Holiday Safety

With the Holiday and Christmas season in full swing, we just wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to keep their Christmas trees properly watered and to remember not to overload outlets with too many strands of lights or other extra cords.

The video below shows the difference in burning between a dry Christmas tree and one that has been properly watered and maintained.  As you can see, the difference is very drastic.




In fact, fires caused by Christmas trees have lead to the following statistics:

• Between 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 6 deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage annually.
• On average, one of every 40 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.
• Electrical problems were factors in one-third (32%0 of home Christmas tree structure fires.
• Two of every five (39%) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den.

Overloading electrical circuits is another leading cause of fire during this time of year so please be mindful of overloading outlets and circuit breakers.  We wish everyone the best during this holiday season and hope that you all have a safe and merry time with family and friends.  

On behalf of everyone at the Glen Lake Fire Department,

Stay Safe and Have a Happy Holiday Season!

CPR AED Grant Received!

The National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation has presented the Glen Lake Fire Department with a new Resusci-Anne manikin and AED training system which teaches cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and how to properly use automated external defibrillators – an AED.   The Glen Lake Fire Department has partnered with the Bill Marsh Auto Group of Traverse City to apply for the donation. 

Since its inception in 1975, the NADA Foundation fund has given more than 4,100 training units in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for a total donation of more than $2.3 million in grants.  More than 1.9 million people have been trained on Foundation-donated CPR manikins, and countless lives have been saved.  The Glen Lake Fire Department trains over 100 people annually in these important life-saving skills.

The NADA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of NADA, is a non-profit organization that supports a wide variety of charities and causes, including Canine Companions for Independence. The NADA Foundation provides grants to colleges and universities and academic scholarships to students, and includes the Ambassadors program, a CPR manikin donation program and an Emergency Disaster Relief fund for dealership employees. For more information, visit www.nada.org/foundation.

Paramedic-Firefighter Jay Morse pictured with the equipment received from NADA

Winter Weather Notes!

As you most certainly have noticed, winter showed up a little over a month early again this year.  While most are very familiar with the hazards of this wonderful fluffy white stuff, there are just a few things we want to remind you of.

• Prepare a readiness kit to keep in your vehicle.  Blankets, snack bars, and a shovel are highly recommended.
• While outside, be mindful of traffic and others hazards.  Wear bright colors that can easily be seen.
• Remember that snow, ice, and limited visibility complicate travel so be sure to leave a little extra room between vehicles.
• Limited visibility affects both you and other drivers equally, so please keep your headlights on to help others see you better.
• Clearing off all windows as well as the top of your car and all lights can greatly assist you in seeing clearly, as well as help prevent minor whiteout type conditions from the blowing snow off your vehicle.
• DO NOT pass snow plows as their blades extend out on both sides in an effort to keep lanes clear for travel.  Stay calm, allow a little extra time, and we can all stay safe and get where we need to go.

Have a safe winter!

Time Change!

As everyone knows, this past weekend we turned the clocks back one hour.  While the time change is not a critical event for most, those of us who live an active lifestyle in the outdoors have to face the reality that afternoon workouts may now be nearing the twilight hours.
For runners, cyclists, and drivers alike, please keep in mind that the time change can affect how well people can see you during your workout as the daylight generally makes you more visible.  If you are working out or driving near twilight, dawn, or in the dark please remember these few tips.
Runners and cyclists:

• Wear bright colors
• Wear reflective swatches and clothing
• Carry a flashlight or wear a lighted vest/ headlamp

Drivers:

• Be mindful that regardless of the time of day, someone may be out along the road
• With the seasons changing, animals are more active as well so please be mindful of them as well
• Should you see runners or cyclists, give them at least three feet of space and slow down when possible.

Thanks and Stay Safe Out There!

Training Update!

