THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s 75th Anniversary History BookBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2015. To celebrate this achievement, a 75th History Book is also being published. The text and photos have currently been set off to the publisher for final layout. Orders are being taken up to Sept. 30, which is when the book goes to print. Delivery will be in time for Christmas.

Order forms can be picked up at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station One at 10544 Main St. in Roscoe and can be found on the department’s website www.harlemroscoefire.com. You can also order direct from the publisher at www.mtpublishing.com (search harlem-roscoe to find it.)

The history book tells the 75 year history of the fire district through the memories and stories of the firefighters that lived it. The 104 page book will have 300 photos with two-thirds of the book in color. Some of the photos are from trainings, fire prevention activities, PR activities, past fire chiefs, etc., as well as action shots throughout the years. It also includes photos of the fire trucks through the years as well as many anecdotes about the trucks from the firefighters that drove them.

There will also be a list of all known Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters in the book. If you’re a former firefighter, there is still time to make sure your name is on the list or if you have any questions, email Sheryl Drost at hrfdsdrost@gmail.com.

It was a joy reminiscing with current and former firefighters and it is an honor to be able to tell the history of the fire district through their words and memories. I have many favorite firefighter anecdotes in the book, but here are a couple humorous ones.

The first story was from Retired Chief Jack Brown. “Getting stuff in your eyes and breathing smoke was rough, so getting air masks, even the first crude ones, helped. The part you breathed through had a charcoal filter on the bottom and we only had two or three of them, so not everyone got one. I remember sending Firefighter Harry Schoonover into the fire with one of the first face masks and Harry kept coming right back out. We would send him back in wondering what was going on. Well, after a second time he came right back out, we figured out we had forgotten to pull the tape off the bottom of the canister so Harry could breathe!”

Another story is from former Assistant Chief Donny Ball, “He also revealed his funniest call that was terrifying at the time. He was driving the pumper down the frontage road on the way to a fire at the trailer park south of town and it was snowing. The roads had not been plowed and he hit a slick spot. The truck literally spun so that the rear end of the truck with the firefighters hanging on was now leading. He could no longer see where they were going, but boy, the two firefighters riding the tail board sure could.

Don’t miss out, order you copy today..

A few photos from the book:

Left, Firefighter Dale Selsor’s son Dennis wearing his gear and standing in front of “Betsy”.

Below top, An accident scene where firefighters use air bags to extricate the driver of a semi truck hauling cans of Hormel Chili.

Below middle, Firefighters perform hose training during a live burn in the 1970s.

Below bottom, 2010 House fire on Stamford Lane.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

September 2014 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl

From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

This past month the firefighters responded to 208 calls. We were also visited by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) to conduct a survey of the fire department.

During a fire department survey, an ISO Field Representative interviews the Fire Chief and

visits the fire stations and other facilities, such as training grounds. They review the fire station locations, apparatus (and equipment carried), engine and hose tests, aerial and ground ladder tests, and training records. The ISO collects information on fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States.

In each of those communities, they analyzes the relevant data using their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. By classifying the fire districts ability to suppress fires, the ISO helps the fire districts evaluate their fire protection services. The program provides an objective, country-wide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training.

Our goal and objective is to improve our rating, which in turn, will lower your homeowner insurance premiums along with assisting in our future strategic planning. It will take four to six months for us to get the results.

The month of September is a month full of training and community events for our men and women! Occasionally, we acquire a structure that we can hold valuable training sessions in for our firefighters. Last month after numerous trainings, we burned a home on Main Street. We also have acquired a structure on Rockton Road that we will use for live training evolutions. This type of opportunity is far and few between so when we get them, we try to maximize the amount of training we can get. The month will wrap up with our annual “Crunch Time Symposium”. This full two-day event is dedicated to education on vehicle extrication. Participation from ten fire departments will begin with hands-on training and finish up with a “friendly” competition by the second day’s end. You are invited to come join us at Station #3 (Willowbrook Road) on Sunday, Sept. 28th and watch the firefighters use the Jaws of Life and other equipment, and finish up a great weekend and month full of events!

