Now Accepting Applications for Part-Time Positions

The Glen Lake Fire Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Part-Time Firefighter/EMT.  Applications will be accepted until March 27th at 5:00pm.  Qualified applicants will then be invited to participate in the Physical Agility and Written Testing scheduled for April 11th.

Job Description and Application Packet are available at www.glenlakefire.org/employment.html

For more information about the Department and the position please visit www.glenlakefire.org

Weekly Training On Ice!

As we have mentioned previously in posts, there is a very large emphasis on training for all types of hazards and situations that may arise in our area.  One of the biggest hazards present in the winter beyond the slick and icy roadways is the ice and frozen bodies of water.
While ice may appear safe, and in many instances is quite thick there is no such thing as safe ice.  Spring fed lakes, inlets, and currents below the surface can lead to weakened areas in most any lake.  To help prepare our personnel be ready for ice related emergencies we conduct annual training with the United States Coast Guard (USCG).  This past week, each one of our shifts had the opportunity to train with the USCG to refresh and improve upon techniques to help individuals in trouble should they become stuck on the ice or have fallen through the ice.  Below are some pictures from the training conducted!

As always, stay safe out there and if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Above: USCG personnel reviewing techniques with GLFD members
Below: GLFD personnel performing rescue drills and scenarios

Safety on the Ice

As we are sure you have noticed, its winter, its cold, and that means there is ice forming on all bodies of water in the area! While the ice can be fun and relatively safe for fishing, skating, and other hobbies, there are some dangers everyone must remain aware of.

• Always watch for cracks forming in the ice as they may show weak spots
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
• Be vigilant as ice conditions can change rapidly with wind and temperature shifts

It was just last year when Lake Michigan froze out all the way past the Manitou Islands and many beautiful ice cave structures were formed by the lake.  While these ice caves and their beauty is very intriguing to many, please keep in mind that ice can still be dangerous.  Not only for the above mentioned reasons, but on larger bodies of water the current below the ice can eat away at the ice from below.  So please, for safety's sake exercise due caution if and when Lake Michigan freezes up!

Winter Storm Warning!

New WINTER STORM ADVISORY from National Weather Service.

Weather service personnel calling this to possibly be the "strongest snow event" we've seen yet this winter.

*Worst expected from Thursday 4pm until 1am Friday morning (although lake effect snow is forecast through Saturday)

*Very strong winds - sustained 15-20mph with gusts to 30+

*6-12" of snow forecast with the bulk of that coming in the Thursday evening - Friday am time frame.

*Snow expected to reach 2" per hour at times. VERY light and dry snow that will blow and drift exceptionally easy due to the extreme cold.

*Time to frostbite from exposure to cold is less than 30 minutes due to the extreme windchill.

*PLEASE plan accordingly and try to make arrangements to not have to travel during this storm.

For more information on what to do to be more prepared to winter storms, and all hazards please visit ready.gov.

Weather updates are available using local media outlets, as well as noaa.gov and weather.gov

Stay warm and Safe Everyone!