As many of our page visitors are aware, we handle a wide array of emergency situations.  In a single day we could respond to a fire, water incident, auto crash, or medical emergency.  As part of our required training all members of our staff recently completed a Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) course.
While a refresher for most employees, PHTLS is a course that reviews and trains over traumatic injuries of all types from falls to automobile accidents.  With this training our staff will be be better prepared, should an incident occur.
Other recent training our staff has completed includes hazardous materials training which reviewed how to identify hazardous materials incidents.  Both PHTLS and the hazardous materials trainings were part of nationally recognized curriculum, but there is much more that training and education that goes on every day.  With the State of Michigan requiring over 240 hours of training for firefighters annually, our entire staff stays on top of new techniques and maintains a vast knowledge base.
As always, if you ever have any questions please feel free to give us a call or stop by and we will be more than happy to share our knowledge with you.

Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Hello Everyone, as you may be aware from radio, print, or other media this week is Fire Prevention Week.  This week we are taking a very particular focus on smoke detectors as this year's theme is Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Think you know about smoke alarms you?
Well, did you know smoke alarms should be checked once a month by pressing the button on the front to make sure they alarm properly?  If you didn't now you do!  In addition to monthly testing, batteries in your alarms should be changed every 6 months, not when they start chirping.  Even hard-wired whole home systems have battery packs that need to be changed.  And finally, as with anything else, smoke alarms get old and wear down.  For this reason, the National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) and most major manufacturers recommend replacing your smoke alarms every 10 years.  If you aren't sure how old they are, manufacturers put a sticker on the back with the manufactured date.

Here are some other helpful links!
fpw.org -  Home of NFPA's Fire Prevention Page
http://www.sparky.org/parentpage/fpwkids.htm - A special kid's edition webpage for fire safety and prevention
ready.gov - A Federal Emergency Management Agency website geared toward all types of preparedness and prevention, not just fire.
glenlakefire.org - Our very own website contains several links, as well as important information for you to use as a resource.

October 5th kicks off Fire Prevention Week!

With National Fire Prevention Week just around the corner, over the course of October, our posts will be geared toward fire prevention.  While Fire Prevention Week is a special one week push, we will be posting tips throughout the month.

Why is Fire Prevention Week in October? 

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that occurred on October 8th and 9th.  The fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,400 structures.  Each year since 1922, the week that October 9th falls in is recognized as Fire Prevention Week.  This year's theme is "Working Smoke Detectors Save Lives".  Check back soon for tips and preparedness tips!

Winter weather preparedness

Unfortunately, as we all have come to realize fall has set in and winter will not be too terribly far behind it.  As this season rapidly approaches, here are a few things to keep in mind to help remain prepared and ready should an emergency set in during the winter.

• Carry blankets, a first aid kit, shovel, and snacks in your vehicle as tow trucks and emergency responses can be delayed due to weather.
• Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter by making sure defrosters and heaters are functioning
• Keep any chimneys and fire places properly cleaned to manufacturers standards and recommendations. 

With another cold and long winter always looming around the corner, please take these tips and become more prepared as disaster can strike at any time.  These links offer some more information regarding winter readiness and preparedness for families, homes, and vehicles: ready.gov/winter And as always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us.

Severe Weather Readiness

As most every Michigan resident can attest to, the weather changes rapidly some days, and other days the storms never stop.  Regardless of which weather we are faced with, being prepared for severe wind and thunderstorms is very important.  As we continue to focus on preparedness as part of National Preparedness Month, here are a few tips for severe weather readiness.

• Develop an emergency plan and kit for your home and family
• Keep trees trimmed away from homes and other structures as massive damage can be caused should they fall in to a building
• Stay informed of weather conditions.  Sources and apps like WeatherBug and Intellicast, as well as the National Weather Service are excellent ways to stay informed
• Get trained in First Aid and CPR.  Skills like these could prove invaluable during an emergency

If you are in need of more information or would like to become CPR/First Aid certified, we do run classes for groups and individuals at the fire station.  For more information, please call the station at 334-3279.  Additionally, for more information on emergency preparedness kits please visit ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit or the American Red Cross

This month is National Preparedness Month!  As part of this national initiative, we at the Glen Lake Fire Department want to let you know a few of the ways we prepare for disasters in the region:

• Leelanau County Emergency Management runs mock disasters ranging from plane crashes to tornadoes striking local schools frequently to ensure preparedness of all emergency services agencies in the county for mass-casualty incidents
• GLFD training staff ensures members are up to date on all skills needed for disaster and emergency operations, which for us range from: car accidents, structure fires, medical incidents, as well as more technical situations including boat rescue and search and rescue.

