Broadcaster Press 11 October 9, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com Fireman’s Prayer When I am called to duty, God whenever flames may rage, give me the strength to save some life Whatever be its age. As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the Vermillion Fire EMS Department encourages residents to “Look. Listen. Learn.” What does that mean? October 9, 2018 – Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice. The Vermillion Fire EMS Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years - to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere™,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire. NFPA statistics show that the number of U.S. home fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades. However, the death rate per 1000 home fires that are reported to fire departments was 10 percent higher in 2016 than in 1980. “These numbers show that while we’ve made significant progress in teaching people how to prevent fires from happening, there’s still much more work to do in terms of educating the public about how to protect themselves in the event of one,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “This is particularly critical given the increased speed at which today’s home fires grow and spread.” Carli also notes that although people feel safest in their home, it is also the place people are at greatest risk to fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home. That over-confidence contributes to a complacency toward home escape planning and practice. “Working in the fire service for many years, we know that people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” said Matt Callahan, Fire Chief of the Vermillion Fire EMS Department. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference escape planning and practice can make and motivating them to action.” Fire Marshal, Matt Taggart says this year’s “Look. NOMEX HOOD $50 Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire: • Look for places fire could start. • Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. RADIO $4000 • Learn 2 ways out of every room. While NFPA and the Vermillion Fire EMS Department are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere. TURNOUT GEAR “Situational awareness is a skill people need to use $2,400 wherever they go,” said Chief Callahan. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediTHERMAL ately.” IMAGING CAMERA The Vermillion Fire Department is hosting an OPEN $8000 HOUSE in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn.” The Open House will take FLASHLIGHT $300 place on October 10th from 5:30PM-7:00PM at the Fire Station (820 N. Dakota St.). For more information about Fire Prevention Week and TOTAL= $21,800 home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org. Help me to embrace a little child before it’s too late, or some older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest chout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and give the best in me, to guard my neighbor and protect his property. If according to my fate I am to lose my life, Please bless with your protecting hand my children and spouse. The Value of a Firefighter The reason the Vermillion Volunteer Fire Department holds fundraisers is to keep our equipment up to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards. This equipment has to be replaced every 10 years due to the NFPA guidelines. HELMET $275 SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS $6,200 GLOVES $75 TOOL $250 BOOTS $250 On average we have 40 volunteers donating their time to be firefighters. Proud supporters of the Vermillion fire department! Thank You Firefighters For All You Do! This image shows the cost of equipment we must update every 10 years for each volunteer. 217 W. Kidder St. • Vermillion, SD • (605)624-3741 1114 Princeton • Vermillion, SD 57069 605-202-7231 BOB’S SINCLAIR SERVICE Thank you firefighters! Herren • Schempp Building Supply “Headquarters for the Builder/Handyman” 115 W Duke • Vermillion, SD 605-677-7073 Thank you for your service! 1000 West Cherry, Vermillion LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Know what to do if you hit a power line. poweryoursafety.com 5 W Cherry St • Vermillion, SD • 624-4444 624-2731 Thank You Firefighters! 605-624-2058 • www.herrenschempp.com Thank You Firefighters! Thank you firefighters! 200 E. Main, Vermillion bp (605) 624-2673 Broadcaster Press & Since 1934 1410 E. Cherry St. • Vermillion www.clayunionelectric.coop THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS FOR KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE! 201 W Cherry Street • Vermillion, SD • 605-624-4429