From the Fire Chief's Corner

From the Fire Chief's Corner

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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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: WILDFIRE EMBERS – DANGER!

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION WEEK OCT. 9-15

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

“Fire Won’t Wait - Plan Your Escape!”

October 1, 2022 (San Diego) -- This year marks the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is to bring heightened awareness to saving lives, preventing injuries, and protecting property. Start planning and sharing with family and friends now!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: LABOR DAY SAFETY TIPS

For the Love of Labor!
 
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
August 27, 2022 (San Diego) – There are no Labor Day discounts when it comes to safety. Labor Day marks the beginning of the end of summer – so for many of us it’s a chance to pack one last fun-filled weekend in, enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
 
Following are some tips to make the most of Labor Day:

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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: AUGUST IS NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: TAKE THE PLUNGE FOR SWIMMING POOL SAFETY

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU – SAFELY!

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 4th of July weekend, I wanted to get this message out early to start planning for a safe 4th of July!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: TEMPERATURES ARE RISING

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:


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: THE SNAKES ARE OUT

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Photo:  CC via Bing

April 18, 2022 (San Diego) -- With temperatures warming many people will be out hiking, having picnics, working in the yard, or golfing. But there is a warning that goes with this time of year and this type of weather: Snakes are out! And I am not talking about those “special” people in your life or at the office!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: WHOSE FAULT IS IT? APRIL IS EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS MONTH

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!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: GAS PRICES AND THEFT

By Sam DiGiovanna

Tips to avoid gas theft and maximize your mileage

March 11, 2022 (San Diego) -- Feeling gas pains? If you haven’t felt it, you will soon! With gas prices climbing once again, the last thing anyone wants is to find their gas tank unexpectedly empty. But it’s happening. Gas thieves are starting to siphon gasoline from vehicles.

Any time there is a short supply, the demand goes up. When demand goes up, and supply gets low, crime goes up. Look out for thieves possibly looking to score free fuel at your expense.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: FRIENDS AND FLASHLIGHTS

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE SEPT. 11 ATTACKS!

And never forget about civility, kindness and respect…

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 5, 2021 (San Diego) -- Time flies as I get older. It seems like only months ago we were in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks on Sept 11th, 2001. I cannot believe another year has already gone by. The day this happened was a surreal day I will never forget.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: MAKE NO DROUGHT ABOUT IT - THIS IS SERIOUS!

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!


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SHEDDING SOME LIGHT ON LIGHTNING

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Photo: CC by ND via Bing

July 26, 2021 (San Diego) -- Monsoon Season is upon us.  Here are some reminders of the intensity of lightning and safety reminders during monsoon thunderstorms…


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: DROWNING PREVENTION TIPS

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.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: CHEAP SUNGLASSES – KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR WELLNESS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
"When you wake up in the morning and the light is hurt your head — The first thing you do when you get up out of bed — Is hit that streets a-runnin' and try to beat the masses — Now go get yourself some good sunglasses" – ZZ Top   Listen while you read: https://lnkd.in/g8ZWAqF
 
July is UV Awareness Month!
 
July 13, 2021 (San Diego) -- During the summer we put a lot of emphasis on protecting skin from UV rays. It is important. But we cannot forget about protecting the eyes — exposure to bright sunlight increases the risk of developing these four ailments: cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and cancer.
 
Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: FOURTH OF JULY AND 100% PROBABILITY OF IGNITION

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.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: YOU ARE IMPORTANT!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 13, 2021 (San Diego) - When was the last time someone told you that?  When was the last time you told someone that? Why is it we feel the need to keep those three simple words under lock and key? Are we the only one that wants to be important? Are we afraid that others may change if we make or tell them they are important?


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: MEMORIAL DAY SAFETY TIPS

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. 


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: ‘TIS THE SEASON -- FOR RATTLESNAKES

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Photo:  rattlesnake, creative commons by NC-ND
 
April 30, 2021 (San Diego) -- I’m not talking about those “special” people in your life that slither around ready to take a swipe at you!
 
April and May mark the beginning of rattlesnake season which continues through the summer months. At one point or another, while hiking 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.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY 911 DISPATCHERS WEEK

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
April 13, 2021 (San Diego) -- The National Public Safety Dispatchers Week is celebrated every second week of April each year. This week April 11-17, 2021 aims to honor all 911 Fire/Police/Paramedic Dispatchers & Staff whose work is involved in public safety communication. This weeklong event gives recognition and expresses gratitude to all those people dedicated to saving the lives of the people.
 
Understanding the Job of a 911 Dispatcher
Most of the time, people have no idea how hard the job of emergency communicators is. They carry a great responsibility because they are the first line of hope or defense for those people in need. They are the first ones to get in contact with people who are in danger. If you still have not fully realized that yet, then it is all the more reason for you to celebrate this week.

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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SPRING FORWARD INTO SAFETY

Spring Into Safety!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 8, 2021 (San Diego) -- March 14th is Daylight Saving Time. Setting the clock forward means it’s time to check the clock and move it forward one hour. But for a spring clean safety check, make your “hot lap” around the home, why not take a little extra time for a short safety checklist?


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: A PERSONAL POLICY FOR THE NEW YEAR

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 18, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- The New Year brings more than just champagne and fancy parties — it's also when we start a new fire recruit academy.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SHAKE THAT TREE – AS IN PROMPTLY REMOVE CHRISTMAS TREES TO PREVENT FIRES

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 27, 2020 (San Diego) -- If you’re having trouble parting with your Christmas tree, here’s a fact to motivate you: One-third (33 percent) of U.S. home fires that begin with Christmas trees occur in January. With this potential fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly encourages everyone to remove Christmas trees from their homes promptly after the holiday season.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: HAVE A DRINK ON ME

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
August 25, 2020 (San Diego) -- 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.
 
Keep a water within reach — at all times. Do you take regularly rehab breaks during an incident? Make sure you do! Keep water at moderate temperatures. You drink more fluid when it’s just the right temperature, not too hot and not too cold. Beware of certain energy drinks. Popular energy drinks are very different from sports drinks. They are full of caffeine and sugar, and can be dehydrating instead of thirst-quenching.

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CHIEF’S CORNER: BEAT THE HEAT – AND CHECK THAT BACK SEAT

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 6, 2020 (San Diego) -- The dog days of Summer have arrived. And the bad news it, it looks like more is in store this week with a long hot summer ahead.Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle.

Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

Safety tips concerning children include but are not limited to:


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: TIME TO SNAKE, RATTLE AND RUN – SNAKE SEASON!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 11, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recent rains have provided snakes the opportunity to mate a little longer. Generally, rattlesnakes emerge from hibernation into April, or when the average daytime temperatures reach and remain about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: EARTHQUAKE/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MONTH

 
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
 
One to Two Weeks With Nothing or One to Two Weeks With the Basics?
 
 
April 20, 2020 (San Diego) -- To say California has had a rough stretch the last number of years in the catastrophic loss world would be an understatement. But as we continue into 2020 and head into April it’s a reminder that April is California Earthquake Preparedness Month. Organizations and fire departments can take steps to lessen and mitigate the deadly and damaging effect of earthquakes by bringing awareness to communities.
 
Covid-19 is on the forefront of everyone’s mind, however, we cannot forget other potential disasters that threaten our state. Earthquakes, floods and fires are just a few.
 

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