We encourage all of you to become more prepared to face any disaster that could strike the region.  Over the coming weeks, the blog will focus on a few of the more likely disasters that could strike the region and what you can do to become more prepared.
Please visit ready.gov for more information on disaster preparedness, and as always please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Remembering September 11th, 2001

Our Annual September 11th Memorial Service will be taking place this Thursday morning at 08:30 a.m. at Glen Lake Fire Station Number One in Glen Arbor.  This year's service will feature special guest speaker, Chief Tuller of the Traverse City Fire Department.  For those who have not attended the service or seen our September 11th Memorial, all members of the public are welcome to attend.
We hope to see you Thursday to join us in remembering the events and tragedy of September 11th, 2001.

Above: A photo of the September 11th Monument at Glen Lake Fire Station One

Grant Awarded to Glen Lake Fire Department!

We just wanted to share with everyone that our department has been awarded a grant for just over nine thousand dollars to put toward an 800mhz radio system for our fire rescue boat.  The funds were awarded to Glen Lake Fire Department from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians 2 percent gaming allocation grant.  The grant, which was prepared by Firefighter Douglas Lake, will help improve communications while on water and shore responses throughout the coverage area of the Department which includes a great portion of Lake Michigan shoreline as well as responses throughout the National Lakeshore, including the Manitou Islands.

Not only will communications on the vessel for crew members be improved with the new system, but communications with other agencies including the United States Coast Guard, Leelanau Sheriff's Department and other fire departments will be improved as well.  The system includes headsets for all crew members which will serve to improve both safety and communications.  In the high noise environments frequently encountered, clear communications is a must.  The headsets will allow for all crew members to clearly hear what the other members are seeing, encountering, and saying in the event of a water based emergency.

For more information on this year's Grand Traverse Band 2 percent gaming allocation grants

Firefighter Douglas Lake accepting the grant from Grand Traverse Band representatives.

Bicycle and Roadway Safety

With the wonderful weather and beautiful views that we have to offer, there have been countless cyclists in the area on a daily basis.  We just wanted to offer a few quick tips on roadway safety around cyclists.

• Cyclists have the right to the road and actually belong on the roadway, not on sidewalks.
• When coming up on a cyclist, please remember to use caution, and when possible give them an extra few feet in case they have an issue and have to swerve out in to the lane.
• Sharp corners and hills offer special challenges to all roadway users- please slow down and be sure that lanes are clear before attempting to pass bicycles or other traffic.

And now a few tips for the cyclists too

• Remember to wear a helmet, they have been proven to reduce the risk of serious injury and concussions in the event of a fall.
• Please ride in a single file line along trails and roadways when approaching areas of limited visibility and when there are other vehicles around. 
• Bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws as cars- Stop at stop signs, signal for your turns, and use caution at all intersections as bikes can sometimes be difficult to see depending on the light and weather conditions.
• The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a very beautiful loop running from Empire all the way to Glen Arbor. Not only will the trail keep you safe from motorized traffic, but it offers scenic views and unique riding challenges as well.

We hope that everyone is enjoying their summer, stay safe and have fun!

Open House Today!!

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to remind you the doors are now open for the 2014 Open House at Glen Lake Fire Station 1 in Glen Arbor from now until 2pm.  Hot dogs, chips, and ice cream treats are provided as a light lunch while you explore our apparatus, station, and meet our staff. Hope to see you all today!