We will then enter into October which is Fire Prevention Month. Last year, if you remember, we changed up our Fire Prevention Week Open House a bit. It was received with numerous positive comments, so we will be doing it again. We will be having “A Night Out at The Firehouse “on Tuesday Oct. 7th. It will be held at all three of our stations from 6p.m. to 8p.m. I have been told by our officers that all three locations will be full of activities, opportunities to see equipment, tours of the stations and there will be plenty of hot dogs, chips, and cookies. It is a great opportunity to stop in and see the fire station that is part of your neighborhood along with meeting the firefighters.

Don’t forget 2015 is a big year for HRFD. We have sent off the HRFPD 75th History Book to the publisher for layout to go to print. A huge amount of hard work has gone into this. I think you will all be surprised of its outcome. Don’t forget to get your copy reserved by placing your order. Information can be found on the last page of this newsletter.

We greatly appreciate your continuous support and feedback. If you have any questions about anything regarding your fire department, please don’t hesitate to call me or stop by. Don’t forget to friend us and follow us on Facebook plus visit us on our website. www.harlemroscoefire.com

Harlem-Roscoe will once again be hosting a 3-day extrication event. The event is geared toward new rescue personnel interested in obtaining vehicle extrication training. This event will consist of a classroom session on Friday evening and practical skills workshop on Saturday using hand tools & hydraulics.

Then on Sunday, the public is invited to a full day of extrication competitions between the teams. Each team consists of five firefighters and will compete in two, 20 minute scenarios throughout the day. Mannequins are trapped in damaged vehicles to simulate a motor vehicle accident. In one scenarios the teams will use only hand tools and the second scenario they are able to use hydraulics. The teams are judged on their use of tools and how they get their patient out.

Public is Invited Sunday, September 28th

Crunch Time Extrication CompetitionHRFD Fire Station #3

13974 Willowbrook Rd. Roscoe8am to 5pm

Birthday!September1st Stefani Layman3rd Ramona Baldoni-Lake5th Adam Eich Stanley Dean12th Bart Munger Kyle Alms ‘21st’13th Marty Green Mike Powell Joe Koeninger28th Paul Meyers30th Micah Anderson

October5th Eric Wilkins ‘40th’7th Brandon Tietz ‘30th’13th Ryan Messinger15th Ryan Alms17th Chuck Hansel23rd David Pautsch26th Tom Aaker “40th”29th Sue Null

Total Calls for 20141822

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Brandon Tietz ‘30th’ October 7th

Eric Wilkins ‘30th’ October 5th

2014 Mud Volleyball forEpilepsy

2014 Fill the Boot for MDA

Apartment FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a report of an apartment fire on Bagley Drive.Smoke was found in the apartment upon arrival and the residents were outside. The cause of the smoke was found to be a burning pot on the stove. (photo left)

Firefighters found a pot burning on the stove causing the smoke in the apartment.

Firefighters checked out the other apartments.

Firefighter Joe Quast engineers the attack truck.

New ParamedicChief Don Shoevlin

Congratulations are in order for the successful completion of paramedic class by Ryan Sarver. What began in August of 2013 for Ryan came to a grand conclusion of the Swedish American Paramedic class on June 12, 2014. Excellent job Ryan. We look forward to all your contributions as a paramedic and have the utmost confidence in the care you will give the people of our communities.

Deputy Chief John Bergeron and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Ryan.

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect

for others, and Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

6. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

7. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

8. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

9. Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.

