All posts by WaMedia

Are you ready for the thunderstorms?

August 16, 2024 WaMedia

Heavy rain storms including lightning and thunder are rolling through Washington this weekend, and are expected to hit Thurston County. While rain is not uncommon here in Washington, lightning and thunder are less common, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the increased storm severity.

When thunder roars, go indoors.

While lightning and thunder may seem, well, electrifying and exciting, they bring new concerns with them. Stronger winds and lightning strikes can down anything from trees to power lines, bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and the ocean can become unexpectedly choppy and deadly, and traveling by road can become dangerous due to slippery conditions and darkness. It’s safest to just stay indoors.

Steer clear of metal objects.

While taking shelter in a building with metal sides or components, or even in a car, is generally considered safe, avoid touching any metal structures during a lightning storm. Lightning, being electricity, can strike and conduct through metal objects, and if you’re in contact with them when this happens you can receive harmful or deadly amounts of electricity in your body.

Watch weather alerts and warnings.

Keep a close eye on weather alerts and warnings, as storms may suddenly worsen or extend beyond the expected time. Remember, if at all possible, stay inside and do not travel during a thunder storm, as heavy rain, winds, and lightning can be incredibly dangerous to everyone outside, whether on the road or just near your home.

CLICK HERE to read an info sheet from ready.gov for more information on preparing for lightning and thunder storms.

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Summer Water Safety: Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Season

August 5, 2024 WaMedia

As summer rolls in and temperatures rise, water activities become a favorite pastime for many. Whether lounging by the pool, heading to the beach, or taking a dip in a lake, ensuring water safety is crucial to preventing accidents and enjoying the season to the fullest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to staying safe around water this summer.

Know Your Swimming Abilities

Before diving in:

Assess your swimming skills honestly.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow areas and stay within your depth.
Consider taking swimming lessons to improve your abilities.

For non-swimmers or those still learning, life jackets are a must for any water activity, including boating and kayaking.

2. Supervise and Be Supervised

Never swim alone. Having a buddy or being in a supervised area is essential, especially for children. Designate a responsible adult to monitor swimmers and avoid distractions like phones or reading materials. Children should always be within arm’s reach of an adult in the water, regardless of their swimming ability.

3. Understand Water Conditions

Different bodies of water come with their own set of risks. Always check weather conditions before heading out. Be aware of rip currents and adhere to any warnings or advisories for beaches. If you’re swimming in lakes or rivers, be cautious of currents, underwater obstacles, and sudden changes in depth.

4. Use Proper Safety Gear

Life jackets, floatation devices, and water safety equipment are vital for preventing accidents. Ensure that life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fit correctly. When appropriate, wear a helmet and other protective gear for activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. Wearing a life jacket in unfamiliar or challenging conditions is a wise choice, even for strong swimmers.

5. Practice Pool Safety

For those using private or public pools, follow these essential safety tips:

Supervision: Never leave children unattended near or in a pool.
Barriers: Ensure pools are surrounded by secure fencing with self-latching gates.
Rules: Follow all posted pool rules and regulations.
Rescue Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the location of life rings, reaching poles, and first aid kits.

6. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Knowing basic first aid and CPR can significantly impact an emergency. Enroll in courses offered by organizations like the Red Cross to learn these vital skills. Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency services and keep a first aid kit accessible near water.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents in or near water. To maintain full awareness and control, avoid consuming these substances before or during water activities.

8. Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen

Spending time in the sun can lead to dehydration and sunburn. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

9. Learn and Follow Local Guidelines

Each location may have specific safety guidelines based on local conditions. Pay attention to posted signs, and heed advice from lifeguards or local authorities. If you’re vacationing, research the area’s water safety recommendations beforehand.

10. Be Mindful of Wildlife

When swimming in natural bodies of water, be aware of local wildlife. Some areas may have dangerous creatures such as jellyfish, crocodiles, or aggressive fish. Understand the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.

Conclusion

Summer water activities can be a delightful and refreshing way to enjoy the season, but safety must always come first. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and focus on having fun. Remember, a little preparation and vigilance go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer around the water. Dive in responsibly and make the most of the sunny days ahead!