Glen Lake Fire Department Station #1

2014 Annual Open House!

Saturday, July 26^th     10am until 2pm

Glen Arbor Public Safety Building

6401 W State Street

Planned Activities:

Fire Truck Bounce House                            Climb aboard our Fire/Rescue Boat

Activities/Games for all ages                    Station and apparatus tours           

See our in house training structure

Have your blood pressure or blood sugar checked

See our medical equipment and learn about the services we provide

Ice cream, hot dogs, chips, and beverages beginning at 11am

Join us for a day of fun and education!

Beach Hazard Warning

Hello Everyone, we just want to pass along a quick update from the National Weather Service regarding a beach hazard warning for today.  Due to current weather patterns, choppy conditions and rip currents are possible on Lake Michigan along the entire Northwestern Michigan shoreline with thunderstorms possible in the late afternoon.

Please exercise caution on the water today, and be safe!

Refer to this link for updates to the forecast and alerts: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?map.x=127&map.y=176&site=apx&zmx=1&zmy=1#.U85YXPldVHW

Water Safety

As Summer finally warms up, we have just a few tips for everyone. The water is beautiful and can be very fun, but for your safety, please be sure to wear life jackets and let others know where you are going when venturing out on a canoe, boating, or kayak trip.

Please don't take chances overestimating your swimming skills. Swim only in designated areas and never swim alone. No one can anticipate changing lake currents, riptides, sudden storms or other hidden dangers. If you do get caught in a rip tide along Lake Michigan, don’t panic. Swim parallel to shore until you feel the pull stop. You can then swim back to shore.

Finally,remember to keep an eye on children! it only takes a few seconds for a small child to wander away. Children have a natural curiosity and attraction to water so please keep kids safe and enjoy the summertime!

Pancake Breakfast!

Due to a bit of confusion as to the date of our annual pancake breakfast, we just want to confirm that it is indeed on Sunday, July 6th from 8 until noon.  At a recommended donation of $7 per adult for all you can eat pancakes and sausage served with fresh coffee, juice, and milk we hope that you will join us for this event.  Your continued support helps to fund public education and many other programs that would not otherwise be possible.

See you all Sunday!

Holiday Weekend Reminders

Hey everyone, this upcoming weekend is not only a celebration of our nation's independence, but also one of the busiest weekends in Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties.  With so many festivities and things to do, we want to highlight a few key things going on out here in Glen Arbor and Empire for the weekend of the 4th.

• On the 4th at 10AM there will be a Flag Raising Ceremony at Old Settler's Picnic Grounds
• On the 4th at Noon in Downtown Glen Arbor is the Annual 4th of July Parade

On Sunday July 6th from 8am until noon the Glen Arbor Fire and Rescue Association will be hosting its annual pancake breakfast at the Glen Arbor Township Hall.  The breakfast is to benefit the Glen Lake Fire Department and raises funds for public education, fire prevention, and other programs that would not otherwise be possible.  

Please stay safe out there!  Be on the lookout for runners, walkers, hikers, and bikers in the area! Remember to stay hydrated and have a great time out there!

Weekend events in Glen Arbor

Hello all, we just wanted to remind everyone of the Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon and 5k races.  These road races will begin and end in downtown Glen Arbor. Packet pickup for the races will be at Glen Lake Fire Department Station 1 at 6401 State Street in Glen Arbor between 5 and 7pm this evening and again tomorrow morning beginning at 5:30. Race packets will be unavailable outside of these times. For more information on the race please visit http://www.enduranceevolution.com/glen-arbor-solstice-half-marathon-5k/

Other area events include the Glen Arbor BBQ and Brew Festival from 2pm until 8pm on Saturday.  More information at: http://www.visitglenarbor.com/event/bbq-brew-fest/ 

With all of these events, as well as the "normal" summer crowds in the area please be aware of others and travel with caution watching for runners, bikers, and congested traffic points.  As always, feel free to stop by either of our stations for a tour or to find out a little more about your fire department.  

