Long Beach Fire Department Smoke Detector Distribution Program
By frhayes | December 12, 2008
The Long Beach Fire Department is reemphasizing its commitment to distribute smoke detectors to those in the community that cannot afford them.
Every Long Beach Fire Station is a distribution location and will give away up to Two (2) smoke detectors for each residence in the City of Long Beach.
Statistics show that properly installed and maintained smoke alarms in the home are considered one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire. Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage by enabling residents to detect fires early in their development. In fact the risk of dying from fires in homes without smoke alarms is approximately twice as high as in homes that have working smoke alarms.
The procedure for distribution will be for the community member to Completely fill out the smoke detector release form provided at the fire station, department members will then provide the smoke detector/s with a brief orientation on there proper usage. This orientation will include at a minimum the proper mounting locations (hallways and sleeping areas) an emphasis on the importance of checking the batteries regularly to ensure their proper working condition, and referring the community member to read the manufacturers instructions for use.
This simple, yet effective tool has proven to save lives. The Long Beach Fire Department is sponsoring this program in an effort to provide for better safety within our city and encourage community members to take advantage of this great opportunity.
To locate a Fire Station in your area, and for additional information on fire safety go to WWW.Longbeach.gov/fire or WWW.nfpa.org
Topics: News, Public Safety | 26 Comments »
Walking In A Winter Wonderland
By Jackawa Jackson | December 12, 2008
At 11:15 on 12/11/08, Long Beach Fire Department responded to 3205 Lakewood Blvd for a general assist call at the helicopter hanger attached to LBFD headquarters. Fire department units arrived to find a fixed foam system that had been triggered by a worker. The foam, subsequently, flooded the hanger. The hanger, which covers roughly 100,000 square feet, was filled to a height of nearly 15 feet with Hi Expansion foam.
There were no reported injuries and all personnel were accounted for. There was a police helicopter inside the hanger at the time of the incident. The helicopter is currently being evaluated to assess damage. Long Beach Fire units used hose streams, blowers, and chemical agents to break down the thick foam blanket. Run off from the site was diverted away from the storm drain. Ocean Blue was called to assist in the clean up effort, which continued well into the night.
Topics: Incidents | 25 Comments »
Martin Luther King Anniversary Press Conference at LBFD Station Ten
By JJohnson | December 11, 2008
Watch Press conference on fire safety
This morning at 11:30am the press conference for the anniversary of the 3 little girls who lost their lives in the tragic fire last year was held at Long Beach Fire Department Station 10. The Engine,Rescue and Battalion Chief from that station, along with the Fire Marshal, Arson investigator and Public Information/education Officers were joined by Mayor Bob Foster, Council member Dee Andrews, and a spokes person from Code Enforcement to give a brief reminder about Fire safety around the holidays.
Reporters from Channel 2, 7, 9 as well as the Press Telegram were on hand to video and ask questions. Mayor Foster spoke about the importance of having working Smoke Detectors in every home. Mr. Andrews addressed the importance of heating equipment as well as there location to and around combustible materials.
Deputy Chief Mike Garcia, the city’s Fire Marshal, reemphasized the Mayors talk on how important Smoke Detectors are and that they are inexpensive and do save lives. Chief Garcia mentioned that LBFD stations will give 2 free Smoke Detectors to members of the community who cannot afford them, by visiting their local fire station. Chief Garcia also said that its every one’s job to be more attentive when it comes to candles, cooking and especially the Christmas trees, and not letting them dry out.
Angela Reynolds from the Code Enforcement Bureau said that there are over 600 possible garage conversions in the city and that over 400 of those are illegally converted. She gave a phone number to call and report if someone has an illegal conversion, and that number is 562-570-CODE. You can leave the address and someone will be out within a day.
