GIVFD

Father Shares Story of Tragic Fire

Channel 3 news WCAX-TV
www.wcax.com

"You never think anything like this can happen to you and in the blink of an eye your life is changed," said Art Foster.

Just before Christmas 2005, Art Foster's wife, and four children died in a fire. He was rescued, but in critical condition, with 3rd degree burns......

Full Story Click Here

The Starfish

The Starfish

As an old man walked the beach at dawn, he noticed a boy ahead of him picking up starfish from the white, sandy shore and flinging them back into the sea.

Finally catching up with the youth, he asked him why he was doing this. “I’m throwing these starfish back in the ocean. If I don’t, the starfish will die in the hot, morning sun.”

“But the beach goes on for miles; there must be thousands of starfish on it.” Countered the old man. “How can your efforts make any difference?”

The boy looked at the starfish in his hand, smiled, and then threw it to safety in the churning waves. “It makes a difference to this one.” He said gently

-Author Unknown May 2007

Star Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner
—Francis Scott Key, 1814






 O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?




On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:

'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!



And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,

A home and a country should leave us no more?

Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.



O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand

Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!








_______________________________________________________________

United States National Anthem Lyrics:

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Lyrics: Francis Scott Key, 1814
Adopted: 1931

9 firefighters killed in S.C. furniture store blaze

Mayor says ‘heroic and courageous’ people died in roof’s collapse

June 19: Nine firefighters die in a Charleston, S.C., blaze. NBC's Ron Mott reports.

NBC News

MSNBC News Services

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Fire swept through a furniture warehouse, collapsing the building’s roof and claiming the lives of nine firefighters in a disaster the mayor described Tuesday as “difficult to fathom or quantify.”

“Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley said at a morning news conference. “To all of their loved ones, our heart goes out to them.”

Two employees in the building were rescued from the blaze, which broke out at about 7 p.m. Monday in the Sofa Super Store and warehouse, Riley said.

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19301684/?GT1=10056

2007 Letter Drive

Dear Citizen of Grand Isle,

While it is never easy to solicit funds, the members of the Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. are asking all Grand Isle citizens and property owners to consider a financial donation during our annual letter drive.
The GIVFD’s annual operating budget is funded by two primary means. The local property tax accounts for approximately 75% of the financial resources required to operate the Fire Department, with the remaining 25% being raised through Fire Department efforts such as dances, a coin drop and the letter drive.
Fire Department Update

♦ The Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. responded to approximately 140 emergency incidents during 2006. Types of incidents included structure fires, wild land fires, automobile accidents, heavy rescue extrication, marine rescues, cold water/ice rescues and hazardous material calls. While response volume has remained consistent over the past two years, the overall trend points to an increase in the number of emergency calls within our community and the communities of our mutual aid partners, North Hero and South Hero. As the Island community grows the demand on our volunteer emergency service providers continues to escalate.

♦ The Fire Department has adopted a “Five Year Action Plan, 2007 – 2012”. The plan identifies our mission and contains nine goals, (safety, administration, finances, interaction with the community, interaction with partners, training, equipment/apparatus, facilities, and recruitment/retention of members).

♦ The Fire Department Building Committee continues to work with the Town Building Steering Committee to identify and help prioritize major capital needs and facility replacement schedules within our community.

♦ The Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department belongs to the Grand Isle Mutual Aid Association and Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC #13). Membership in these organizations enables all County emergency service providers to meet on a regular basis and coordinate resources.

♦ Because of the diverse nature in the type of incidents that we respond to, training requirements for Department members have increased dramatically. GIVFD members continue to donate countless hours to training. Many Fire Fighters attend regional and national fire schools, all in an effort to improve in the skills required to protect life and property in our community.

♦ Several trained, well seasoned, veteran firefighters are no longer with the Department. Changes in work, family commitments, and moving out of the community all contributed to the loss of these highly valued firefighters. Look for new member recruiting efforts in 2007.

In closing, there is no finer calling or personal reward than to help a neighbor in time of need, and while the members of the Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department are always thankful for the generous financial support of local citizens and property owners, we encourage all residents to consider volunteer service in the Fire Department. There are many roles to fill from becoming a fully certified Firefighter capable of entering burning buildings, helping with marine rescues, performing extrication at car accidents, driving fire trucks, assisting with grant writing, equipment and vehicle maintenance, serving on the auxiliary, etc. If you have an interest in joining the fire service family, stop by the Fire Station any Tuesday evening, speak to any member, or give Chief Bill Baron a call at 372-8763.

