By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 22, 2025 (San Diego) -- Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Many will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays. On any given day, firefighters respond to reports of a kitchen fire. Often, it is “food on the stove” and we cancel incoming resources. However, on Thanksgiving Day, kitchen fires increase over fifty percent compared to any other day, often working structure fires.

So let’s start serving up those cooking safety tips. 

Growing Conversations, Saving Lives

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 24, 2025 (San Diego) - Each November, a global movement takes root, one mustache at a time. Movember isn’t just about facial hair; it’s about facing the facts. Men’s health is in crisis, and silence is no longer an option.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

This is no shot in the dark

August 16, 2025 (San Diego) -- Viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not properly vaccinated reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The Center for Disease Control recognizes August as national immunization month.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 19, 2025 (San Diego) - On March 9^th we changed our clocks "back" for daylight savings. Did you change your smoke detector batteries and check their condition asks Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Since most fatal fires occur at night, it’s essential that every home have working smoke alarms to provide an early warning.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- This month gives us all a chance to put renewed emphasis on our personal well-being. Wherever you work or whatever you do, you have an even greater incentive to stay well. After all, your physical performance and mental responsiveness don’t just impact success or failure — they could be the difference between life or death.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 26, 2022 (San Diego) -- With drought conditions, bone dry vegetation and over 40 million Americans expected to hit the road this year over the 4^th of July weekend, I wanted to get this message out early to start planning for a safe 4^th of July!