Service Pins/Promotions for July 2010
Following the retirement of Division Chief Richard Rubin, Captain Todd Skrabak was chosen for promotion, and has started his new position as Division Chief, in charge of Training. Division Chief Skrabak was awarded his DC badge at the July 8th Board Meeting, as well as a service pin marking his 20 years with the district. During this same meeting, several other service pins were awarded: 25-year pins for Division Chief Jeff Terpstra, Captain Ed Sims, Captain Jeremy Gilbert, and a 20-year pin to Captain Todd Korver. Congratulations to all these employees, for their continued dedication and service to the people of Aptos and La Selva Beach!
Fire Safe Council Offers Free Info for Homeowners
Formed in response to the devastating fires of 2008 in Santa Cruz County, the Soquel FireSafe Council is a partnership of concerned residents and local agencies with a mission to mobilize homeowners and residents in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Soquel and its surrounding communities (including Aptos and La Selva Beach), to help protect their homes and communities from wildfires.
The Soquel Fire Safe Council (of which both Central FPD and Aptos/La Selva FPD are participants) is an excellent source of information for those looking to keep their homes safe in the event of a wildfire. Videos, photos, music, brochures, a safety quiz and more are available at their website at http://www.soquelfiresafe.org/resources.php.
Summer Safety Tips – Beat the Heat!
As summer heats up in July and August, it's important to be aware of the effects of heat on your health (avoiding health hazards like heat stroke, heat exhaustion or sunburn). For those hotter days ahead, keep the following summer safety tips in mind:
- Drink plenty of water before and during any hard or strenuous work and/or recreational activity in the heat. You’ll need to drink more water than your thirst indicates. Take frequent small drinks, which are more effective than gulping down large amounts at once.
- Whenever possible, schedule heavier work/play for cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Minimize your exposure when the sun’s rays are the strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Never leave children or pets alone in the car during summer days – even for a few minutes, with the windows rolled down. A stopped car can heat up quickly on sunny days, even when it seems cooler outside.
- Use UV protective sunscreens with a protection factor of at least 15 whenever you are in the sun for long periods. Even on cloudier days, UV rays can get through. Wide brimmed hats and wrap-around sunglasses are also helpful protection from the sun. Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether.