The conference committee is working very diligently putting together a great venue for this coming June.  I can't wait to see the final roster of workshops and speakers.  It's going to be great!
 
This will be the year we elect new officers. Members are eligible to run for board positions.  Chair, vice-chair, secretary and public relations are the elected positions.  You need to have the nominees permission and a letter of approval from their chief.  We will also be seeking persons to fill task force positons. 
 
The economic crisis has created some particularly challenging times all over the country.  None-the-less, we need dedicated people who are willing to serve on our board.  It's a good time to ask around and see who has an interest.  If you have a desire to get more involved, this is the perfect time to get your feet wet and jump in those state-wide waters.  From my service of several different board positions over the years have learned way more than I could have ever learned sitting on the sidelines.   It has given me a broader perspective of the needs of our wonderful state and how we fit into the greater national picture. 
 
I'm encouraging you to step up now and let your voice be heard.  It takes new service from new people to keep FAFLSE on the cutting edge. It also takes a few years of service to get your bearings.  Contact any of the present board members and ask them about their jobs to see if it's something you might enjoy doing.  It's a huge career-booster.  FAFLSE is only as good as its members - including those who serve on the board and task forces.
 
Regards,
Puddin Race, FAFLSE Chair
puddin.r@comcast.net
cell: 772-370-2193

 

Article Provided by:

Chuck Akers 

 

Catherine Chaney, SLCFD PIO

 NFPA reports they are receiving "almost weekly" reports of carbon monoxide incidents in Florida and asked that we inform all departments to reach out with more public information on this subject. 
 
One recent story relayed  six students at the Ringling College of Art and Design were still coming to grips with how lucky they are.  Five male roommates and a female who was visiting, were overcome with carbon monoxide.

Sullivan said he woke up at 5 a.m., feeling sick.

"I was just feeling, I had a bad headache, I wasn't thinking straight. I thought I was dehydrated. I woke up again, my headache was worse, my hearing was not doing so well.. I knew something was wrong. but I didn't know what," he said.

They called 911, telling dispatchers, "we believe we have carbon monoxide poisoning. Me and my roommates woke up with the same symptoms. We have no motor control, vomiting and nausea."  All six students have recovered.

This year, with more cold weather than usual, it is important that Florida educators stay diligent with informing people about the dangers and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  In some areas of our state, people are turning on heaters for the first time in years.  They are also using gas ovens and other carbon monoxide emitting devices to produce heat.  It is suggested all areas blanket their local media outlets with information about the possibly deadly outcomes carbon monoxide can produce.
 
Parts of this article were obtained online from an article by Tanya ArjaFOX 13 News reporter. The article was relayed to us through NFPA Southeastern Representative, Kelly Ransdale.

In 2006, the Pinellas Safe Kids Child Passenger Safety Coalition began a community outreach program to increase booster seat use in Pinellas County, Florida. The first campaign was conducted at Perkins Elementary, in St Petersburg and the second campaign was conducted at Lakewood Elementary, in St. Petersburg. In each campaign the coalition worked directly with the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA). In 2007, the Lakewood Elementary PTA received a special award from the Pinellas County council of PTA's for this effort. Since that time numerous booster seat campaigns have taken place in Pinellas County Elementary Schools.

 

During the months of October-December 2009, over 600 Lake St. George Elementary School students met with Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Safety Educators, Allstate Employee Volunteers, and the Florida Highway Patrol during physical education classes. Students watched as fire safety educators addressed safety concerns through videos and used a hands-on approach allowing the students to test out the new booster seats. Students also spent time with the Florida Highway Patrol who demonstrated a "roll over simulator" and the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt while riding in the car. The campaign was spread over five days with a pre-survey, student education day, parent teacher education session, booster seat giveaway, and concluded with a post survey. Media involvement sparked concern for the community as a whole and enhanced the campaign message. Additionally, several Pinellas County fire departments and Sunstar ambulance services participated in the project and were instrumental in promoting booster seat use as well as addressing the booster seat 5-Step Test.

 

As of September 2009, the State of Florida has not enacted a booster seat law and remains one of only three states without such regulations. Nevertheless, the "Give Our Kids a Boost" campaign at Lake St. George Elementary School successfully increased booster seat usage by 22% and improved correct seatbelt use by 25%. As a result, Allstate Insurance will continue to partner with and sponsor the free booster seat giveaway and supply volunteers to assist with campaign programs.

If your child isn't using a booster, try the simple test below the next time you ride together in the car.  You may find that your child is not yet ready to use a safety belt without a booster.

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to make both the shoulder belt and the lap belt fit right for the best crash protection.  Your child will be more comfortable, too!

 

For best protection, all children should ride in the back seat until they are ready to drive. It's twice as safe as the front seat.

 

Among those honored, from top left to right are Lt. Brett Ciskoski, District Chief Dean Adamides, District Chief Michael Domante, Mayor William Foster, Fire Chief James Large and Division Chief Robert Bassett. Lower left to right are Captain Steven Girk, Captain Raymond Landes, Lt. Clayton Lopez, Captain Eric Dinan and Lt. Ian Womack.

 

"The firefighters we are honoring today have earned their promotions by serving their department and this city with great courage, distinction and hard work," said Chief Large."  "I am honored to stand beside these men today that have proven they have what it takes to move up in the ranks in our great department."

 

Article provided by:
Lt. Joel Granata, Deputy Fire Marshal/PIO