Fire House Facts & Summer Safety Tips

05/31/2012 | Kayla Holiman, Fire Inspector

The Yuma Fire Department responded to 203 emergency calls for service:

• 9 Commercial Assignments
  Including: A storage container fire, smoke in a business from a malfunctioning air conditioner, paper too close to a stove that ignited at a restaurant, an unattended cooking fire at an apartment, a ventilation fan fire in the laundry room in an apartment, and various alarms
• 12 Motor Vehicle Crashes
  Including: 1 involving a pedestrian, a head on collision, a roll over, and 1 involving a building
• 157 Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor)
  Including: 10 for difficulty breathing, 7 for chest pain, 19 fall victims, 5 unconscious people, 5 seizure cases, 9 people with psychiatric problems, 27 trauma injuries, 6 diabetic emergencies, 1 poisoning, 3 strokes, 1 hyperthermia, 2 dehydrated people, a baby locked inside of a vehicle, and other illnesses and injuries
• 25 Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments
  Including: 2 calls for dogs locked inside of vehicles, a kitten stuck in the vent above a stove, a residential fire, a fire on the patio of a home due to children playing with fireworks, a garage fire, a brush fire, a fire in an alley, and various alarms

Summer Safety

YFD units responded to several cases of persons suffering from symptoms of heat related illnesses. It is summertime in Yuma and we all have to take precautions and be more aware. Even Yumans take some time to adjust to the constant 100 degree days and sustained heat in the evenings. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid heavily sugared, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages that can even add to dehydration.

Heat and physical activity require more fluids to be consumed and if you are feeling thirsty, you are already behind in your fluid intake. Warning signs of heat related illness can include; fatigue, nausea, headache, excessive thirst, excessive sweating, dizziness or weakness.

Our summer temperatures also place added strain on motor vehicles. Yuma residents are reminded to check hoses, fuel lines, and wiring for signs of wear and cracking. This is especially important if you plan to be traveling long distances and into remote areas. Make vehicle maintenance part of your summertime safety routine!

For More Information

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Mike Erfert or Kayla Holiman at 373-4850.