Please use the self addressed envelope to return your tax deductible donation.
PO BOX 123, Grand Isle VT, 05458

Thank you for your continued support.

Members of Grand Isle Volunteer Fire Department, Inc

WWW.GIVFD.COM

Ice safety tips offered to winter sports enthusiasts

By Tim Smalley
DNR boat & water safety specialist

Each year, as the ice begins to skim Minnesota’s lakes and ponds, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources receives hundreds of phone calls from anxious anglers who all have the same basic question: "Is the ice safe yet?" That’s when I whip out my trusty stock answer: "No, ice is NEVER safe."

Realizing that statement is usually misunderstood as bureaucratic (and relatively evasive), I explain that even if ice is a foot thick in one area on a lake, it can be one inch thick just a few yards away. A local sports reporter recently told a friend of mine that, "If it were up to the DNR people would never go on the ice." Although that is really the only way people could be totally safe, it’s probably unrealistic for anyone to expect cabin fever-stricken Minnesotans to give up one of the few winter outdoor activities they participate in the doesn’t involve tire chains and snow shovels!

Here are a few general guidelines for use by winter recreation enthusiasts to lessen their chances for an icy dip or worse. It’s impossible to judge the strength of ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone. Ice strength is actually dependent on all four factors, plus water depth under the ice, the size of the water and water chemistry, currents, and distribution of the load on the ice.

Wait to walk out on the ice until there are at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Thinner ice will support one person, but since ice thickness can vary considerably, especially at the beginning and end of the season, 4 inches will provide a margin of safety. Some factors that can change ice thickness include flocks of waterfowl and schools of fish. By congregating in a small area, fish can cause warmer water from the bottom towards the surface, weakening or in some cases opening large holes in the ice.
Go out with a buddy and keep a good distance apart as you walk out. If one of you goes in the other can call for help (it’s amazing how many people carry cellular phones these days). The companion can also attempt a rescue if one of you are carrying rope or other survival gear.
Snowmobiles and ATV’s need at least 5 inches, and cars and light trucks need at least 8-12 inches of good clear ice.
Contact a local resort or bait shop for information about known thin ice areas.
Wear a life jacket. Life vests or float coats provide excellent flotation and protection from hypothermia (loss of body temperature). Never wear a life jacket if you are traveling in an enclosed vehicle, however. It could hamper escape in case of a breakthrough.
Carry a pair of homemade ice picks or even a pair of screwdrivers tied together with a few yards of strong cord that can be used to pull yourself up and onto the ice if you do fall in. Be sure they have wooden handles so if you drop them in the struggle to get out of the water, they won’t go straight to the bottom!
Avoid driving on the ice whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle, especially early or late in the season is simply "an accident waiting to happen." In the 117 ice fatalities occurring in Minnesota since 1976, 68 percent involved a vehicle.
Be prepared to bail out in a hurry if you find it necessary to use a car, unbuckle your seatbelt and have a plan of action if you do breakthrough. Some safety experts recommend driving with the window rolled down and the doors ajar for an easy escape. Move your car frequently. Parking in one place for a long period weakens ice. Don’t park near cracks, and watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves.
Don’t drive across ice at night or when it is snowing. Reduced visibility increases your chances for driving into an open or weak ice area.
Check at the access if there are signs that indicate an aeration system is in operation on the lake. Aerators keep areas of water open to provide oxygen for fish. The ice can be weakened many yards beyond where the ice is actually open. Stay well outside the fenced areas indicated by diamond shaped thin ice signs.
Above all, avoid alcoholic beverages. Beer and booze increases your chances for hypothermia and increases the likelihood that you’ll make a stupid mistake that will cost you or a companion their life. Having taken all of these precautions, you’re now going to try your luck at fishing. Walking out on the ice, you hear a crack and break through. Suddenly you find yourself immersed up to your neck in water so cold it takes your breath away. If you think that’s no big deal, try holding your hands in a bucket of ice water for more than a couple of minutes. If you can do it without extreme pain, you are tougher than the average person.

