Around the House:

• Choose nontoxic products for your spring cleaning. For example, vinegar and water is an  inexpensive and effective window cleaning solution.
• Time to move the furniture? Place cribs, playpens and other furniture away from the window and accessible drapery cords. Children can climb up on furniture and fall out of the window or get strangled in the cords. 
• Make sure window guards/bars are secure, and know how to open the window in case of fire. Screens do no prevent window falls. 
• Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working. Change the batteries at least once every year. Most smoke alarms also need "spring cleaning" maintenance - check your manual.
• Develop and practice a family fire escape plan in case of emergency.
• Consider installing carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
• Post the Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) and your pediatrician's number on all phones. 

Garage:

• Discard toxic and flammable materials you no longer need. Place remaining materials high and out of reach. Keep toxic products in their original containers.
• Check the garage for flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint thinner, paint and cleaners. Make sure safety caps are in place and they are not near any heat sources. Keep only the amount you need to use - don't stock up on extra cans. 
• Tidy loose papers, old rags, and debris in the garage that could contribute to a fire.
• When washing the car, clean the car safety seat as well - sticky snacks, crumbs, and drinks can interfere with the crotch buckle and chest clip. Use the instructions to find out how to remove the cover and clean these parts. Take the time to weigh and measure your children to make sure they still fit in the seat. Check that the shoulder straps are the right height. Be sure the seat is installed securely. If unsure of your car seat installation, you can make an appointment with our Car Seat Safety inspectors, at 831-685-6690. We do car seat safety inspections on Wednesday afternoons, by appointment only.

Yard:

• Choose nontoxic fertilizers, insecticides and gardening supplies.
• Eliminate any standing water to prevent drowning (buckets, drums, baby pools). Remember that a young child can drown in only a few of inches of water.
• If you have a pool or spa, it should be enclosed by a four-sided fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Learn CPR and have a phone and emergency equipment poolside.
• Most yard cleanup tools (ladders, weed-eaters, pruning shears) are not safe for children. If your child wants to help in the yard, he or she should use tools designed for children, such as a small plastic rake, child's shovel, or broom.

New Board Member Appointed

The Aptos/La Selva Fire District welcomes our newest Board Director, Mr. Jim Abendschan.    Director Abendschan will be filling the vacancy left by Mr. Don Ramos, through the end of the term.  Director Abendschan holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from San Jose State and an MAM/BA from the University of Redlands.  He has many years of industrial experience, starting as a machinist (and member of the Machinist Union) while in college and working his way up to president and CEO of Spectra-Mat Inc. in Watsonville; he retired in May 2009.  In addition to his education and work experience, Director Abendschan has been on the board and president of the Los Barrancos Homeowners Association, a member of the SCORE advisory group “to promote the entrepreneur using the library system,” and a member of the Committee for Good School Governance (PVUSD). 

Director Abendschan will be sworn in at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Thursday, February 11th, at 7 PM. 

Captain Greg Hansen was presented with the 2009 Firefighter of the Year award, for his commitment to public service, and the heroic Kirkendall rescue earlier in the year.  The Kirkendall family, several department members, friends and family attended the meeting, as local VFW representative Terry Reeder (far right in photo below)  presented the award.