The monsoons are upon us here in the White Mountains, and here are a few safety tips to help you protect yourself and your family in the event of a storm:

Outdoors: Lightning is attracted to metal and water, and often strike the tallest objects.

YOU ARE IN A STRIKE [...]]]> Show Low Fire Information Corner
By Captain Brent Mix SLFD/PIO

The monsoons are upon us here in the White Mountains, and here are a few safety tips to help you protect yourself and your family in the event of a storm:

Outdoors: Lightning is attracted to metal and water, and often strike the tallest objects.

YOU ARE IN A STRIKE ZONE IF YOU HEAR THUNDER FIVE SECONDS OR LESS AFTER YOU SEELIGHTNING!

Downed Power Lines:

• Stay at least 100 feet away
• If the power line has fallen on your car while you’re in it, don’t touch anything metal in the car, and stay inside until professional help arrives.
• Never try to help someone trapped by a power line. You endanger your own safety. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Indoor Safety:

• Stay away from windows during strong winds. Tree limbs and other objects can be a hazard.
• Electrical wiring attracts lightning. Don’t use the telephone, except for emergencies.
• Lighting can move through a home’s plumbing, attracted to the metal or water. Don’t use using sinks and showers.
• Unplug computers, tv’s and other delicate electronic equipment. Consider attaching surge protectors to such equipment.

These are a few safety tips brought to you by the Phoenix Fire Department and the Show Low Fire Department. As always, we will be there when you need us, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

By Brent Mix Captain/PIO

Those of you that have lived in the White Mountains for awhile know that this past winter was very cold but did not produce very much moisture. This lack of moisture has caused our wildland fuels and grass to be very dry and ready to burn at an alarming [...]]]> Show Low Fire Information Corner

By Brent Mix Captain/PIO

Those of you that have lived in the White Mountains for awhile know that this past winter was very cold but did not produce very much moisture. This lack of moisture has caused our wildland fuels and grass to be very dry and ready to burn at an alarming rate.

We have seen a lot of forest (wildland) fires already this year! There was a 4500 acre fire in the Springerville/Eager area on Feb 23rd. There was a 28 acre fire in Vernon in March. A home in Lakeside that burned also started a fire in the grass and under brush behind the residence. Pinedale/Claysprings had a wildland fire that burned approximately 20 acres. Today, a wildland fire was burning in the area of Heber and also in Nutrioso.

What I’m trying to make you aware of, is the moisture that we received this winter seems to be dried up and long gone. Every time we have a windy day, just think of everything drying out. One mistake could cause us to loose our beautiful forest or worse our homes or families. Fires are starting on roadways by people throwing cigarettes out of their cars, chains dragging on the pavement and flat tires. The most common seems to be home owners attempting controlled burning on windy days.

If you or someone you know is planning on going camping and having a campfire. Be sure that they take extra water and a shovel to extinguish their campfire. The campfire should be put out with water, stirred with the shovel then extinguished again until coals are cool to the touch.

These are just a few of the causes of wildland fires in our area, already this year. I enjoy living in the White Mountains of Arizona. Let’s do what we can to prevent fires in your area.

The Show Low Fire Department would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve you and thank you for supporting us and all the firefighters in the surrounding area.

Happy New Year, to all the residents and visitors of the White Mountains. If you are a new driver to snow and ice, or you just want to see what you are doing is recommended, you are going to want to read this article.

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather [...]]]> By Brent Mix Capt/ PIO

Happy New Year, to all the residents and visitors of the White Mountains. If you are a new driver to snow and ice, or you just want to see what you are doing is recommended, you are going to want to read this article.

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don’t go out until the snow plows have had a chance to do their work, and allow your- self extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don’t pass snow plows and cinder trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads

These are just a few helpful hints on winter driving for you and yours. These tips were brought to you by www.weather.com and the Show Low Fire Department. Please be safe this winter in your travels.

For those of us burning wood this Fall and Winter, have you checked your chimney lately? Chimneys are one of the most common locations of residential structure fires in the White Mountains of [...]]]> by Brent Mix, Captain / PIO

Fall is just around the corner. Where has this year gone?

A down-look at a creosote clogged chimney.

For those of us burning wood this Fall and Winter, have you checked your chimney lately? Chimneys are one of the most common locations of residential structure fires in the White Mountains of Arizona.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America reports that creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires.  A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable.

An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

To keep your home safe from chimney fires follow these guidelines.

Maintenance

Good maintenance is a very important step in preventing chimney fires!

• Have your chimney checked every year by a qualified chimney professional.
• Burn only well seasoned hardwoods.
• Install a chimney cap.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.
• Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood or lightening strike, have your chimney inspected for damage – inside and out.

Prevention

Remember prevention is your best defense against fire.

If you have a wood or coal stove, be sure it is installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the stove and chimney connector. Place an approved stove board under the unit to protect the floor from heat and hot coals which might drop out.

Be Prepared

Know what to do in case of fire. If you suspect a chimney fire, evacuate your home and call 9-1-1

Furnace Units

For those of you that will be using a gas furnace. Make sure it is in good working order, by a qualified technician. One thing you can do is replace the furnace filter before your furnace ever starts running this Fall. It is recommended that you inspect  your furnace filter once a month and replace as needed.

These are just a few things that you can do, to prepare you and your family for a safe and enjoyable Fall season. These safety messages are brought to you by the Show Low Fire District, the New York State office of Fire Prevention and Control also About.com.

Remember to be safe throughout the rest of this year, so we don’t have to meet you when you are having a bad day.

More Tips

• 100 Reasons Your Fireplace Doesn’t Work
• Top 10 Woodburning Tips from CSIA

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More on Chimney Sweep’s with Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs (Don’t try this at home)

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