Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company

2 weeks ago

As we continue to experience some extreme winter weather, we thought this was an opportunity to remind everyone that heating, winter storms and candles may all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. Your Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue, in conjunction with the NFPA and the U.S. Fire Administration, want to help you reduce your risk to winter fires. Winter Fire Safety Tips Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.Supervise children whenever a wood or oil stove or other space heater is being used.Use a sturdy metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are more common than flame burns.All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.Never use your oven or stove for heating. Ovens and stoves are not designed to heat your home.Make sure fuel-burning equipment, like generators, are used outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Candle Safety If you are using candles to assist with heat ALWAYS use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.Only burn candles in a well-ventilated room.Keep candles away from drafts, vents, or air currents.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use. In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.Never leave a candle unattended.Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Monday, February 15, 2021, was the start of the Spring fire season in Virginia. The State Department of Forestry is predicting a slow start this year due to recent weather; however, that doesn't mean that leaves packed under the snow aren't a concern once everything begins to get dry and crispy.Along with the start of the fire season Virginia's annual 4pm law goes into effect on Monday, February 15th. This law prohibits burning any sort of outdoor fire before 4pm each day, if it's within 300 feet of flammable vegetation. Some local communities, or HOAs, may have additional rules or regulations related to outdoor burning. It is highly suggested that you check for any local restrictions also.If you are interested in hearing more about our community risk reduction (CRR) campaign and our efforts related to educating our community members on steps they can take to help mitigate Wildfire Urban Interface (WUI), please reach out to us at www.lowfr29.com to schedule further discussions with your local LOWVFR volunteers. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Winter Storm WarningURGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGENational Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC1024 AM EST Wed Feb 17 2021Rockingham-Page-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-1024 AM EST Wed Feb 17 2021...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHTTO 6 AM EST FRIDAY...* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Snow accumulation ranging from 2 to 4 inches across central Virginia to around 4 to 8 inches near the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Shenandoah Valley. Ice accumulation from freezing rain will range from around one to two tenths of an inch in the Shenandoah Valley to around one quarter of an inch in central Virginia.* WHERE...Portions of central, northern, northwest and western Virginia.* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 AM EST Friday. Snow will overspread the area between 3 and 5 AM. Snow will change to sleet and freezing rain by Thursday afternoon.* IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may be heavy at times, especially Thursday morning. Snowfall rates around one to two inches per hour are possible along with visibilities around one-quarter mile.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water inyour vehicle in case of an emergency.When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken onsteps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery,increasing your risk of a fall and injury. ... See MoreSee Less

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Virginia Department of Emergency Management Urges Generator and Portable Heater Safety During Ice Storm Power Outages

2 weeks ago

From our colleagues at VDEM, please make sure to review the safety information related to generators and portable heaters during extreme weather conditions. www.vaemergency.gov/virginia-department-of-emergency-management-urges-generator-and-portable-heat... ... See MoreSee Less

www.vaemergency.gov

February 16, 2021 by Webmaster RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is urging residents to take special precautions while using portable generators and heaters. Many across the commonwealth have experienced power outages due to the ice storm over the weekend and with mor...

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Lake of the Woods Volunteer Rescue Squad

2 weeks ago

Day 21 of 30 minorities/30 days. We're pleased to introduce another Germanna EMS adjunct faculty member today. At Germanna, we believe in having a diverse workforce and in doing our part to ensure the professions we support also have a diverse workforce. Please meet Christine Wagoner. She is a native of NH. She states she was "born and raised in the back yard of Dartmouth College & Medical School." After witnessing a fatal MVC at the age of 15 while on a school bus for a softball tournament, she felt compelled to go into EMS. Two weeks after her 16th birthday she successfully tested for EMT certification in February 1986, . She moved to Locust Grove in November 2011, with her husband and two children, Alexander and Reagan. Three short years later, in April 2014, she became a single Mom and Widow after the sudden death of her husband. Despite the challenges of being a grieving widow to grieving children, Christine continued volunteering at Lake of the Woods Volunteer Rescue Squad, where today, she is a Captain and the designated Infection Control Officer. Over the last 10 years, she has served LOW VRS in a variety of roles, including Assistant Chief, Training Officer, and Company Vice President. This month marks Captain Wagoner's 35th year in the EMS profession. Yet, she has also held a variety of positions in the public safety realm during her distinguished career, including: VT/NH medic for 24 years, NH Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team for 10 years, 5 years as a police officer, 6.5 years as an Officer of the Court / Bail Commissioner and 8 years as a 911 Communications officer; VAOEMS provider 7 years.Christine has successfully assisted her children through the loss of their beloved Dad: Alexander just graduated from College in December 2020; and Reagan, a HS Sophomore, is following in her Mom’s footsteps, having completed a first aid/CPR certification in March of 2020 and beginning the process of becoming a Jr. Trainee member of the LOWVRS in October 2020. She hopes to become an EMT ASAP!Christine states she has a "passion for teaching the next generation of public safety providers" and Germanna's EMS Program counts itself exceedingly fortunate to have her as part of our faculty. Christine, thank you for your incredible career in public safety; your example of resilience and strength in adversity is one we can all aspire to. Your ability and willingness to continue to take care of your community for decades is an inspiration. Those of us lucky enough to know you and work with you are fortunate indeed. Thank you for all you do. ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

This year February 7-13, 2021 is National Burn Awareness Week. This week is set aside as an opportunity for organizations, such as Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, to unite with other community risk reduction organizations in sharing common burn awareness and prevention messages in our community. Did you know?Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in our Nation where tragically, children, the elderly, and those with special needs are especially vulnerable to burn injuries, and almost one- third of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15.Annually, in the United States, 400,000+ people receive medical care for treatment of burn injuries. An estimated 376,950 scald burn injuries were seen in hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. between 2013 and 2017.Compared to the overall population, children under five were 2.0 times as likely to be seen for burn injuries at a hospital emergency department. Young adults from 20 to 29 had 1.4 times the risk, and those in the 30-39 age group had 1.3 times the risk of the general population.The primary causes of injury include fire-flame, scalds, contact with hot objects, electrical and chemicals. Most of the injuries occur in the home. Tips to Stay Safe:Use a thermometer to test the water coming out of your bath water tap.Run your hand through bath water to test for hot spots.Use back burners and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot pull them down.Use oven mitts when cooking or handling hot food and drinks.Stir and test food cooked in the microwave before serving. Open heated containers away from you from back to front.Keep children away from the stove when cooking by using a safety gate for younger children and marking with tape a 3-foot “no-kid zone” for older children.Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters and avoid using tablecloths and placemats.Use a “travel mug” with a ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

February is American Heart Month. Did you know that someone dies from a heart-related disease every 50 seconds? Helping to promote heart health in your community, before or after an incident, is #CRRinAction...be a part of the change! #OurHearts ... See MoreSee Less

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Yes, Shoveling Snow Can Actually Be Dangerous to Your Heart

1 month ago

For those with more than one medical condition, over the age of 55 or if you just needed an extra excuse to hire the neighborhood kids, here's an article from the Cleveland Clinic with some good tips for shoveling. ... See MoreSee Less

health.clevelandclinic.org

This simple burst of hard work can put some of us at risk for heart attack

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