Try not to panic. Of course that’s easier said than done, but if you decide on a plan before you actually fall in, survival chances are greatly improved

Tip from: http://www.fishandgame.com/icesafe.htm
____________________________________________________________________________________

Recommended minimum ice thickness

4" of new clear ice is the minimum thickness for travel on foot
5" is minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs
8"- 12" for cars or small trucks

(Remember that these thicknesses are merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.)

Check for known thin ice areas with a local resort or bait shop.
Test the thickness yourself using an ice chisel, ice auger or even a cordless 1/4 inch drill with a long bit.

Refrain from driving on ice whenever possible.
If you must drive a vehicle, be prepared to leave it in a hurry--keep windows down, unbuckle your seat belt and have a simple emergency plan of action you have discussed with your passengers.

Stay away from alcoholic beverages.
Even "just a couple of beers" are enough to cause a careless error in judgment that could cost you your life. And contrary to common belief, alcohol actually makes you colder rather than warming you up.

Don't "overdrive" your snowmobile's headlight.
At even 30 miles per hour, it can take a much longer distance to stop on ice than your headlight shines. Many fatal snowmobile through-the-ice accidents occur because the machine was travelling too fast for the operator to stop when the headlamp illuminated the hole in the ice.

Wear a life vest under your winter gear.
Or wear one of the new flotation snowmobile suits. And it's a good idea to carry a pair of ice picks that may be home made or purchased from most well stocked sporting goods stores that cater to winter anglers. It's amazing how difficult it can be to pull yourself back onto the surface of unbroken but wet and slippery ice while wearing a snowmobile suit weighted down with 60 lbs of water. The ice picks really help pulling yourself back onto solid ice. CAUTION: Do NOT wear a flotation device when travelling across the ice in an enclosed vehicle!

Tip from: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

SAFETY TIPS FOR SNOWMOBILING

HERE ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS FOR SNOWMOBILING:

Always Practice winter safety.
Carry a first aid kit -

Ensure that children wear a helmet - Parents should too. Most places have laws with respect to helmets on snowmobiles.
Maintain control and never go too fast.
Leave an itinerary with someone so they know where you are going and when you are expected back.
Keep a trail map with you and know where you are. Stay on marked trails.
Be aware of the snow conditions and avalanche warnings.
Make sure the equipment is well maintained and appropriate for the age and ability of the user.
Courses are available to learn safe operating procedures for snowmobiles.
The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") recommends that children under 16 years of age should not operate a snowmobiles as adolescents and children may not have the strength and skill to operate them safely. Children should always be supervised by an Adult when using snowmobiles.
The AAP also recommends that children under 6 are not strong enough to be transported safely on snowmobiles. NEVER CARRY MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER.
Snowmobilers can suffer hearing loss from excess engine noise. Limit children's exposure to this noise.
Ensure children do not touch hot surfaces on machines and keep away from gasoline and other chemicals.
Never take children on lakes and rivers. Watch for hazards such as tree stumps, fences, and crossing other trails. Proceed at a safe speed and use caution on unfamiliar trails.
Consider pagers and a cell phone (keep them inside your jacket so the battery is kept warm).
Snowmobiles should not be used to tow a tie, tub, sled or saucer. Only specifically designed tow carts should be used.
Never Snowmobile alone.
Consider carrying a cell phone in case of emergency. Keep it inside your coat so it remains warm and the battery doesn't drain from the cold.
Avoid scarves, loose clothing and tie up long hair that can get caught on trees or in equipment.
Ensure Children are well away when loading and unloading machines.
HAVE FUN!!!

Saftey tip from:
http://www.hotelfun4kids.com/travelsafetytips/wintersafety.htm#SNOWMOBILING%20SAFETY

Fire Extinguisher Selection, Location and Use

Howard J. Doss
Michigan State University

Armed with the right type of fire extinguisher, a property owner can often extinguish or contain a fire before it becomes a major blaze. But to effectively fight a fire, an individual must be prepared with the right type of extinguisher, have it readily available, and know how to use it properly. Failure to be properly prepared to extinguish a fire not only reduces the chances of containing the blaze, but may also place the individual in a extremely hazardous situation.

If you lack the tools or the skills to fight a fire, no matter how small, get out of the building, call your local fire department and wait for them to arrive.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

There are several types of fire extinguishers available, but the best type for home and farm use is a multipurpose "ABC" type extinguisher. ABC type extinguishers generally use ammonium phosphate as the active chemical to extinguish a fire and are capable of putting out most common fires.

