Fire Season is Ahead

Kiwanis members learned about fire safety at a recent meeting of the club. Three members of Kern County Fire Department spoke about fire prevention programs and precautions that should be taken to be fire safe. Engineer Aaron Davis was the main spokesman with additional help from Captain Trevor Baldwin and Firefighter Mike Sanchez.

An interesting program in Kern County is called ReadyKern. It is a telephone notification system that will deliver public safety messages to you at any phone number or email account you choose. This will allow you to receive important safety information if an emergency situation arises. Anyone may sign up online at http://www.ReadyKern.com for this service or contact the Kern County Information and Referral Services hotline at 211 for assistance.

Engineer Davis explained another program called Vial of Life. It was a small container that held information for the homeowner, but more importantly, there was a form to list medications and emergency contacts. This information is placed in the vial and kept in the refrigerator. A decal which is put on the front door alerts firemen to find the vial if anyone in the home is in need of assistance. These vials are available at any fire station as well as other information about safety.

Captain Baldwin spoke about the deadline for property clearance which is June 15. There must be a 100 foot clearance around all structures so there is no combustible fuel in that area. Those not complying with the deadline are subject to being fined.

The fire station at 800 S. Curry invites the public to come by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pick up the Vials for Life or ask questions about anything related to fire safety.

Kiwanis meets for lunch each Wednesday at noon at Pacino's. After a short business meeting there is always an interesting program. Guests and prospective members are welcome at any meeting.