From the Fire Chief's Corner

From the Fire Chief's Corner

CHIEF’S CORNER: RATTLESNAKES ARE COMING OUT—WATCH YOUR STEP!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- April and May mark the beginning of rattlesnake season which continues through the summer months. At one point or another, while hiking, golfing or depending upon where you live, you’ve probably encountered them at least one time. Unless you’re one of those odd people who seem to like getting startled by a rattler, encountering snakes is not a pleasant experience for most. But it doesn’t have to be a dangerous one. 

With temperatures heating up, there have been reports that rattlesnake sightings are on the increase. Snakes come out of their hiding places and are looking for food. So there’s plenty of reasons to be proactive and remind ourselves and others the commonsense of snake safety.

Practice these precautions:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: IF YOU’RE TEXTING, WHO’S DRIVING?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 30, 2025 (San Diego) -- April is National Distracted Driver Awareness Month. You’ve seen it and there is a good chance you’ve done it. This is a good time to read and share with others because “if you’re texting, who’s driving?

Distracted driving—your first thought may be of cell phone use, but many other circumstances can be just as distracting. For instance, a phone call may suddenly ping in on your dashboard touchscreen, you may be scanning to find your favorite song in an endless playlist, or you could even just be trying to figure out how to move the automatic seat back just one more inch.

Every single day 100 Americans are injured in distracted driving crashes. Almost 10 people die in distracted driving crashes every day.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: TIME FOR A CHANGE

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

March 19, 2025 (San Diego) - On March 9th 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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: JAM FOR LA CONCERT BENEFITS FIRE RELIEF EFFORTS, FEB. 23 IN TEMECULA


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CHIEF’S CORNER: THE OTHER DRY JANUARY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 16, 2025 (San Diego) -- Recent brush fires in Southern California have proven January is extremely dry. But there’s a different dry in January. Dry January is an annual challenge that encourages people to give up alcohol for the entire month. It has gained widespread popularity in recent years as individuals look to kickstart their year with a focus on health, detoxification, and self-care. Originating as a campaign by Alcohol Concern in 2013, it has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating each year.

The benefits of taking part in Dry January are far-reaching. Abstaining from alcohol for a month can help reset the body, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and even lead to weight loss. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on one’s relationship with alcohol and assess whether drinking habits need adjustment in the long term. Whether you want to take a break from the habit or simply explore how life feels without alcohol, Dry January provides a supportive environment for positive change.


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CHIEF'S CORNER: HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
October 15, 2024 (San Diego) --
As firefighters, we have seen the spooky side of Halloween — and I am not talking haunted houses. No, it is children out on the streets at night, often wearing costumes that restrict their ability to see and be seen. Its candles being used carelessly in jack-o-lanterns or children carving pumpkins while unsupervised by an adult. It is lots of people traipsing through unfamiliar yards and neighborhoods.


 
In fact, most kids are killed or injured crossing the street on Halloween than any other night of the year.



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CHIEF'S CORNER: FORE YOUR SAFETY--NATIONAL GOLF MONTH

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- August is National Golf month. This safety article is dedicated to one of the best people in the world.  My Dad Frank DiGiovanna!  He loved to golf and was instrumental in helping me write this. This week would have been his birthday. Here’s to you, Dad!

Golf really is a very safe sport and if you follow a few basic safety rules injuries can be reduced or eliminated.   Swinging of metal clubs propel golf balls at high speeds. If you’re in the way of either, you’re in danger. Following a few basic guidelines can help ensure your safety and that of those around you on the course.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: STAYING HYDRATED – JUST ADD WATER!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
June 14, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- It’s hot outside, so make sure you stay hydrated. Give the yard a break, but don’t cut back on yourself. Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much of your body's fluid is lost or not replaced. Severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency!
 
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty until you drink water. Stay one step ahead of the thirst and drink water throughout the day. Don’t rely exclusively on thirst to tell you when you need to grab something to drink. Sometimes thirst is not a reliable gauge, especially when you’re exercising, on a working incident, training or if you’re taking medications or have a health condition.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: WIND SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
More Than Just Dust in the Wind!
 
May 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- From the desert to the sea, many communities are seeing wind gusts that are causing problems and concern. Fire danger is not the only hazard we have to concern ourselves with during high winds. Strong winds can cause considerable damage on their own, even without fires. Please follow the below safety tips:

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CHIEF’S CORNER: RATTLESNAKE SAFETY

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
As Warm Temps Move In – Rattlesnakes Come Out!
 
Watch Your Step, They Are Coming Out Early
 
May 6, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- April and May mark the beginning of rattlesnake season which continues through the summer months. At one point or another, while hiking, biking, golfing, or depending upon where you live, you’ve probably encountered them at least one time. Unless you’re one of those odd people who seem to like getting startled by a rattler, encountering snakes is not a pleasant experience for most. But it doesn’t have to be a dangerous one.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

From Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
Need Some Stress Release?
 
April 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. According to the National Institute of Health (who wrote this article) managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

Too Much On Your Plate?
 
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
March 23, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- When you see a fire truck, paramedic unit, ambulance, and police officers at an incident, it’s ‘more than likely’ they are assisting on a medical emergency! The month of March is National Nutritional Month and now is a good time to take of yourself by eating right!
 
Here are a few things we like to eat at the fire station to help keep us healthy– some that may help in preventing anything from heart disease to cancers.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: MARCH IS HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

No Excuses – Time for a Screening!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

Photo: I dedicate this article to one of my best friends from childhood, Andy Troncale, every year. I know Capt. Troncale (Arcadia Fire Dept. Truck Co. 105) would like you to follow the advice here to help you maintain your wellness.


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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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