Topics: News, Video | 22 Comments »
Local Kindergarten Class Drops Off Toys For Spark of Love
By JJohnson | December 11, 2008
This morning at 9:30am Lowell elementary school had their kindergarten class (all 108 in total) come by LBFD Station 14 to drop off some toys. Every Christmas time the school has the kids come in with 1 gift, and they in-turn walk over to St. 14 and donate the toys to our Spark of Love toy drive. All of the little boys and girls were very excited to take part in this event. We thank them and their families for their generosity during these tough economic times.
Topics: Events, News | 18 Comments »
Holiday Safety Information
By frhayes | December 10, 2008
TRAVEL – Be sure you have emergency supplies
- Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going
- Make sure your vehicle is in good repair
- If you drink . . . don’t drive; prearrange a designated driver
- Always use safety belts and child safety seats
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles (no tailgating)
- Get a good night’s sleep before traveling
- Avoid eating heavy meals, as this can lead to sleepiness
GIFT GIVING FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
- Look for labels with age safety and advice
- Toys that produce loud noises can permanently damage hearing
- For families with children under 3, avoid toys with small parts
- Avoid choking hazards of cords or straps greater than 7 inches
For children under 8:
Avoid toys with sharp edges and electric toys with heating parts or that must be plugged into an outlet
NOTE: Do not allow children under 8 to play with un-inflated balloons or balloon pieces — they can present an aspiration/suffocation hazard.
KITCHEN
- Keep children, pets, and toys away from cooking areas
- Wear close fitting clothing when near cooking appliances
- Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended
- Keep hot foods, liquids, & cords safely away from the edge
DECORATIONS (including Christmas trees)
- Place fragile decorations out of reach of children and pets
- Do not leave children unattended in a room with lit candles
- Avoid decorations that look like candy (may also be a choking hazard)
- Keep furniture and rugs at least 3 feet away from heat sources
- Do not place Christmas tree near the only exit to safety
- Keep live trees well-watered, stable, and out of traffic patterns
- Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits
- Always unplug lights before leaving home or going to bed
- After parties, check for smoldering cigarette butts inside & under upholstery and inside trash cans (they can smolder for hours)
- Never overload electrical outlets
OVERLOADED ELECTRIC OUTLETS & FAULTY WIRES ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF RESIDENTIAL HOLIDAY FIRES.
- Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord
- Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
WINTER HEATING
- Never use an oven or a barbecue indoors for heating
- If you are buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory
- Give space heaters space. Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet away from things that could burn
- Turn off space heaters before leaving your home or going to bed
- Make sure space heaters have an emergency shut-off in case they tip over
- Keep furniture and rugs at least 3 feet away from heat sources
- Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary
- Allow fireplace (and cigarette) ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
- Use a screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture
SHOPPING – Awareness is key
- Place all gifts and packages in your trunk or out of sight
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Park in well-lighted areas
- Avoid shopping alone; there is safety in numbers
- Try to use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Keep your car doors locked and windows closed
- If you carry a purse or bag, carry it up close to your body
- When shopping online, only use major retailers or reputable websites
- Be sure to protect your credit card numbers and PIN at all times
- Report any lost or stolen credit cards immediately
- Check your credit report at least 3 times per year for unauthorized or suspicious activity
- Add the 7-digit emergency phone number for the local police department into your cell phone for a faster response. For Long Beach Police: (562) 435-6711
- For additional information contact the LBPD Crime Prevention Unit at (562) 570-7215
HOME – Take gift storage and security precautions
- Keep gifts away from windows
- Practice regular home security such as motion sensor lighting
- If traveling, postpone your mail and newspaper deliveries so your home doesn’t look deserted
- Do not store gifts in vehicles or unsecured areas
BUSINESS – Take precautions to prevent holiday theft
- Lock unused doors as long as you are not in violation of the Fire Code
- Keep only necessary cash in the register and vary the schedule and route for your bank deposits each day
- Make sure your cash register is clearly visible to passers-by
- Advertise your security alarm system with signs in visible locations
- Develop a mutual aid system among stores close to you or on your block
- Take advantage of the Long Beach Police Department Business Watch program, 570-7274
Topics: Public Safety | 28 Comments »