Recent News

Thurston County Burn Ban (2024) – July 13th through September 30th

July 24, 2024 WaMedia

Thurston County has implemented a burn ban starting July 5th, 2023. Read this announcement from Thurston County’s website to learn more:

OLYMPIA – The Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Thurston County Director of Emergency Services, Department of Natural Resources, and the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA), determined weather conditions within the county meet the fire danger level necessary to enact restrictions on outdoor burning to all lands regulated by Thurston County.

The Fire Safety Burn Ban applies to residential yard waste burning and all land clearing burns. The restrictions on outdoor burning during the summer have resulted in a significant drop in brush fires and property damage each of the past several years, according to fire officials.

“The fire safety burn ban is enacted when weather and fire fuel conditions reach a level of danger that may pose a threat to people and their property,” said Fire Marshal, Joshua Cummings. “The Department of Natural Resources has moved their fire risk on public lands in our region to ‘high’. This triggers the county’s process to enact the fire safety ban to minimize the threat of fires as much as possible through the restriction of residential and land clearing burns.”

At this time, recreational fires are allowed on private residential properties and in established fire rings within official county, state, and federal campgrounds. Recreational fires must be contained in approved concrete, stone, or metal pits like those commonly found in campgrounds. The use of charcoal briquettes, gas, and propane barbeques will continue to be allowed under the burn ban.

The Thurston County Outdoor Burn Ban is effective as of 12:01 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2024, and ending Monday, September 30, 2024. More information about burn bans is available at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners/burn-ban-information.

To stay up-to-date on the status of burn bans, please visit the ORCAA website at www.orcaa.org

Recent News

Trying to Survive the Heat? Follow These Tips!

July 16, 2024 WaMedia

We’ve been experiencing extreme heat in the last few weeks, and we’re not quite out of the woods yet! If you’re going to be out in the heat these following weeks, follow these tips to stay safe!

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.

Make sure you bring and drink lots of water, no matter where you’re going or how long you plan to be out. In heat like this, our bodies can get dehydrated much quicker and be at greater risk for heat-related illness. Drinking plenty of water can help keep you safe and healthy.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

When going outside, your choice in clothing can make a big difference in how well you weather the heat. Thick, tight fitting, or dark clothing affects how your body regulates heat and can even cause you to absorb more heat than normal. Loose fitting, lighter colored, and lightweight clothing absorbs less heat, allows your body to breathe better, and is overall less of a strain on you.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are dangerous heat-related illnesses that you should be aware of and on the lookout for. Heat cramps can come in the form of painful muscle cramps or spasms accompanied by sweating, heat exhaustion can come with heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, and heat stroke can cause seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, and other terrible conditions, and can be fatal. While this isn’t always the case, heat-related illnesses sometimes progress in that order, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, then heat stroke. Keep an eye out for symptoms in yourself and others, and be ready to get somewhere cool and drink lots of fluids if symptoms present themselves.

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Public Records Request

April 30, 2024 WaMedia

Click Here to Download Public Records Request Form

Recent News

Planning to Burn Yard Debris? Follow These Steps!

April 22, 2024 WaMedia

Sometimes during landscaping or yard clearing you end up with a large pile of branches, leaves, and other flammable debris. Many people choose to burn these piles, as it provides a relatively easy and efficient way of removing them, though this method also carries various risks with it. These tips will help you execute your residential or agricultural burning as safely as possible, and within the requirements of the law as well!

Before You Burn

Is what you’re burning legal? Certain materials are illegal to burn in this way. Some examples of illegal materials are: paper, cardboard, construction debris, treated wood, plastics, metal, and more. Check the Department of Ecology’s site HERE for a full list!
Do you need a burn permit? Most areas require that you acquire a burn permit prior to your burn. Check your local guidelines and get a burn permit before you start!
Are you allowed to burn? Different areas have different burn guidelines. For example, burning in many urban areas is not permitted, though some areas have exceptions. Check your local rules for burning prior to starting.
Check for burn bans. Always check your local burn ban status prior to burning. Starting a fire that goes against an active burn ban is a crime and can lead to significant fines.
Wet the surrounding area. It’s typically a good idea to wet the area surrounding the fire with a hose prior to burning to help prevent the fire from spreading.

