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From the Chief's Desk

Have you ever wanted to learn more about what firefighters and paramedics do every day? Have you ever wanted to actually try some of the tasks they perform, like climbing an aerial ladder or using the “Jaws of Life” to rescue a victim from a smashed automobile?

If you answered “Yes!," then the EFD Citizen Fire Academy may be for you! The goal of the Citizen Fire Academy (CFA) is to engage and educate interested adult community members about the mission and functions of the Evanston Fire Department while also teaching them important life safety skills like basic first aid and CPR.

The CFA meets once a week in the evening for 10 weeks starting in September and incorporates classroom instruction with hands-on training on all aspects of the job in a very safe and controlled environment. 

If interested, please visit our CFA website or contact academy director FAO Tim Gobat at tgobat@cityofevanston.org

Please have a wonderful and safe summer and enjoy this month’s Roll Call.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at 847-866-5924 or bscott@cityofevanston.org.

Stay Safe!

Brian R. Scott

Fire Chief

Community Engagement

By the Numbers for June

Below is a breakdown of recent emergency responses.

EMS Calls

593 Incidents

Fire Calls

303 Incidents

Response Times

EFD average response times 3 min., 08 sec. from dispatch to emergency. NFPA average: 4 min. or less.

Fire Prevention Bureau

Summer Safety

FoodSafety.gov says that foodborne illnesses increase during the summer due to factors like the warmer weather. When planning a picnic, or barbecue, stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors by following their food safety recommendations. When bringing food to a picnic or cookout: Use an insulated cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs. You can also use frozen food as a cold source. Foods that need to be kept cold include raw meat, poultry, and seafood; deli and luncheon meats or sandwiches; summer salads (tuna, chicken, egg, pasta, or seafood); cut-up fruit and vegetables; and perishable dairy products. Keep your cooler out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter. Remember that a full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one.  To keep your food cold longer, avoid opening the cooler repeatedly.  When cooking on the grill: Prevent cross-contamination from raw meat or poultry juices by washing counter tops and sinks with hot, soapy water. Wash hands after handling raw meat or poultry or its packaging because anything you touch afterwards could become contaminated. Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures. Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve cooked food.  When serving food outdoors: Do not let perishable food sit out for more than two hours in hot weather above 90°F, food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour. This is when bacteria in food can multiply rapidly, and lead to foodborne illness. Serve cold food in small portions, and keep the rest in the cooler.  After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served – at 140°F or warmer. Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook.

Millions of us enjoy warm weather every year by swimming in our backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs. Tragically though, over 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. The American Red Cross suggests owners make pool safety their priority by following these guidelines:

Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-foot high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.

Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay within an arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone. Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses from the Red Cross.

Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.

Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk, please.”

Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Terms to Know

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and close to the watch area. The watch is issued to alert you to the possibility that thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail may develop. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media for the weather updates and stay informed!

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: issued when a severe thunderstorm has been spotted and is going to move through your county soon. The key is to remain CALM, but take precautionary action IMMEDIATELY to protect your life and property.

Act Now to be Prepared

Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Emergency food and water.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Essential medicines.
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards.
• See Emergency Supplies Checklist.

Before the Storm

• Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors.
• Watch for signs of approaching storms.
• If a storm is approaching, keep a NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM radio with you.
• Postpone outdoor activities if storms are imminent.
• Check on neighbors who require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

During the Storm

Remember: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep the windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emergency.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners. Power can overload the compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Do not attempt to drive to safety. Most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.

If you are caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby:

• Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible; minimize your contact with the ground.

After the Storm:

• Check on neighbors who may require special assistance: infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
• Avoid all downed power lines. Assume that all have live electricity.
• Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and your local media for latest weather updates.