visit us - Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department

Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department
Summer 2013
Firework Safety
Fireworks
during the
Fourth of
July are as
American
as apple-pie, but did you know
that more than twice the number of fires are reported on that
day than on any other day of
the year in the United States?
Two out of five of these fires
are caused by fireworks. The
good news is you can enjoy
your holiday and the fireworks,
with just a few simple safety
tips:
Proceed With Caution!!
 Leave fireworks to the
professionals. Do not use
consumer fireworks.
 The safest way to enjoy
fireworks is to attend a
public display conducted
by trained professionals.
 After the firework display,
children should never pick
up fireworks that may be
left over, they may still be
active.
Consumer fireworks include
sparklers and firecrackers. The
tip of a sparkler burns at a
temperature of more than
1,200 degrees Fahrenheit,
which is hot enough to cause
third-degree burns.
FACTS:
 Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most
often children and teens,
are injured while using
consumer fireworks.
 More than half of the injuries are burns. Burns are
the most common injury to
all parts of the body except the eyes, where contusions, lacerations, and
foreign bodies in the eye
occur more frequently.
 The parts of the body most
often injured are hands
and fingers, legs, eyes and
head, face, and ears.
 The risk of fireworks injury
is highest for children ages
5–14.
 More than 80% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks consumers are permitted to
use.
The best way to protect your
family is not to use any fireworks at home - period. Attend
public fireworks displays and
leave the lighting to the professionals
—National Fire Protection Association
From The Chiefs Desk
Bexar-Bulverde
Volunteer
Fire Department
Station One:
1126 E. Borgfeld
San Antonio, TX
78260
(830) 980-4733
Station Two:
23103 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, TX
78259
(210) 272-0353
www.bexarbulverdevfd.org
Released July 1st, 2013
This year is
already half
over
and
things are
moving right
along with
the fire department.
We received
our
new
Squad 103 and placed it into
service. This vehicle will provide enhanced response capabilities and increased safety for
the first responders. We have
ordered our second vehicle
that will be identical to Squad
103 and will be stationed at
station 2 on Bulverde Road.
We have completed our first
volunteer firefighter academy
that graduated seven new firefighters. A second academy
started in May and has 17 students that will graduate in August.
These volunteer fire-
VISIT US:
fighting academies are one of
the many ways the fire department ensures that we provide
trained and certified personnel
to the community.
We are currently in the budget
process for 2014 and there are
a lot identified needs for the
next year. I have asked for one
more firefighter at each station
next year which will bring us to
three firefighters per shift. I
requested funding for a new
fire station that would be located on Canyon Golf Road. This
new station will enhance our
response capabilities to the
Terra Bella subdivision and to
Timberwood Park. It will also
solve our space issues with our
original station on Borgfeld Rd.
I have submitted the proposed
department budget to our fire
department board of directors
and on July 9th it will be presented to the Emergency Ser-
vices District #3 Commissioners for approval. If you would
like to attend the meeting that
the budget will be discussed, I
would encourage you to attend.
The meeting will start at
6:30pm at Station 2 (23103
Bulverde Road).
Our firefighters will be attending the Texas A&M Fire School
in July. This training will provide advanced level training to
our members that is not available in the San Antonio area.
We will provide updates on our
website and facebook page
about the type of training and
pictures.
Lastly, we are always looking
for volunteers! I need volunteers to help with administration, fund raising and special
events. Please contact us if
you would like to help.
—Chief Paul Tarter
Summer 2013
Page 2
Fire News
Summertime Safety Tips
DO NOT use or store
barbeques on a balcony
Summer has hit the Alamo City
with triple digit heat upon us.
Take some steps to keep you
and your family SAFE!
 Keep hydrated! Drink water every half hour, even if
you don't feel thirsty. Limit
caffeine, alcohol, & sugary
drinks.
 Wear light colored, loose
fitting clothing.
 Avoid sudden changes in
temperature (for instance,
air out your vehicle before
entering).



NEVER leave a child or a
pet unattended in a vehicle, even if for a short
period of time.
Try to stay in the shade
between noon and 4pm as
much as possible. If you
must be in the sun, take
frequent breaks to cool
off.
If the temperature is very
high, reduce your outdoor
activities to fifteen
minutes at a time.