Where and When to Burn?

Do not burn near structures or heavy vegetation. Never start a burn near your house, shed, vehicles, or any areas of heavy vegetation such as forest lines, bushes, etc. Large burns have increased risks of spreading, and can do so quickly, so ensure there isn’t anything nearby that can start a wildfire or structural fire.
Do not burn during a drought, heavy winds, or other weather hazards. Make sure the weather is right for your burn. Burning during an excessively dry period, during heavy wind, or other conditions can increase the risk of a wildfire.
Burn during the day and when you can keep an eye on the fire. When burning, it’s best to do so during the day so you can clearly see what is happening around your fire. Also, never leave the fire unattended, even for a moment. Unattended fires of any size can quickly get out of control, especially large burns.

What to do After Your Burn?

Ensure the fire is put out entirely. Spray the remnants with a garden hose or dump buckets of water on the pile to put the fire out, even if it seems to have burned itself out already. Wait a few minutes, then use a long branch or tool such as a rake to spread the remaining branches or debris out into a flat area, then douse it again. Keep an eye on the burn area for a while longer to make sure it doesn’t start to smoke or burn again, and check it for burning coals or wood.
Clear the burn area. Shortly after the burn or the following day, go spread the burn pile a bit more and check again for signs of fire. If you’re moving the ashes and debris somewhere else, ensure there are not hot pieces before grabbing them or putting them into a container. Do not use anything plastic or flammable to contain the remnants, if possible use metal trashcans or similar fire resistant containers.

Recent News

Warm Air = Warm Water? Not Quite!

April 11, 2024 WaMedia

As Spring continues to bring us good weather and Summer is on the horizon, many people are heading out to bodies of water for a chance to swim again! Water sports and activities can be a ton of fun, but it’s important to remember that they can also be very dangerous, and often for reasons we wouldn’t even consider. One big one around this time of year is temperature.

While the air around us is warming up and becoming more comfortable, the water below can still be incredibly cold. In face, even water that doesn’t feel very cold can be dangerous, as once you submerge you realize how drastic the temperature difference is! Even water as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous, as the chill you get when submerging can cause cold shock and affect your breathing. The colder a body of water gets from there, the more dangerous it is.

When you’re considering swimming in a body of water, always check the temperature before getting in. If you have a way to accurately check the temperature, do that focused at least a couple of feet down and assess whether or not it’s safe to jump in. If you don’t have a way to read the temperature of the water, then carefully gauge the temperature by partially submerging your hand or foot into the water. If it feels comfortable, then you can proceed with putting your arm in up past your elbow or your leg up past your knee to get a more accurate idea of the water temperature. If at any point you find the water chilling, it’s best not to jump in! If after carefully assessing the temperature you determine it’s suitable for swimming, start shallow if at all possible and ease your way into the water. It’s better to be close to shore or boats in case an emergency occurs, such as sudden difficulty breathing or reduced movement.

In most cases, you’ll know if the water is too cold to swim in simply by testing it yourself, but it’s better to always be cautious. It’s better to not swim at all if it means nobody gets hurt!

Planning to Fire up your Grill? Follow These Safety Tips!

April 4, 2024 WaMedia

With the wonderful Spring weather we’ve been having (in between the rain, that is!) many people are starting to fire up their grills for the first time this year. Barbecues and outdoor parties are fun ways to interact with friends and family while soaking in the sun and fresh air. There are, however, some safety risks when operating a grill that sometimes are ignored and can cause serious injury or increase the risk of property fires. These grill safety tips can help you reduce the risk of fire and injury so your parties can stay fun and safe!

Turn the Gas Off After Cooking

If your grill is gas powered, make sure to only turn the gas on while cooking and that you turn it off immediately after you’re done. Even grills with adjustment knobs on them can (and often do) slowly leak gas, which not only causes you to spend more money replacing the gas tank more frequently, but also increases the risk of fire and injury. Leaking gas can flare up with the slightest spark, so always make sure to shut the gas off at the tank and keep it away from sources of fire.

