West Metro Fire-Rescue District’s Post

(Tuesday, 2:25 PM) Let’s talk about Helene: Later today I expect to sign a local emergency declaration, which basically activates a few contract clauses to give the City the opportunity to effectively prepare for and respond to the possible effects of the storm. It’s still far too early to tell if or when we’ll close any City operations. There’s a good chance we’ll cancel Thursday solid waste collection and both the Thursday general policy committee meeting and the Thursday evening special commission meeting. We will be distributing sandbags, and I’ll update you here on social media with all this information as it becomes necessary and available. What should you be doing in the meantime? Making good choices and following regular storm protocol: - Charge all your devices and portable batteries. Make sure you have batteries for flashlights and such. - Download some reading material. - Freeze some extra water to keep your fridge cold longer. - Gather up anything outside that can come inside - lawn furniture, toys, yard signs, etc. - Stock up on non-perishable basics. - Talk to your neighbors and acquaintances and trade contact information, you may need each other. - If you’re not new to Florida, be ready to help those who are. Most of us have done this before, not everyone has. - And I’ll repeat, make good choices. Keep your head about you and don’t panic. We have amazing emergency personnel at the City of Gainesville and Alachua County who train for this all year long, and they’ve got your back. We’ll all get through this. I’ll pass on more info before and during any storm.

Experiencing a house fire is a traumatic event that can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. Understanding the stages of fire damage cleanup can help ease some of this stress and provide a clear path to recovery. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps of fire damage cleanup, ensuring you know what to expect and how to proceed.

🏠 Understanding Hoarding and Fire Risks🔥 At Paul Davis Restoration of Central Mississippi, we recognize that hoarding is more than just a cluttered home—it can pose serious safety risks, including an increased risk of fire. When items accumulate, they can obstruct escape routes and create fire hazards. Clutter can fuel flames, making a small fire potentially devastating. Additionally, overloaded electrical outlets and appliances can increase the likelihood of an electrical fire. If you or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, it's essential to seek help. Addressing the issue not only improves safety but also enhances overall well-being. At Paul Davis, we are here to assist with restoration and recovery efforts if a fire does occur. Your safety is our priority! Let’s work together to create a safer community. If you have questions about our services or need assistance, please reach out! Stay safe, Central Mississippi! 💪❤️ #HoardingAwareness #FireSafety #PaulDavisRestoration #CommunitySupport

🌦️ Don’t Let Mold Take Over After a Storm! 🌦️ Has your home or business been hit by water damage after a recent storm? In Florida's warm, humid climate, mold can grow fast and cause serious damage. For seasonal residents, this is even more crucial—you may not see the damage until it's too late! Learn why it's so important to act quickly, what to do if water damage has occurred, and why hiring licensed professionals is required by law in Florida. Read our latest blog here: https://lnkd.in/enaz4bc2 #MoldRemediation #WaterDamage #FloridaStorms #Snowbirds #ProtectYourHome #LicensedProfessionals #QualityRemediation

🔥 Brush Fire Alert in Collier County, Florida Greater Naples Fire Rescue crews, alongside Florida Forest Service, North Collier Fire Rescue District, and Collier County Sheriff's Office helicopter, have been battling a 25-acre brush fire that erupted Thursday in the Picayune Strand State Forest, near mile marker 96 on I-75. While there have been no reports of homes being damaged, firefighters are cautioning about the potential dangers of ember travel, especially this weekend, as conditions in Southwest Florida will be dry and warm, with wind gusts up to 30 mph. Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer at North Collier Fire Control Rescue District, emphasized the risk posed by embers from such fires, highlighting their ability to travel upwards of a mile. "You can have a brush fire that's not really close to your vicinity, but those embers can still be a danger for you," she said. Mazurkiewicz offered valuable advice to residents on staying safe during these hot, dry days. "One of the things that we like to talk to the community about is making sure that their yards are as clear as possible from debris," she advised. This includes clearing out dead leaves and branches from gutters, roofs, and the ground. She also warned about the potential fire hazards posed by lawnmowers and motorcycles, particularly in dry and windy conditions. "Brush fires can start from machinery [like] lawnmowers if it hits a rock and it sparks, it can be as simple as that in these dry conditions that we are facing right now," Mazurkiewicz said. When asked about the possibility of the Picayune brush fire worsening or moving closer to homes due to the dry and windy conditions, Mazurkiewicz explained, "When we have really dry conditions and we have winds, the winds can tend to make those brush fires even more dangerous because it allows those fires to travel at a higher rate of speed." As of the latest update from Greater Naples Fire, the fire is 95% contained. #BrushFire #FireSafety #CollierCounty #Florida #SafetyAlert

Poll Time! 🗳 How much do you know about fire damage restoration? A) Very knowledgeable B) Somewhat knowledgeable C) Not at all Vote now and learn more with us! Understanding the fire damage restoration process can help you make informed decisions if you ever need these services. Fire can cause extensive damage not just from flames, but also from smoke and soot, which can permeate your home and belongings. After the poll, we’ll share some key information about the steps involved in fire damage restoration, from emergency board-up and roof tarping to cleaning and restoring contents. Stay tuned! #FireRestorationPoll #HomeReadyRestoration

Let It Burn (Part 2?)-MN Grain Elevator Fire A previous post mentioned that one strategy for dealing with lithium-ion battery fires might be to just let it burn until the contents were consumed. One key advantage of such approach is that any toxins burn off more cleanly plus there is no contaminated water runoff from fire hose streams or sprinkler systems. On Sunday (Feb 25, 2024) a grain elevator burned so fiercely that the town's water supply couldn't keep up with the fire hose demand. As a result, school was cancelled and residents were requested to go without water. Firefighters needed so much water that a Minnesota town had to go without (AP) Feb 26, 2024 https://lnkd.in/eWVs9RSw Crews put down raging grain elevator fire in northwestern Minnesota (KARE11) Feb 26, 2024 https://lnkd.in/eQY4px6c Despite such efforts, the grain elevator was totally destroyed. This raises again the question when might it be better to just let a structure burn up completely? Use the comment section below to share your perspective. #fire #watersupply #runoff #fireprotection #environmentalprotection #environmentalsafety #minnesota #hawley #grainstorage

Recently, a fire in Antelope, California highlighted a serious issue facing many communities: the fire risks associated with squatter-occupied residential properties. At approximately 10 a.m., a fire started in the garage of a home reportedly occupied by squatters on Country Run Way, quickly engulfing the structure and spreading to adjacent properties. This incident, which led to significant damage and displacement of several residents, is currently under investigation for arson by the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Watch the news report from ABC10 in link below. Vacant properties pose significant risks, particularly when they become shelters for squatters. These risks range from accidental fires due to makeshift heating or cooking arrangements to deliberate acts of arson. Regular maintenance, monitoring, and the presence of functioning fire safety systems are essential to mitigate these dangers. The fire on Country Run Way serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by squatter-occupied homes. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that includes property monitoring, legal preparedness, and community involvement to enhance fire safety and community risk reduction. #communityriskreduction #community #squatters #firesafety #fireprevention #security https://lnkd.in/gJ4f-VSt

Fires are one of the biggest threats facing homeowners today. Don't believe us? Here's the statistics: 🔥 Fires cost homeowners $6.9 billion each year 🔥 Fire departments respond to 350k house fires each year 🔥 One fire death happens every three hours 🔥 62% of house fire deaths happen in homes without smoke alarms That's why when seconds matter, call us for emergency fire damage restoration. We're available 24/7, 365 days a year. 🛠️ #FireDamageRestoration #FireSafety #PropertyRestoration