Know the symptoms of
heat related injury which
may include headache,
dizziness, nausea, or pale
skin.
If you recognize any of these
symptoms in somebody, immediately move them to a cooler
environment. Spray or sponge
cool water onto their skin. If
attempts to relieve symptoms
fail or if vomiting and the appearance of sleepiness occur,
call 911 for emergency medical
assistance.
Barbeque Grills—Do Not Use or Store on Balconies
Year to Date
Run Report
 Total
Responses 722
 Dispatch to
enroute avg
time - 1.44
min
 Dispatch to
onscene avg
time time 7.45 min
Every Summer, barbecue grills re-appear on the balconies and patios of single- and multi-family
dwellings for another season of outdoor cooking; however, the use and storage of solid fuel or propane
cooking equipment on patios and balconies has resulted in a number of fires, deaths, and property damage in the state of Texas. In Unincorporated Bexar County, there are two specific regulations that deal
with the use and storage of barbecue grills in the Bexar County Rules for the Enforcement of the Internal
Fire Code.
Specifically, Section 308.1.4.1 indicates that these devises may not be used within 10 feet of any
combustible surface, such as deck, porch, balcony, wall, or veranda; or beneath any balcony, porch, roof
overhang, deck, or veranda. Additionally, Section 603.4.2.1.1 of the 2009 International Fire Code indicates that these devises may not be stored or used inside any occupancy when connected to the fuel
gas container; inside tents, canopies, and membrane structure; or on exterior balconies.
Because of the number of incidents and citizens’ complaints that have been received, the Bexar
County Fire Marshal’s Office will start active enforcement of the law by issuing citations for violations of
the fire code when a Deputy Fire Marshal observes a barbecue grill either stored or in use on or under a
balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
Statistics:
• 2006-2008, US Fire Departments responded to an average of
5,700 home* fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year.
These fires resulted in an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 100
reported civilian injuries, and $37 million in direct property damage.
• Thirty-two percent (32%) of grill fires on residential
properties start on patios, terraces, screened-in porches,
or courtyards, while and additional twenty-four percent
(24%) start on exterior balconies and unenclosed porches.
*Homes include one- or two-family homes, apartments, town houses, row houses, and
manufactured housing
Grills, hibachis, barbecues, and open flames in general on residential properties continue to be a
high fire risk and, on average, result in more injuries and slightly higher dollar losses when compared to
all other fires. As a result, it is critical that each household diligently practice fire safety when cooking on
one of these pieces of equipment. Practicing fire safety and adhering to local regulations can prevent
these fires and their resultant injuries, deaths, and property loss.
—Bexar County Fire Marshalls Office
Summer 2013
Fire News
Page 3
Swimming Pool Safety
What is the best way to keep my child safe around swimming pools?
An adult should actively watch children at all times while they are in a pool. For infants and toddlers, an
adult should be in the water and within arm’s reach, providing “touch supervision.” For older children,
an adult should be paying constant attention and free from distractions, like talking on the phone, socializing, tending household chores, or drinking alcohol. The supervising adult must know how to swim.
Pool Rules
If you have a pool, insist that the following rules are followed:
Swimming Pool Safety






Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use.
Empty blow-up pools after each use.
No tricycles or other riding toys at poolside.
No electrical appliances near the pool.
No diving in a pool that is not deep enough.
No running on the pool deck.
Pool Fences
“Children can climb
out
a
though
window,
a
doggy
door, or sneak out
a door to get to the
back yard and the
pool.
To
prevent
small children from
entering the pool
area on their own,
there should be a
fence
that
c o m p l e t e l y
surrounds the pool
or spa.”
Children can climb out a window, though a doggy door, or sneak out a door to get to the back yard and
the pool. To prevent small children from entering the pool area on their own, there should be a fence
that completely surrounds the pool or spa. Combined with the watchful eyes of an adult, a fence is the
best way to protect your child and other children who may visit or live nearby.
Pool fences should also:

Be climb-resistant and should not have anything alongside it (such as lawn furniture) that can be
used to climb it.


Be at least 4 feet high and have no footholds or handholds that could help a child climb it.
Have no more than 4 inches between vertical slats. Chain-link fences are very easy to climb and
are not recommended as pool fences. If they must be used, the diamond shape should not be bigger
than 1¾ inches.

Have a gate that is well maintained and is self-closing and self-latching. It should only open away
from the pool. The latches should be higher than a child can reach – 54 inches from the bottom of the
gate.
Swimming Lessons
Children need to learn to swim. The AAP supports swimming lessons for most children 4 years and
older. Because of recent research, the AAP no longer advises against swimming lessons for children 1
to 4 years of age. Keep in mind that because children develop at different rates, each child will be
ready to swim at his own rate. Other factors parents may consider before starting swimming lessons for
younger children include frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, and
health concerns related to swimming pools (i.e., swallowing water, infections, pool chemicals).
Diving
Serious spinal cord injuries, permanent brain damage, and death can occur to swimmers who dive into
shallow water or spring upward on the diving board and hit it on the way down.
Keep safe by following these simple common-sense diving rules.





