Important Public Alerts
SOUTH WHIDBEY FIRE AND RESCUE URGES YOU TO
"ICE" YOUR PHONE
South Whidbey Fire and Rescue is giving away red, all-weather "ICE" stickers to put on cell phones to help alert emergency personnel. For free stickers stop by the main fire station office at 5535 Cameron Road in Freeland. To learn more call (360) 321-1533.Why ICE your cell phone?
Just about everyone carries a cell phone. Sometimes, especially with teenagers, it may be their only form of identification. Yet, if you were in an emergency would a stranger know which number to call to alert loved ones?Members of South Whidbey Fire and Rescue are urging residents to put the acronym ICE "In Case of Emergency" into their cell phones.
It's easy to ICE your phone.
Program the letters before any of the names that first responders should notify in case of emergency such as "ICE Dad" or "ICE Joan." You may wish to put them in order of who to contact first such as "ICE 1" or "ICE 2.""ICE" names and numbers should be those who know your medical history. Be sure to alert them they've been given "ICE" status. Remember there are no guarantees anyone will be able to call your phone, plus many phones are locked or could be damaged.
How did the ICE campaign get started?
The global campaign was actually started by a paramedic in 2005 in Great Britain after a bombing emergency. South Whidbey Fire and Rescue volunteers are spreading the word locally now in hopes it gains popularity.There is no guarantee in an emergency situation that anyone, not even our highly- trained volunteers, will be able to call your cell phone. However, we encourage people to take steps to better prepare themselves for emergencies. Who knows? "ICE" could reunite loved ones, ease anxiety during a stressful event, or even help to save a life.
For more information, click to download:
ICE Flyer
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FOURTH-OF-JULY Information:Island County, as in the past, Only "Safe" Fire Works Are Legal.
This means "No Projectile" Fire Works Are Permitted in Island County.
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (Under State Law)
- Firecrackers
- ALL bottle rockets
- Missile type rockets with fins
- Fireworks with sticks or fins
- M-80s
- M-100s
- Cherry Bombs
- Tennis balls
- Pipe bombs
- "Special Fireworks" (tampered, altered or homemade)
- Some Silver Salutes (amt. of pyrotechnic composition >50mg)
- All other larger and more dangerous explosives
- What if I buy my fireworks in another city or on a Reservation?
- If you purchase illegal fireworks and bring them to South Whidbey you risk being fined and having them confiscated because they are not legal here.
FIREWORKS AND SAFETY
There is much that can be done to protect children and the public from fireworks injuries according to State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick "First set family rules. Only adults should light fireworks. Second, fireworks should not be available to tempt young children, and should be stored in a secured location to prohibit their access. Third, check for additional restrictions in your area. Most importantly, talk about safety. Summer weather conditions make grass and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire. Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks."Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety. Teach your family about the following three Bs:
BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS - "Be Prepared!"
Purchase only legal fireworks available at licensed stands. Purchase only the quantity that you will use. Ensure the safety of pets. Keep a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks. Have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks. Clear a level area away from things that can burn. Know the emergency number to call for your area, your address/location, and basic first aid. Teach your children to "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes catch on fire.
WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS - "Be Safe!"
Only adults should light fireworks. Use eye protection, such as safety goggles. Light one at a time and move away quickly. Keep spectators at a safe distance. Use only outdoors, away from anything that can burn. To prevent injuries, follow the directions on the label carefully. Be considerate of your neighbors, family, pets and the environment.
WHEN FINISHED - "Be Responsible!" Clean up all debris when finished. Duds can be dangerous; if a fireworks item does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water. Make sure unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of sight and reach of children.
Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms. Please, "Be Prepared", "Be Safe", and "Be Responsible" when using fireworks. To learn about a community fireworks display near you click to download:
Annual Public Firework Displays and Events provided by the Washington State Patrol.
- Don't forget your pets!
- The noises and commotion of the 4th of July can be very stressful on your animals. Keep them indoors and away from fireworks. Make sure they always have plenty of fresh water and never leave them in a hot car.
Fireworks and SafetyProvided by the Washington State Patrol
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Have you been injured by a firework?
Fireworks Injury/Fire Report, Device RecognitionProvided by the Washington State Patrol
Smoke Alarms - What You Need to Know