Have a fun and safe weekend!!

M-22 Challenge

Hello Everyone, we just wanted to remind all of you that the M-22 Challenge is tomorrow, June 14th starting at 8am.  This will lead to local traffic delays and road closures along the race route so please watch out for racers as well as emergency vehicles throughout the event.

The M-22 Challenge is in it's 6th year and features a unique combination of running, biking, and paddling around Glen Lake. For more information please visit m22challenge.com

Heat Safety Tips

As summer quickly approaches, please remember that the heat of the sun and sand in our area can be very deceiving. Whenever you venture outdoors in hot weather, take steps to stay cool and healthy. Cut down on exercise and other hard tasks. Drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids every hour. Rest often in shady areas. Wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher. To learn more, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

When was the last time you tested your smoke alarms?

Last month? Last year? Can't remember? If you're not sure your smoke alarms are working, then how can you be sure you'll be protected if a fire breaks out? Don't gamble with your life and assume your smoke alarms are working. Test each one, every month, so you'll know they'll be ready to protect you and your family if there's a fire. Test your alarm for life!

Memorial Day Thoughts

On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember the 1.3 million American soldiers who have died in war since our founding, and the 1.5 million who have been wounded. Thank you. Thank you again, to all who have served and sacrificed, and to those who now serve and sacrifice.

Asparagus!

We just wanted to share a few of our pictures from the Asparagus Festival this past weekend.  We greatly appreciate your continued support for our community and fire department.

Firefighters Yancho and Stevens with a pair of very festive asparagus enthusiasts.

The Lucas 2 CPR device purchased through a grant from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians annual 2 percent video gaming allocation.

Asparagus Festival This Weekend in Empire!

We just wanted to remind everyone that the annual Asparagus Festival is this weekend in Empire.  There will be quite a bit going on related to the festival; because of this Front Street between Union and Lake Streets in Empire will be closed from now until mid-afternoon on Sunday.
The Glen Lake Fire Department will have a few of our firefighters and apparatus stationed down at the festival on Saturday from around 10 until at least 3.  Please feel welcome to stop out, see our apparatus, check out what we do, and talk with our firefighters.

Spring Cleaning

No different than anyone else this time of year, we have been doing some spring cleaning around both of our stations. We have been keeping busy waxing all of our apparatus, deep cleaning the truck bays, and preparing for the upcoming summer season by testing all of the hoses that we could use in the event of a fire.
While our spring cleaning may be a bit different than yours, please keep in mind  these few things as you clean your yard and prepare for the upcoming summer:

• Campfires can grow and quickly spread out of control
• Always keep the area around fire pits clear of debris and brush
• Have water or a fire extinguisher handy just in case
• Always put out fires when you are done enjoying them to limit the chances of them spreading

As always, our station doors are open to the public so feel free to stop in, ask questions, or look around.  We will gladly take a few minutes to show you around the station and apparatus area.

Cookout and Campfire Safety

As summer nears and the weather finally starts to warm a bit, many of us will be gathering with family and friends to cook out and enjoy a bonfire.  With the changing seasons we just want to take a second to provide a few tips and reminders for outdoor safety this year.

Grill Tips

• 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 around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Campfire Tips

• Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
• Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.
• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
• Never leave campfires unattended.

Staff Awards and Special Recognition

This past week the Glen Lake Fire Department recognized Firefighter/EMT Pablo Cevallos and Firefighter/EMT James Wendels for their dedication to training above and beyond the standard requirements. Each firefighter with the department is required to log at least 240 hours annually and while everyone has exceeded this standard, Cevallos and Wendels set the bar for this new annual award.

In addition, the Department recognized Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Brown for his dedication to health and wellness. Together with Dr. Lemak of Leelanau Urgent Care and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Department has recognized Brown's efforts to maintain and improve his physical conditioning as well as overall health.