Check how deep the water is. Enter the water feet first, especially when going in for the first time.
Never dive into above-ground pools; they are usually not deep enough.
Never dive into the shallow end of a pool.
Never dive through inner tubes or other pool toys.
Learn how to dive properly by taking classes.
—A Parent's Guide to Water Safety (Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Summer 2013
Page 4
Fire News
Reflective Address Signs
According to the National Emergency Numbering Association (www.nena.org) homeowners should “post
your address clearly and prominently At your entrance and on your home. Posting your 9-1-1 address at
the driveway entrance and on your home will alleviate any confusion as to whether emergency responders have the correct location. Try using something reflective or illuminated so that it can be seen in the
evening as well as during the day. Do not assume since your mailbox is marked you have posted your
address – mailboxes are not always at the entrance of a driveway and usually are not marked clearly on
both sides. And always report missing street signs when noted – these not only help others find your
home, but are essential to emergency response personnel.”
Sample Reflective
Address Signs
If a person is
struck
by
lightning, call 9-11 and get medical
care immediately.
Lightning strike
victims carry no
electrical charge;
attend to them
immediately.
Check
their
b r e at h i ng ,
heartbeat,
and
pulse. CPR may
be needed.
Time is our enemy. In an emergency, locating the caller’s address as soon as possible is the first step in
saving lives and property. To help combat this problem, the Bexar-Bulverde VFD is going to be offering
6” x 18” reflective address number signs. All signs are 100% US Aluminum and are laminated with
Avery Reflective Vinyl. Standard colors are Green and Blue with White numbers. These signs will be
available for $15 and members of the fire department will be made available to help with installation.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
Lightning Safety
Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time. But did you know that lightning strikes and lightning
fires occur most often in the summer? Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when it does
strike.
Outdoor Safety
If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home,
large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away. Do not go under tall trees for shelter. There is no
place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before
leaving your shelter.
Stay away from windows and doors.
If you are in or on open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.
If you feel your hair stand on end, that means lightning is about to strike, squat low to the ground on the
balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself
the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground.
This is a last resort when a building or hard-topped vehicle is not available.
If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 and get medical care immediately. Lightning strike victims
carry no electrical charge; attend to them immediately. Check their breathing, heartbeat, and pulse.
CPR may be needed.
Indoor Safety
Unplug appliances and other electrical items, like computers, and turn off air conditioners. If you are
unable to unplug them, turn them off.
Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with
electricity or plumbing.
Member Spotlight
Giovanni Sanchez
Avoid washing your hands, bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes.
—National Fire Protection Association
Bexar-Bulverde Member Spotlight
Giovanni Sanchez has been a
member of the Bexar-Bulverde
VFD since November 2009.
Starting out as a yellow shirt with
no prior fire training, Gio has
quickly risen up through the
ranks and is currently a Lieutenant/Safety Officer with the department. Gio was born in Jalis-
co, Mexico and moved to the
states in 1991. Married to the
beautiful April Sanchez, Gio is the
proud father of 2 year old Gianna, and two wonderful step kids
named Alyssiana and Devin.
When Gio isn’t pulling shifts at
the fire station, he works at Cude
Engineers as the Operation Coor-
dinator. Some of his favorite
activities include playing Soccer
at Star Soccer Complex, eating
at Tink-A-Taco, and of course
helping out the community with
the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer
Fire Department.
Summer 2013
Gallery
Page 5
Primrose Elementary Spring Fling
Congratulations to Graduating Class 001A
Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer
Fire Department
Station One:
1126 E. Borgfeld Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78260
(830) 980-4733
Station Two:
23103 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, TX 78259
(210) 272-0353
The Mission of the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer
Fire Department is to provide fire suppression
and prevention with rescue and emergency
medical first-responder services thru
courteous, caring, and prompt customer
service to protect lives and preserve property,
while promoting community awareness and
involvement.
Visit us on the Web!!
www.bexarbulverdevfd.org
To subscribe to this newsletter, please visit our
website and click on the community portal tab
How it all got started
The Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer
Fire Department was established in 1966. The Department’s response area was to
cover from the US HWY 1604
& US 281 N interchange
north to US HWY 46 in Comal
County, going from Blanco
Road east to Farm Road
3009 in Comal County and
along the Bexar County Line.
The department encompassed approximately 300 sq
miles of Northern Bexar
County and Southern Comal
County. The original station
was built in 1970 at 1126
East Borgfeld where it still
stands today. In 1986, the
department was split into two
separate departments to
establish tax funds more
Department Vision
effectively between the two
counties for the one department. At that time, the station in Bexar County became
the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer
Fire Department and the two
stations in Comal County
became the Bulverde Area
Volunteer Fire Department.
The current response area for
the Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department is approximately 47
square miles of northern
Bexar County.
To be recognized by the community and our peers as:
1.
A model of excellence in providing fire protection, emergency first-responder medical services, and related services
2.
A department dedicated to continuous improvement, to
every detail, of the services we provide
3.
A department that promotes an environment of tolerance,
trust, and involvement
4.
A department responsive to the community's needs and
concerns
Department Values
The core value of the Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department is the belief that out people are our most important
asset. Those values include:
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Professionalism
Integrity
Compassion
Concern
Tradition
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Pride
Commitment
Camaraderie
Caring