From the Fire Chief's Corner

From the Fire Chief's Corner

CHIEF’S CORNER: HOW TO KEEP COOL AND DRY IN HOT, HUMID WEATHER

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 31, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - I don’t know about you, but people seem to be more grumpy and impatient when temperatures heat up and even more so when the humidity increases. The next few days may be a little tough with hot humid weather coming in.  First and foremost - Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, to stay cool in hot weather. Then follow these safety tips:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: JULY IS NATIONAL EYE INJURY PROTECTION MONTH

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 17, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - I've Got My Eye On You!

Our sight is something many of us take for granted. Imagine not having it?

Let’s look at some facts on eye injuries. More than 40 percent of eye injuries are caused by projects and activities such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking. More than a third (34.2 percent) of injuries in the home occurred in living areas such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living or family room.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF DURING WILDFIRES

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 10, 2017 (San Diego) -- Wildfires seem to be burning daily in almost every county. You may not live directly in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) however you will likely be impacted by the large amount of smoke generated by these fires.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH -- SPREAD THE WORD OF SAFETY

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 5, 2017 (San Diego) -- June is the month that is declared as National Safety Month by the National Safety Council (NSC).

The NSC and thousands of organizations across the country work to raise awareness to keep each other safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: HIKING SAFETY TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Hiker in distress!  Firefighters are responding to these calls more often now that our hillsides are dried out and weather has permitted. But before you hit the trail, follow some of these safety tips first, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 18, 2017 (San Diego) -- Did you know that one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition? Did you know one in 25 adults in the country lives with a serious mental illness?


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: GRADUATION SAFETY

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

First Class Graduation!

May 8, 2017 (San Diego) -- Graduation is upon us and we want to make sure we graduate with our class safely this year.

Let’s start with the first class:  underage drinking can result in tragedy so let’s keep those critical lines of communication open when it comes to talking about the dangers of underage drinking, driving and graduation parties and events.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WILDFIRE SAFETY—THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THAR HILLS…AND IT’S DANGEROUS!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 1, 2017 (San Diego) -- There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills!  It’s also along the freeways, in open fields and vacant lots in your neighborhood. That lush green vegetation and pretty wildflowers from recent winter storms is now turning golden in color and soon to become dark brown, brittle and extremely dry.  Fire season is already here and getting extremely dangerous quickly. We’ve already seen quite a few fast moving grass/brush fires throughout Southern California.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: APRIL IS DISTRACTED DRIVING MONTH

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Keeping it in your own lane!

April 18, 2017(San Diego) -- Situational Awareness (aware of your surroundings at all times) is huge in the fire service. It provides firefighter safety at all times by maintaining situational awareness and being present at all times. The same holds true with driving. We all need to be aware and present and expect the unexpected at any time.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: RATTLESNAKE SEASON

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Snakes' eyes – they’re watching!

April 10, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- We know all about those snakes at work that slither around trying to work their way into promotions, office social circles and politics, or even belly up to the boss. They’ll do anything (even bite you in the back) as long as it benefits them.  But the snake I’m talking about is actually more fearful of you, however just as dangerous and you need to exercise caution around them: rattlesnakes!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: RAIN + RAIN = FIRE!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 23, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The hillsides throughout the state have never looked so pretty. Lush and green, it’s hard to imagine we were ever in a drought for the past five plus years.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: AND THE WINNER IS? AN ACADEMY AWARD FOR YOUR HEALTH

 

 

By Fire Cief Sam DiGiovanna

February 20, 2017 (San Diego) -- With the Academy Awards approaching, stars will walk down the red carpet and then, a lucky few will have the honor of taking home an Oscar. Each year we honor these actors for their impressive performances—their ability to move us, to bring characters to life on the screen, to communicate something profound.

What does this have to do with you? We have opportunities to put on our best performances every day – it’s a choice. But there’s one thing we routinely do in which our power to communicate is truly profound: being kind and considerate.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: A RED HOT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 6, 2017 (San Diego) -- Did you know there are over 2 million heart attacks and strokes each year resulting in 800,000 deaths and even more depilating injuries?

Valentine’s Day is coming up, so besides the chocolate and flowers, consider the best gift you can give someone this year is a commitment to a healthy heart! This is a great gift to give (and receive) to any loved ones in your life. I promise, they want YOU more than candy or flowers!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WITH SO MUCH IN THE NEWS, DON’T FORGET…

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 23, 2017 (San Diego) -- With inaugurations, drought, protests, storms etc we seemed to have forgotten that about 23 years ago this month was the Northridge earthquake. The 6.7 quake killed 16 people and damage was reported up to 85 miles away!