Extinguishers are rated for the type of fire they are made to extinguish.

A - Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, hay, etc.
B - Flammable liquids such as gas, oil, grease and other petroleum products.
C - Electrical fires.

As this listing shows, an ABC type extinguisher is capable of extinguishing most fires.

Multipurpose extinguishers are available in 2«, 5 and 10 pound sizes. The larger the extinguisher the longer it takes to completely discharge. Because the discharge time for these sizes ranges from 8 to 25 seconds, a five-pound extinguisher is the minimum size that should be purchased.

When purchasing an extinguisher, make sure it is U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) or F.M. (Factory Mutual Laboratories) approved. Extinguishers with these labels are manufactured to meet recognized safety and performance standards. Contact your local fire department for additional information about purchasing an extinguisher to meet your specific needs.

PURPOSES AND LOCATIONS FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The main reasons for having fire extinguishers readily available are to:

Suppress a fire along an escape route so trapped persons can exit a burning structure.
To extinguish or contain a fire from the time it is discovered until the arrival of fire department personnel.

HOME PROTECTION

A homeowner can determine where extinguishers should be located by looking at statistical data of the most common times for home fires.

Historically, most home fires occur between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., a time when most individuals are either relaxing or sleeping. Extinguishers stored in the bedroom or bedroom closet will be readily available. Extinguishers should be placed along all escape routes from the house. Areas that are prone to fires, such as the kitchen, furnace area, garage and workshop, should also have a fire extinguisher readily available. The best policy is to have several fire extinguishers located throughout t e home where they are readily available.

Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

Fun in the Sun

When it's time for fun in the sun, remember to play it safe. Too much sun can lead to serious health problems, such as melanoma and cataracts. Just be sure to take the right precautions and you can enjoy summer fun—now and into the future.

The sun is strongest between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., so plan to spend at least part of that time indoors or in the shade.
Remember to apply sunscreen 30 to 45 minutes before going outdoors.
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if you've been in the water or if you've been perspiring.
Slather on a thick coating of water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.
Use sunscreen even when you think it's not necessary, such as on cloudy days, late in the day, and in the spring or early summer. Be aware that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can go through clouds, light clothing, windshields, and windows.
If you have sensitive skin use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both of which block UV radiation.
Cover up with loose fitting, full-length clothing. You can still get sun damage while fully covered because most clothing has an SPF of only 5 to 9. Cotton clothing with a tight weave can provide more protection.
Wear a hat with at least a three-inch brim.
Wear sunglasses all day. Look for a label saying the sunglasses give 99 to 100 percent UV protection. Choose sunglasses that wrap all the way around the temples. If you wear UV-absorbing contact lenses, you should still wear sunglasses.

Cool Ways to Beat the Heat

High temperatures increase the risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To stay cool and safe this summer, just follow these tips:

Wear light-colored clothing to keep cool—dark colors absorb the sun's heat.
Wear a hat.
Keep drinking water or juice, even if you don't feel like it. Don't drink alcohol and caffeine; they dehydrate the body. (If you do, be sure to drink plenty of water too.) And remember to drink water or sports drinks before, during, and after exercising.
Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places, like a mall or library.
Limit physical exertion to early mornings and evenings.
Decrease levels of physical exertion.
Never leave children in hot cars! Temperatures inside cars can rise dramatically, causing heat stroke—or even death —within a very short time.
Electrical blackouts often occur during extremely hot weather. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries close by. Please remember that candles are a serious fire hazard.
Check on your elderly or infirm neighbors to see if they need help.
Call 911 if you see someone with signs of heatstroke. What to look for: high temperature, vomiting, unconsciousness or semi-consciousness, fast and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, and damp skin or red, hot, and dry skin. Heatstroke can be fatal, so it's important to get immediate medical attention.
Here's how to help someone with heat stroke: After calling 911, lay the person down in a cool place. Raise the legs. Lower the temperature with water and wet towels or sheets. Put ice packs wrapped in towels on the neck, wrists, ankles, and armpits to lower the temperature of the large blood vessels.

Water, water everywhere!

From the city's public swimming pools to the inflatable backyard ones, summertime means beating the heat by taking a cool, refreshing dunk! But remember... even in shallow water, safety is key—especially for kids.

