DID YOU KNOW:
64,100 - Estimated home structure fires due to heating
540 - Estimated civilian fire deaths due to heating
1,400 - Estimated civilian fire injuries due to heating
$943 million - Estimated direct property damage due to heating fires
16% - Of all home fires were heating fires (second behind cooking)
3 out of 4 - Civilians killed in home heating fires died in fires that involved (stationary or portable) space heaters
1/2 - Of home heating fires occurred in December, January, and February
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
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| South King Firefighters to give back salary increase | South King Firefighters agreed to wage concession giving back a 4.1% salary increase in an effort to help South King Fire & Rescue maintain fire and emergency medical services for the citizens of Federal Way and Des Moines. The concessions by South King Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 2024 will save the fire department approximately $500,000. This money can be used to maintain current fire department response times, staffing and equipment.
The department budget has dropped 22% from 2009 due to the economic downturn in local property values requiring the department to reduce 23 operat... Read More | | Basic Firefighting Testing for SKFR Hiring List | The application process for Bates Technical College 2012 joint recruitment test opens today!
Important Dates:
Jan 17 application process opens
Feb 10 application process closes
March 3 written exam
May 5 CPAT Test
Applications and more information are at www.bates.ctc.edu/firefighter . | | Focus on Fire Safety: Heating Fire Safety | The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has caused many Americans to search for alternative home heating sources such as wood burning stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces. Heating is one of the leading causes of residential fires. Over one-quarter of these fires result from improper maintenance of equipment, specifically the failure to clean the equipment.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is another danger when using heating equipment fueled by fossil fuel. It occurs most often when equipment is not vented properly. CO deaths have been on the rise since 1999. On avera... Read More | | Preventing Home Heating Fires |  In 2003-2006, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) and deaths (46%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding (Source: NFPA).
Many heating fires can be prevented by following basic safety tips when dealing with any heating equipment:
Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn.
Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified... Read More | | Carbon Monoxide Safety | Each year unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning claims hundreds of lives and sends several thousands of people to the emergency room for treatment. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell th... Read More | | Learn About Fire Escape Plans |  In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities. It's also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight guests. Some tips to consider when... Read More | | CPR and First Aid Training Available Monthly at South King Fire & Rescue | Do you need a current First Aid and CPR card for your workplace? A First Aid and CPR course is available the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 -3:30 at our Traning Station. There is a $40 fee for this class and pre-registration with pre-payment is required. Visit the Community Programs page on our website for more information and the registration form.
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| Upcoming events |
Calendar
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| 2012 Police Fire Charity Basketball Challenge |
Cops and Firefighters are at it again all for a good cause!
First it was softball, then chili, and now basketball! Federal Way Police Officers and South King Fire & Rescue Firefighters will hit the hardwood once again for a little friendly competition, all to raise money for a good cause.
The big game will take place on Saturday, February 18th at 12 p.m. at Decatur High School located at 2600 SW 320th St. in Federal Way. The Federal Way Lions Club is sponsoring the event to celebrate Helen Keller Day.
The proceeds will benefit adults and children with sight and hearing needs in the community and the Wynn Loiland Family, a South King Fire & Rescue Firefighter of 30 years, who was severely injured
in November 2011 while on duty.
Admission is free, however, a $5 or more donation will get you a Lions King Dog, pop and chips.
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