We are “way” over-due for an earthquake and we ALL live near a fault line. Now is the time to prepare, not afterwards reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: MORE RAIN COMING! SAFETY TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 16, 2017 (San Diego) -- More needed rain is forecasted, but some storms may cause serious and dangerous problems. Here are a few tips for preparing for storms, and weathering them safely.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: MUD FLOW/EROSION SAFETY TIPS—STORMS COMING!

 

By Sam DiGiovanna

January 2, 2017 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting the possibility of significant storm beginning next Saturday. The NWS is reporting that an Atmospheric River (a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere) may reach southern California Saturday.

This may produce more rain than we have seen in decades. Start thinking ahead to prepare.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: NEW YEAR’S EVE SAFETY TIPS—WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 26, 2016 (San Diego) -- New Year’s Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities.

Following a few safety tips will ensure that you’re safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the New Year!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: ENJOYING CHRISTMAS THE SAFE WAY

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 5, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The lights are likely up outside so, now is a good time to look at some safety tips for inside the home as Christmas nears, reminds Chief DiGiovanna.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: KEEPING YOU WARM--HEATER AND GAS SAFETY TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 28, 2016 (San Diego) -- This cold front and much needed rain are prompting people to turn on their heaters/furnaces for the first time in a long time. This time of year fire departments respond increasingly to calls of “odor of gas inside.”


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CHIEF’S CORNER: THANKSGIVING COOKING TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Now You’re Cooking – With Safety!

November 14, 2016 (San Diego)--Thanks giving is quickly approaching and did you know Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year? “Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it’s also very hectic says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what’s cooking on the stovetop.”


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WE SALUTE YOU!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 10, 2016 (San Diego) -- Veterans Day is an important day for showing appreciation to members of our military, past and present. If you're looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran in your life, here's a list of suggestions to start you off:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: A DEDICATION AND REMINDER THAT SANTA ANA WINDS ARE COMING!

 

 

Dedicated to the Men of Engine Company 57

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was home in Orange County leaving for work in Los Angeles. I could see the large plume of smoke to the east. In a matter of moments it intensified. The plumb expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad. I didn’t think it was this bad… Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna”

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 17, 2016 (San Diego) -- October 26th 2006, 1:11 a.m. Santa Ana winds stirred across the southland.

A Red Flag warning had been identified and was in effect. A high probability for large fire growth was in effect as conditions were high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds.


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CHIFE’S CORNER: FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

October 11, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: SAVING SOME WINERIES—THANK YOU, FIREFIGHTERS!

 

Wine Awareness Month

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 1,  2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- To date, some of this year’s most destructive fires were dangerously close to the Napa, Paso and Santa Barbara Wine Regions. Our hearts go out to the victims of these dangerous wildfires. Ask any Firefighter - they take any loss personally. Sometimes were just outnumbered, many times mother nature and the fires fury is too much. Especially with these drought conditions.


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CHIEF'S CORNER: WHAT WILDFIRES AND MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HAVE IN COMMON. IS YOUR HOME A CATCHER'S MITT?

 

By Sam DiGiovanna

September 12, 2016 (San Diego) -- Some would say they strike fast and hit hard. That most occur in the 'outfield" and not on my home turf.  Or that the MLB Playoffs are in the fall and so are our Santa Ana winds. But what homeowners should be most concerned about is if their home is a “catcher’s mitt!”


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CHIEF’S CORNER: BRUSH FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- There’s nothing wrong with being defensive, and providing some space!  Firefighting resources can get stretched thin this time of year as multiple brush fires break out. It’s important that homeowners do their part to mitigate the threat of wildfire by creating defensible space around their homes. .


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CHIEF’S CORNER: BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Let’s All Have A Little Class!

August 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- When I was younger I hated all the “back to school commercials and ads.” It was the dreaded reminder summer was over and it was back to school time!

One class we all need is, It’s important to use extra caution while driving as excited students will be walking, bicycling, driving, riding buses and may not be paying attention while traveling to and from school.

Let’s take our first lesson with some safety reminders:


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WHEN THUNDER ROARS – HEAD INDOORS! FLASH FLOOD SAFETY

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 1, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- It’s that time of year when we notice large cumulous clouds forming around southern California. And I love a good thunderstorm!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: IT’S HOT, IT’S DRY, IT’S THE 4TH OF JULY—THE FIRE DEPT. NEEDS YOUR HELP!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- It’s hot, it’s dry, it’s the 4th of July! These words make fire officials cringe, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. It will be a long three-day 4th of July weekend and the fire department needs your help!


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CHIEF’S CORNER: WILDFIRE FOREST – BAD!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 8, 2016 (San Diego) -- Brush fires chewed through hillsides from San Diego to Ventura Counties and every county in between, challenging firefighters and making hillside homeowners very nervous this past weekend as a very hot and long brush fire season is now underway.


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