Learn to swim.
Teach kids to swim. Experts say that once kids reach age 4, they're ready to learn how.
Never swim alone.
Supervise kids. Make sure children are always supervised in and around the pool, no matter how shallow the water is.
Stay within arm's length of kids under 4 years old—even if they're in an inflatable wading pool. Staying close can save a child's life.
Make sure pool covers are completely off—kids can get trapped under covers.
Go in feet first. Dive only in places that are marked for diving. Because aboveground pools are shallow, always go in feet first. Never dive from the side of an in-ground pool or from the sides of a diving board.
Make sure safety equipment is by the pool, such as life preservers, life jackets, a shepherd's crook, a pole, and a rope.
Keep a phone by the pool for calling 911, if necessary.
Learn CPR.

Fireworks Safety

It is illegal to use fireworks in Massachusetts, but you can always watch the display over the Charles River to the tunes of the Boston Pops. If you're vacationing in a state where fireworks are legal, and you want to use them, then follow these safety tips:

Use fireworks outdoors, not indoors. Don't light them near dry grass.
Think ahead. When using fireworks, have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby. Before using fireworks, learn how to operate the fire extinguisher.
Don't wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
If your clothing catches fire, cover your face and stop, drop, and roll. Call 911 if a burn needs serious medical attention.
Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If one doesn't go off, don't examine it. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, stand back, extinguish it with water, and throw it away.
Read directions and warning labels on fireworks. If one doesn't include directions and a warning label, don't light it.

Safe, Savory Barbecues

Grilling burgers, hotdogs, and vegetables makes for savory summer fun. To keep your cookouts safe, follow these tips:

Prevent fires and explosions. Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the tubes where the air and gas mix are not blocked.
Don't overfill the propane tank. Overfilling can cause an explosion.
Clear 10 feet around the grill. Don't grill near trees or branches. Rake leaves, twigs, and anything else that may be flammable to make a clear area around the grill.
Grill outside. Grilling can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas, so never grill in enclosed areas.
Be careful with lighter fluid. Don't add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. This can cause an explosion.
Don't wear loose clothing while grilling.
If your clothing catches fire, cover your face and stop, drop, and roll. Call 911 if a burn needs serious medical attention.
Pour plenty of water over hot coals, and stir the coals to ensure the fire is out. Never place hot coals in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.

Gather Round the Campfire

Before singing “Kumbaya” and roasting marshmallows, read these guidelines for campfire safety:

Don't build campfires near flammable materials, such as dry grass and leaves. Build campfires where they will not spread.
Keep campfires small.
Never leave them unattended.
Keep a shovel and plenty of water around the campfire. When you are finished with the fire, douse it with water, stir it, and douse it again.

Text by Deborah Scott
http://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/hot-topic/summer-saftey.php

Play Safe! Be Safe Vermont workshop

Play Safe! Be Safe Vermont workshop

Time is running out to get your registration in for the free Play Safe! Be Safe Vermont workshop.

Play Safe! Be Safe! ® Is an award-winning fire safety education program created especially for children age’s three to five. It was developed by BIC Corporation in cooperation with educators and fire safety experts.

This free Vermont workshop is designed to give fire safety educators; preschool teachers, daycare providers and other community agencies concerned about child safety the tools they need to effectively teach fire safety to preschool children. The workshop will be presented by Dr. Robert Cole, Associate Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, President of Fireproof Children and nationally respected authority on fire safety education.

This 1 day workshop will be held on Aug 25th at the Holiday Inn on Williston Rd. So. Burlington.
Don't miss this opportunity to get free stuff for your program !

This is a free workshop however, pre- registration is required. Please return the attached form by Aug 22nd

GIVFD

Father Shares Story of Tragic Fire

The Starfish

Star Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner

9 firefighters killed in S.C. furniture store blaze

Mayor says ‘heroic and courageous’ people died in roof’s collapse

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19301684/?GT1=10056

2007 Letter Drive

Ice safety tips offered to winter sports enthusiasts

Ice safety tips offered to winter sports enthusiasts

By Tim SmalleyDNR boat & water safety specialist

Recommended minimum ice thickness

SAFETY TIPS FOR SNOWMOBILING

Fire Extinguisher Selection, Location and Use

Summer Safety Tips

Play Safe! Be Safe Vermont workshop

By Tim Smalley
DNR boat & water safety specialist