Cold Water Can Be Dangerous

Warm air doesn’t always mean warm water in lakes, streams or oceans. Fifty five degree water may not sound very cold, but it can be deadly. Plunging into cold water of any temperature becomes dangerous if you aren’t prepared for what the sudden exposure can do to your body and brain. Warm air temperatures can create a false sense of security for boaters and beach goers, so if you are planning to be on or near the water, arrive knowing the conditions and how to protect yourself. Cold water drains body heat up to four times faster than cold air. When your body hits cold water, “cold shock” can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. The sudden gasp and rapid breathing alone creates a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters. In rougher open water this danger increases. Unplanned immersion in cold water can be life-threatening for anyone without protection from the temperatures or a lifejacket to help you stay afloat. When Cold Shock and Hypothermia begin to impact your ability to think and act, lifejackets and floatation can create extra time for help to arrive or for you to get out of danger. Even the most experienced cold water surfers, swimmers or boaters know to prepare for the conditions.

Cold water risks include immersion into any body of cold water: oceans, lakes, rivers, streams or pools. In many places, parts of the year and bodies of water warm air temperatures may not coincide with safer, warm waters. Many areas of the country have warm days and yet the water stays cold. In the Pacific Northwest ocean temperatures may stay in the 60’s. Weather conditions along any large body of water can cause dramatic drops in water temperatures even in the middle of summer. In the waters around Annapolis, MD temperatures may only be above 60F for 5.5 months of the year. Cold Shock and the dangers of sudden cold water immersion can happen along almost any shore at any time of the year. Water activities that put people at risk include kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, and lake boating.

Risks that may cause immersion in cold water include:

• Turbulent water, waves and surf which can overturn watercraft or fill a boat with water.
• Falling off watercraft, docks, rocks or jetties.
• Falling through the ice.
• Sneaker waves that can pull beach walkers into the surf.
• Rising tides, rising rivers, tidal currents and rip currents.

Be Prepared

S.E. Thurston Fire Authority DNR CO-OP Position

Job Description: SETFA is seeking a summer seasonal employee to work on a WA DNR wildland engine. The position is a 40hr work week 0930-1800 for 5 consecutive days (days to be determined) and extended hours.

You are managed by the regional fire forester and the assigned engine leader. Your job will be very labor intensive at times and you may deploy throughout the region for weeks at a time during an assignment. This position will provide experience in the industry and have opportunity for further training. Employment period for this position is June 12th– September 15th but, as the season allows and the department’s needs, it may extend further (i.e. October).

Minimum requirements:
• Must be age 18 and possess a high school diploma or equivalent at the time of hire.

• Ability to pass physical fitness requirements

• Obtain upon hire or currently possess wildland FF2 (“Red Card”)

• Ability to deploy regionally on short notice and be away from home for 14 days or longer at a time.

• Certificate of completion for the ICS-100, 200 and IS-700 courses (due on or before the wildland FF2 training)

Compensation:
You will be paid $17.16/hour & ($19.16/while on a fire). And Overtime is paid at $25.74/hour & ($28.74/while on a fire). (Overtime is in hours excess of 40 hours per week). There are no medical benefits or PTO associated with this position. You will be paid on or around the 15th of each month.

Working Conditions:
Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion; working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods of time away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk and/or climb. A work capacity test or “pack” test that measures the physical fitness of candidates is administered as part of the selection process. Candidates are required to pass at the “arduous” level for a firefighter crew member or natural resource worker position. Below is a chart describing what the work of a wildland firefighter may include:

Time/Work Volume:
• long hours (minimum of 12 hour shifts or more)
• irregular hours
• shift work
• multiple and consecutive assignments
• pace of work typically set by emergency situations
• living out of a backpack for 2 or more weeks

Physical Requirements:
• using shovels, hoses, and other hand tools
• lifting and loading boxes and equipment
• driving/riding for long hours
• extensive walking, climbing, hiking, kneeling, stooping

Environment:
• very steep terrain rocky, loose, or muddy ground surfaces
• thick vegetation
• down/standing trees
• holes and drop offs
• very rough roads
• isolated/remote sites

Physical Exposures:
• light (bright sunshine, UV)
• burning materials
• extreme heat
• airborne particles
• smoke, fumes, gases
• falling rocks and trees
• allergens
• loud noises
• snakes, insects, poisonous plants
• trucks and other large equipment
• close quarters, same people, limited/disrupted sleep
• hunger, irregular meals, dehydration

Job training will be provided for all firefighter positions at DNR.

DNR provides fire crew members with required safety clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This clothing is expected to be worn during regular work hours and must be worn while firefighting. Crew members are required to wear lace-up boots with Vibram soles and constructed entirely of heavy leather that extends a minimum of 8 inches above the heel cup (inside of boot). DNR will provide up to $370 to purchase required boots.

To apply please write a letter of interest and include a resume for review and send to kcorey@setfa.org

Subject line DNR Co-op position. There will be a review of the applicants and an interview prior to the appointment to the position. (APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSES MARCH 20th, 2023 @ 1700)

Download Printable PDF here

How fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Please download the attached flyer to practice your escape plan.

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Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. As you stay cozy and warm this winter, be fire smart!

Click to download this informational flyer

Slow down. It is harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough, so you have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, often stop, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself, your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.

• Stay in your car, and don’t overexert yourself. 
• Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on. 
• Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

Stock Your Vehicle

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:

• a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper; 
• abrasive material (sand or kitty litter) in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow; 
• jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers); 
• blankets for protection from the cold; and 
• a cell phone and charger, water, food, and necessary medicine.

Gas Up or Plug It In

Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible. 

For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, decrease the drain on the battery. In general, lithium-ion batteries have reduced energy at lower temperatures.

Plan Your Route

Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you have to go out, ensure you are prepared if you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.

Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.

Did you Know?

Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.

It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. Please take a moment and read the following for safety tips!

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