men of Engine Co. 57.

Oct. 26, 2006, it seems like yesterday. Time passes so quickly. This day sticks with me and always will. I was at my home leaving for work in Los Angeles. I saw the large plume of smoke. In a matter of seconds, it intensified. The plume expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad, but little did I know how bad it really was.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WE’RE ALL GOING TO FALL FOR SANTA ANA WINDS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!  Though fire season is year-round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME -- WHAT DO I DO NOW?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

September 8, 2023 (San Diego) - The storm has passed – now what?

 

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? 


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CHIEF’S CORNER: FLASH FLOOD SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 7, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- We all face storms in life. They say those are the association dues for being alive. But there is a different storm brewing out there, monsoon season that brings flashfloods storms. It is important to start thinking about these rare storms because this is the season!

As firefighters we know the power of water. “We have some of the best apparatus capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute during fires. In this capacity, water saves lives and property—it is essential to protecting our communities,” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”

But a different power of water is Flashfloods. They are the number one storm-related killed in the United States.

Eighty percent (80%) of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake – trying to navigate through floodwaters.

Do you know what 6 – 12 and 18 add up to? Danger!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: AUGUST IS YOUR WELLNESS MONTH

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

August 24, 2023 (San Diego) -- This August celebrates National Wellness Month. This month focuses on self-care, stress management, and creating healthy routines. If you are looking for an excuse to make a change, start this month in support of National Wellness Month.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SUMMER HEAT AND POWER OUTAGES

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

August 24, 2023 (San Diego) – Summer heat can interfere with our power supply in many ways. Hot weather can drive up energy demands, often to power air conditioners, which can overload your electrical grid.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: SUMMER HEAT AND POWER OUTAGES

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August  12, 2023 (San Diego) – Summer heat can interfere with our power supply in many ways. Hot weather can drive up energy demands, often to power air conditioners, which can overload your electrical grid.  Here are tips to prepare for power outages.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SOON—WILDFIRE SMOKE!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 16, 2023 (San Diego) -- Wildfires are increasing everyday and will increase as we start to peak in our year-round wildfire season. Even if your home is not in the path of a fire, you can still be affected by smoke particles released into the air from wildfires.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: WILDFIRE SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
July 2, 2023 (San Diego) - Wildfire season is upon us.  Before a wildfire threatens your area, here are some ways you can help prevent wildfires in your home and community.

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CHIEF'S CORNER: 100 DEADLIEST DAYS OF SUMMER

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 22, 2023 (San Diego) --Why is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day so deadly? It’s called the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer!

Now that Memorial Day is behind us, we are now on the road to the deadliest days of summer--the days when our teenage children hit the streets with lots of time on their hands as well as cell phones and distracting friends.

Per mile driven, drivers aged 16 to 19 years old are nearly three times more likely than drivers older than 20 to be in a fatal crash. During the summer months, teenage deaths in vehicle accidents increase by 26% compared with the other months of the year.



Let's look at some more facts:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: DON’T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON MAY – WITHOUT SUNSCREEN

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

May 27, 2023 (San Diego) -- Unfortunately, we pay little attention to sun exposure and its connection to skin cancer. We spend a lot of time outside, often without taking precautions such as wearing long pants and sunblock. What can we do to reduce the risk of skin cancer? Fortunately, it’s relatively simple:


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: HOW IS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE?

May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

May 16, 2023 (San Diego) -- Feeling Over Pressure?  Let’s see if you can “get it under pressure” with this https://lnkd.in/g8vrE-kJ.

 

Heart disease is no stranger to firefighters. It ranks right at the top of our number one killer. So what is the first thing you should know about blood pressure?


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: MAY IS WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

May 15, 2023 (San Diego) - As fire officials, we preach this message every year “this will be our worst fire season ever!” Though we were not completely spared of wildfires, we have dodged the bullet the past two years of significant wildfires in Southern California. The third year won’t be a charm, especially with all the vegetation growing from recent rains.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 1, 2023 (San Diego) - It’s not a matter of if, But when. Southern California already experiences about 30 earthquakes everyday. While most of them are too small to be felt, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates a serious chance of being struck with a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the next couple of decades.


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CHIEFS CORNER: THE RAIN IS MOVING OUT AND SNAKES ARE COMING UP

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- Now that the rain is moving out, are you ready for some hiking, biking, golfing, or yardwork? Hold on before you head out and watch your step! You may be greeted with a surprise. Rattlesnakes are coming out and I’m not talking about those “special” people in your life personally or professionally that slither around ready to take a swipe at you!

Rattlesnakes are found in most U.S. states, but California is “blessed” with more than its fair share. Rattlesnake season in California starts in April, however they can start as early as March and runs through October.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: SPRING CLEANING AND SPRING SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 30, 2023 (San Diego) -- The recent storms proved many were not fully prepared for when disaster strikes. Make sure you have an “all hazards” preparedness plan with supplies in place!

Help spring your home into being safe and organized by following these steps:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: ST. PATRICK’S DAY SAFETY TIPS

Don’t Press Your Luck This St. Patrick’s Day!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, we want everyone to celebrate responsibly. Here are some tips to help you safely navigate the festivities this year.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: MUD, WATER AND DAMAGE – NOW WHAT?

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? 


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: IT’S SELF ESTEEM MONTH

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

How full is your self-esteem tank?

February 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- Self-esteem not only impacts how you feel about yourself, but also in your relationship with others. When self esteem is running high, life seems to fall right into place both in your personal and professional life. When your self-esteem tank is running low, it creates the exact opposite. This is why having low self-esteem can be such a serious problem. 


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: DUST IN THE WIND

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!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: JANUARY IS CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

January 9, 2023 (San Diego) --  In the past 20 years, from 2001 to 2020, cancer death rates went down 27%. We all still have a lot of work to do!

Take charge with these Mayo Clinic tips such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular screenings.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: THEY’LL LOVE YOU FOREVER WITH THIS GIFT

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. 


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: CHRISTMAS SAFETY

Let’s Hang Out with Safety This Week!

By Fire Chief San DiGiovanna

December 7, 2022 (San Diego) - Many of us will be hanging Christmas decorations this week. Let’s start this week start from the outside and work our way in.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SAD CROSSING

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: GET READY FOR THE WINDS!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 16, 2022 (San Diego) – ‘Tis the season for Santa Ana winds, starting this week in our region. Here are some wind safety tips.

The safest place to during high winds is indoors.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS

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!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: AN ADDED SAFETY CAUTION THIS HALLOWEEN - BEWARE OF RAINBOW FENTANYL MASQUERADING AS CANDY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 22, 2022 (San Diego) -- With Halloween just weeks away, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning parents to check your children's candy very closely this year.


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