Our staff trains daily over a wide variety of tasks and objectives ranging from fire attack and emergency medicine to marine operations and physical conditioning.  These firefighters have set a high standard for the Department that will continue to motivate and drive success for our Department as we continue to improve and serve the communities of Glen Arbor and Empire.

Firefighter/EMT Pablo Cevallos receiving his training recognition award from Lt. Bill Parker, Training Officer. 

Firefighter/EMT James Wendels receiving his training recognition award from Lt. Bill Parker, Training Officer. 

Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Brown Receiving the health and wellness award from Chief Dodson and Suzanne Miller Allen representing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips and Facts

Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, roughly two-thirds of all home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms detect and alert people to fire in its early stages, giving people the time needed to escape safely. That’s why it’s so important for every home to have them in all required locations, including bedrooms.

We offer the following tips for making sure the smoke alarms in your home are maintained and working properly:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

• If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re ten years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.

Glen Lake area residents with questions and/or concerns about the updated smoke alarm requirements may contact our daily duty crew at 231.334.3279 or by stopping by the nearest GLFD station. They can also visit NFPA’s Web site at www.nfpa.org/smokealarms for more information.

Know your way out!

How much time do you have to get out of a fire?
Not as much as you think. Real fires are hot, smokey and dark. You may have only a very few minutes to safely escape from fire. If you're ever in a fire, don't spend time getting dressed or trying to gather valuables. Just get out and stay out. Then call the fire department from a neighbor's telephone.
If you have a fire tonight, will you get out safely?You'll have a better chance of getting out safely if you've planned ahead. Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with the whole family. Everyone should know two ways out of each room and know where to meet outside. Make sure everyone understands that getting out is the first priority. And remember, once you're outside, stay out.
"Get Out, Stay Out" - Your fire safe responseWhat would you do if your home caught on fire? Would you know where to go if smoke or flames blocked your escape? There is no time to think about these questions in a real fire. It's hot, smokey, and so dark you may not be able to see your own hands. Know ahead of time what to do if there's a fire. Develop an escape plan with two ways out of every room. You'll need a second way in case your primary exit is blocked by smoke or flames. And make sure every exit is accessible, including windows. Getting out is your first priority in a fire. And once out, stay out!

Paramedic Staff Expands

Newly Promoted Paramedics Zak Yanska, Steve Lienard, Jay Morse, and Bryan Ferguson

Chief Of Department John A. Dodson announced today that four (4) Department members have successfully completed a special, eighteen-month, training program offered by the Department. The new paramedics began an extensive internship, under the direction of the Department’s senior paramedics. The program consisted of classroom instruction, self study and many hours of “ride along” experience under the watchful eyes of veteran instructors and included a one hundred question written examination and multiple station practical skills examination.

The four newly promoted paramedics, Bryan Ferguson, Steve Lienard, Jay Morse and Zak Yanska will officially begin functioning as primary paramedics April 1, 2014, staffing the Department’s two ambulances located in the Glen Arbor and Empire stations.

Prior to qualifying for the Department’s training and certification, the candidates all received training and certification as paramedics by the State Of Michigan and the National Registry. During this period, the aspiring paramedics, beginning as EMT-Basics, attended one thousand (1,000) classroom hours and participated in over five hundred (500) hours of hands-on “practicals” which included many hours participating in actual, medical emergency calls.

The Department’s philosophy regarding the extensive additional training, according to Chief Dodson, is based on the Department’s large coverage area and the distance to Munson Hospital. 

Home Safety Tips and Fire Escape Planning

About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. You can stop the fire before it starts. Use this fact sheet to learn how to prevent a fire in your home and know what to do if you have a fire.

Be prepared for a fire:

• One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm." A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
• Know your local emergency numbers. In most areas the number is 911.
• Practice finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low to the ground, and feeling your way out of the house.
• Never open doors that are hot.
• Teach your family to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
• Decide on a meeting place outside your home and check to see if anyone is missing. Everyone must get out and stay out of the house or apartment.
• Remember to escape first, and then call the fire department.
• Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two ways to escape from each room in the house or apartment.
• Help children and senior citizens to escape from a fire.
• NEVER go back into a fire once you have escaped.