Stay a Safe Distance Away from Structures

When grilling, always make sure you do it outside and a safe distance away from any structures. Houses, sheds, porches, etc can quickly catch fire if the grill has an issue, and simply staying 10 or more feet away from these structures significantly reduces the risk of a fire. Even if you store your grill right up on your porch or near the house, pull it out when using it for the best safety.

Clean Your Grill Regularly

This may not seem like a safety tip, but a dirty grill can definitely contribute to a higher risk of fire. Extremely dirty grills can have residue and material that, once exposed to enough flame, can catch on fire and be difficult to put out. Dirty grills can also cause clogs and flow issues for the fuel or gas, which can lead to other issues, and in the case of gas can lead to a buildup that can rapidly ignite once released.

Keep Children and Pets Away From the Grill While in Use

Grills, obviously, get very hot while operating. Children and pets can unknowingly come into contact with the hot grill, causing severe burns. In addition, children and pets can sometimes knock or pull a grill over, which can cause serious injuries to them and anyone else nearby, as well as potentially starting a fire. For their safety and yours, keep children and pets away from the grill as much as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Shut it Down

If your grill starts to flare up uncontrollably, you have to step away for a bit, or you notice a safety issue, don’t be afraid to shut the grill down for a bit. Trying to salvage the food when the cooktop is on fire only increases the risk of injury and structure fires, so if things get out of hand, shut off the gas at the tank, put out the charcoal, or unplug the grill if it’s not gas or charcoal powered. You can always cook more food, you can’t un-burn someone’s arm or home.

Grilling is a great way to get a new style of food during the warmer seasons, and we love it, too! Just stay safe while cooking out there, trust us, grill fires aren’t fun.

Recent News

Spring Cleaning! Should you Replace your Fire Extinguisher?

April 2, 2024 WaMedia

Engineer inspection Fire extinguisher and fire hose.

Fire extinguishers are essential pieces of safety equipment, and having one (or more!) around can greatly reduce your risk of a house fire. However, fire extinguishers can expire, and many people forget to check their extinguishers regularly to make sure they’re still functional and not expired. It’s a good idea to stay up on this, and there’s no easier time to check than while doing your Spring cleaning!

If you find your fire extinguisher is expired and does need replaced, we suggest getting a new one as soon as possible. You should also make sure the type of fire extinguisher you have is proper for the potential types of fire you may experience, as different types of fire extinguishers work best on different types of fires. You can follow this hand guide to see what type you should get!

Did you know:

There are 5 primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on most types of home fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified for use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended to select the largest fire extinguisher that a user can safely and comfortably operate.
How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.

Recent News

Remember to CALL Before You DIG! – 811

March 29, 2024 WaMedia

Now that Spring is in full swing (and Summer is visible on the distant horizon), many people may be planning or starting some pretty big projects outside, such as landscaping, construction, and more. While these projects can be exciting, there is one major step that you shouldn’t overlook: Calling Before You Dig!

The Washington State Dig Law requires individuals that are planning to dig for projects to call 811 or visit the Dig Safe WA website to get a free utility survey done to ensure you don’t hit any utility lines, such as internet, sewer, water, etc. while digging. Even for small projects, you should always call before you dig. Hitting a utility line can have moderate to severe risks depending on the utility, ranging from taking out internet for a few houses to hitting a gas line and causing a major safety hazard.

This rule especially applies to excavators and large projects, such as construction that requires digging, though everyone should make use of this free resource. Homeowners simply planting flowers or doing other jobs requiring less than 12 inches of digging are not required to call or submit a ticket, though any project larger than that must call by law. Given that the service is free and the utility companies conduct the survey themselves, there is no downside to calling or submitting a ticket online to ensure your safety!

A ticket must be submit either over the phone or online between 2 and 10 days before the expected digging date, weekends and holidays excluded. Submitting a ticket is quick and easy!

You can learn more about the Washington State Dig Law by clicking HERE!

Or click HERE to visit the Dig Safe WA Website and learn more about the process or submit a ticket!

MONTH	FIRE/EMS CALLS
JANUARY	329
FEBRUARY	298
MARCH	361
APRIL	316