Did You Know?
In 2009, King County lost 16 people in unintentional drownings. Drowning is an important public health and community safety issue.
KING COUNTY:
Preventable and tragic deaths happen every year in local waterways. In 2009, King County lost 16 adults over 18 years of age to unintentional drowning, 10 of which took place in open water, such as rivers, lakes, ponds or Puget Sound. Most drowning deaths occurred in the earlier part of swim season. In 2008, there were 100 drowning deaths statewide.
Most occurred in May and June (43 % or 9 out of 21 deaths). May, with 5 deaths, was the worst month for drownings last year.
WASHINGTON STATE:
According to the Washington State Department of Health, there were 84 unintentional drowning deaths in Washington in 2008.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 17 and younger.
Drowning is preventable.
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| VOTE August 17th 2010 on Proposition #1 | On August 17th, 2010, South King Fire and Rescue (formerly the Federal Way Fire Department and King County Fire District 26/Des Moines Fire Department) will be placing a proposition on the primary ballot.
View information about Proposition One. | | Welcome to South King Fire & Rescue! |  Were glad you dropped by to learn more about the fire and emergency medical services we
provide to more than 165,000 residents in Greater Federal Way and Des Moines.
I want to thank you for supporting your fire department. Your tax dollars enable us to respond to emergencies with trained personnel and life‐saving equipment in an average of four to six minutes. Being good stewards of your tax dollars is important to us, as well. We have a history of clean financial audits, and operate under a balanced budget making cuts when needed provided they dont compromise public safety.... Read More | | Fire Department Available for Community Presentations | South King Fire & Rescue is celebrating over 60 years of service to our communities in Greater Federal Way and Des Moines. During the past 60 years, mergers and other monumental changes have created the fire department you have come to know today. Wed like to thank you for your support over the past six decades.
We would also like to offer service clubs, businesses and other community groups the opportunity to help us celebrate this milestone. Each year various members of the fire department make special presentations within the community. This year Chief Al Church and his administra... Read More | | Water Safety |  Know the Water
At any time of year, Washington waters can be appealing and dangerous at the same time:
Spring - Rivers are often high and swift from rains and snow melt and can easily overwhelm the strongest swimmer. Even on hot spring days, lakes, ponds, and rivers are still cold and are dangerous for swimmers. Hypothermia can occur quickly in very cold water.
Summer - Water that is warm on the surface, may be much colder below. Use caution when swimming and always supervise young children playing in or near the water. Rivers may not be moving as fast, but log jam... Read More | | Barbecue Safety | Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
Do not overfill the propane tank.
Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children aro... Read More |
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| Fire Stations Designated Safe Place for Newborns |
The fire stations of South King Fire & Rescue have new signage on the front of each staffed station. These signs designate the fire station as a "Safe Place for Newborns".
Under the Safety of Newborn Childrens Law, a parent can leave a baby up to 72 hours old with a qualified person at a hospital emergency room or a fire station. It offers parents a safe place to leave a newborn infant, confidentially and without fear of punishment. The parent can remain anonymous and will not be prosecuted. The baby goes into foster care, with adoption as a goal. The mother and child will receive medical care if needed and provided with a list of resources, information on legal rights, a medical history form and a page for the parent to write a message to the baby.
In 2009 an amendment to the law was passed that helps to identify all facilities that are authorized to accept a relinquished baby. This legislation expanded locations to include rural health care facilities as legal drop off points and specified signage to be placed on all facilities accepting relinquished babies. As there were no funds to pay for all the signage, the Washington State Fire Chiefs and Safe Place for Newborns were able to provide the funds to purchase the signs through a grant from the Muckleshoot Charitable Fund.
As of July 13th all South King Fire & Rescue fire stations which are staffed 24hrs a day 7 days a week with qualified personnel, have a "Safe Place for Newborn" signs posted in a visible area on the outside of the fire station. "Our department is privileged to be able to provide caring and compassionate help to a mother and child should they feel the need to drop their baby off at one of our stations" stated Deputy Chief Mike Knorr.
South King Fire & Rescue wants anyone who might even consider abandoning an infant, to know that their local Fire Department has a 'Safe Place' to ensure the infants health and safety.
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