To learn more on how you can prevent fires and fire deaths, please contact us anytime at our station by stopping in, calling 231-334-3278 (not 911) or visit www.usfa.fema.gov

As always, feel free to comment on the this article or any others, we welcome your feedback and questions.

Early CPR, Early Response Critical in Cardiac Arrest Events

This past week our staff trained on the importance of CPR as well as how to perform good quality CPR.  This training is something all of our members complete annually, but it is very important for everyone to know CPR and what to do in the event of a Cardiac Arrest incident.  Below are some signs and symptoms of Cardiac Arrest.  For more information or to schedule a CPR class, please contact the Glen Lake Fire Department by email or phone and we would be more than happy to assist you.

CARDIAC ARREST WARNING SIGNS:
SUDDEN LOSS OF RESPONSIVENESS
No response to tapping on shoulders.
No response to tapping on shoulders.
NO NORMAL BREATHING

More about cardiac arrest - If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number and get an AED (if one is available) and you begin CPR immediately.  If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR.  Use an AED as soon as it arrives.

For more information, visit  www.heart.org

GLFD Staff members training on proper CPR techniques

Ice Safety

Today the several members of the Glen Lake Fire Department (GLFD) gathered at Fisher Lake in Glen Arbor for a co-operative training with the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  Together, the USCG and GLFD members trained on the latest ice rescue techniques to stay fresh should an emergency situation arise on one of the local lakes or waterways.  The USCG provides a great resource for our members as they specialize in water rescue situations while our members work in several different types of environments and handle many emergencies.  By training together GLFD members are able to maintain the skills necessary to perform a rescue in the event it is required.

Important things to remember about venturing out on to the ice:

• No ice is 100% safe.  Always be sure to check the ice for any signs of cracks or weakness even with the sustained cold we have had
• Dangers increase near inlets and outlets from the lakes.  In our area these include the flow between Little Glen and Big Glen, as well as anywhere along the Crystal river.
• Let family or friends know when you are going out on the ice and when you expect to be back

We at GLFD enjoy the outdoors as much as anyone else and are not trying to discourage winter activities like ice fishing, as it is something several of our members partake in, but we do want you to be safe out there and know we are ready in the event of an emergency both on and off the ice.

New Website Up and Running!

The new webpage is up and operational as of today!  A huge amount of gratitude to Kaz McCue and his students for their work with the development of the site.  The new site is easier to navigate, has a few features that the old one didn't, and will hopefully provide you with the information you are looking for.  If there is something you cannot find on the website, but would like more information on we would be more than happy to help you.  To contact us you can simply leave a comment on the blog or go through the more traditional channels of email and telephone.

In case you missed our first post, this news blog is designed to improve our interactions with all of you, visitors and residents alike.  We will be providing updates on department functions, incidents, and also providing tips and information to help further our fire prevention efforts.  Again, any questions please feel free to comment, we will get back to you!

Watch for updates and check back again! Stay warm as the cold front moves back in!

New Website Coming Soon

The Glen Lake Fire Department is pleased to announce that our website is in its finishing stages of being revamped thanks to Kaz McCue and his students at the Leelanau School right here in Glen Arbor!

With the new website and this blog we look forward to being able to keep in touch with all of our residents and guests to the area.  The purpose of the blog is to update everyone with department happenings such as special training and community events. It will also allow us to provide updates of large events.  Please note that not all events will be mentioned in the blog as we strive to protect our patient's identities, but when possible we will share some information. 

We would like to ask all of you to please share our blog and website links through the use of social medias such as Facebook, Google+, and Twitter in an effort to gain a following and maximize our community involvement.  Please feel free to comment, share, and provide feedback on the blog and the website and be sure to check back for updates frequently!

Stay Safe and Thanks for Reading