10. Call your mother.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

 

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Station Tours Fire Trucks on display Kids Firefighters Challenge @ Sta.#1 Thermal Imager Demos Fire Gear demonstrations Smoke House @ Sta.#2 Training Tower Demonstration at Sta.#3 Safety tips table Refreshments – Hot dogs, Lemonade, cookies and coffee

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

3 Be Informed About What Might Happen

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However there are significant differences among potential terrorists threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear and radiological, which will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning a process of learning about these specific threats, you are preparing yourself to react in an emergency. Go to www.ready.gov to learn more about the potential terrorist threats and other emergencies or call 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure.

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions receieved from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Get Ready now.

4 Get Involved in Preparing Your Community

After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step adn get involved in preparing your community. Join Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our communities and our nation safer, stronger and better prepared. We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds. Citizent Corps works hard to help people prepare, train and volunteer in their communities. Go to www.citizencorps.gov for more information and to get involved.

Recommended Supplies to include in Basic Kit

• One gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First Aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air.

• Moist towlettes for sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medicines, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents.

Harlem-Roscoe Firemen’s Scholarship Fund

This is an annual scholarship that is awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides within the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District. The Scholarship is available for undergraduate education of any choice at any college or university. The scholarship, which will be awarded in 2015, will be in the amount of $10,000. Please place completed application and required documents in a manila envelope and return to:

Harlem-Roscoe Fire DepartmentAttn: Scholarship Board\PO Box 450 (mail)10544 Main St. (drop off)Roscoe, IL 61073

Eligibility• U.S. Citizen

• Graduating high school senior, who will be attending a college or university in the fall of 2015

• GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Must reside in the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District (see district map)

• Must submit completed application and required documents by March 1, 2015

Required Documents• Completed application (available on website)

• Essay (questions available on website)

• Resume

• Two letters of recommendation - One letter from teacher or administrator and one letter outside of school setting (not a relative)

• Seventh semester transcripts with class rank

• Last two years of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) 1040 IRS forms

Timeline• Applications and essay questions available on website.

• Application and required documents submit deadline: March 1, 2015

• Finalists notified: April 1, 2015

• Interviews by scholarship board: TBA

• Winner notified: April 15, 2015

• Application, essay questions, and further information will be available online at www.harlemroscoefire.com

EMS CORNERBy Battalion Chief Jay Alms

Infectious Diseases at School

Infectious diseases account for millions of school days lost each year for kindergarten through 12th-grade public school students in the United States:• 40% of children aged 5–17 years missed 3 or

more school days in the past year because of illness or injury.

• Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to colds alone.

• 38 million school days are lost each year due to the influenza virus.

Schools inherently foster the transmission of infections from person to person because they are a group setting in which people are in close contact and share supplies and equipment. But, schools also can be instrumental in keeping their communities healthy by:• Encouraging sick students and staff to stay home and seek

medical attention for severe illness.• Facilitating hand hygiene by supplying soap and paper towels

and teaching good hand hygiene practices.• Being vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting classroom

materials and surfaces.• Providing messages in daily announcements about preventing

infectious disease.• Adopting healthy practices such as safe handling of food and

use of standard precautions when handling body fluids and excretions.

• Encouraging students and staff to get annual influenza vaccinations.

Important Infectious Diseases

Foodborne IllnessFoodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, can contaminate foods, leading to many different foodborne illnesses.3 Educating students, families, and school staff on simple but effective food safety measures can help prevent the approximately 76 million cases of foodborne illness reported in the United States annually, which result in an average of 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.

Food safety remains a concern in schools, as children can come into contact with contaminated foods on school property.

Noroviruses are a major cause of foodborne illness, and outbreaks occur in a range of settings, including schools. CDC’s Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines provide information on prevention and control.

InfluenzaOn average, each year 5%–20% of the U.S. population acquires seasonal influenza (flu), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized as a result of flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from

flu. Young children are among the populations at greatest risk for serious flu complications.5 During the 2004–2005 influenza season, only 34.8% of children aged 2–17 years with high-risk conditions received an influenza vaccination.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes a person can become infected by touching something — such as a surface or

object — with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The best ways to prevent seasonal flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccination each year and follow proper respiratory and hand hygiene etiquette.

• Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers• School Planning (Flu.gov)

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. Invasive (i.e., serious) MRSA infections occur in approximately 94,000 people each year and are associated with approximately 19,000 deaths, most frequently among persons in hospitals and health care facilities who have weakened immune systems. MRSA can also infect otherwise healthy people in the community at large. Community-associated MRSA cases are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boills. • Information and Advice about MRSA for School Officials

Preventing Transmission of Infectious Diseases

Hand HygieneKeeping hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses. Practicing good hand hygiene gets rid of bacteria and viruses from contact with other people or surfaces.

Schools play a key role in supporting hand hygiene. This involves teaching good hand-hygiene practices, providing hand-hygiene information to students and families, and providing the hand soap and paper towels necessary to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the school environment.• Clean Hands Save Lives• Handwashing and Nail Hygiene

Respiratory EtiquetteRespiratory infections can spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person can be propelled through the air and land on the mouth or nose of people nearby.

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, the nose and mouth should be covered with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and the tissue should be thrown in the trash immediately after use. Schools can teach respiratory etiquette to students and staff — including coughing or sneezing into the arm if no tissue is available — and can ensure that tissues are available.• Cover Your Cough

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

08/02/14 Main Street & Harrison Street 08/27/14 Manchester Road

08/22/14 Baneberry Drive and Hononegah Road

08/26/14 Rockton Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer. By Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake

Prepare For Emergencies NowPreparing Makes Sense. The likelihood that you and your family will

survive a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense. Get ready now!

1 Get a Kit of Emergency Supplies.

Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.

Consider two kits. In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make in on your own. The other should be a lightweight smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.

You’ll need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Include in the kits a three day supply of non-perishable foods that are easy to store and prepare such as protein bars, dried fruit or canned foods. If you live in a cold weather climate, include warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family.

Some potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic “junk” into the air. Many of these materials can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. It’s smart to have something for each member of the family that covers their mouth and nose, such as two or three layers of a cotton t-shirt, handkerchief or towel or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores. It is very important that the mask or other material fit your face snugly so that most of the air you breathe comes through the mask, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.

Also, include duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting that can be used to seal windows and doors if you need to create a barrier between yourself and any potential contamination outside.

2 Make a Plan For What You Will Do in an Emergency

Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Develop a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure each person knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be down altogether, but be patient.

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is wheter you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possiblitilites. Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger. Watch television and listen to the radio for official instructions as they become available.

Create a plan to shelter-in-place. There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as sheltering-in-place and sealing the room can be a matter of survival. Use all available information to assess the situation. Quickly bring your family and pets inside, lock doors and close windows, air vents and fireplace

dampers. Immedicatley turn off air conditioning, forced air heating systems, exhaust fans and clothers dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents, Understand that sealing the room is a temporary measuer to create a barrier between you and the contaminated air. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the internet for instructions.

Create a plan to Get Away. Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destingations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half a tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit, unless you have reason to believe it is contaminated and lock the door behind you. Take pets with you if you are told to evacuated, however, ifyou are going to a public shelter, keep in mind they may not be allowed inside. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows and vents closed nad keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to the radio for instructions.

Know Emergency Plans at School and Work. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places your family frequents. Talk to your children’s schools and your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with familyies during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an emergency perparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together.

Car in RiverPhotos by DC John Bergeron

The driver and passengers escaped injury after their car rolled and went into the Rock River at Riverside Park. Firefighters and a diver helped with the recovery of the submerged car on Aug. 17.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

08/02/14 Main Street & Harrison Street 08/27/14 Manchester Road

08/22/14 Baneberry Drive and Hononegah Road

08/26/14 Rockton Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost & Marcia Soppe

BUGLE ALARMMonthly article submitted by a H-R Fire Officer. By Lt. Ramona Baldoni-Lake

Prepare For Emergencies NowPreparing Makes Sense. The likelihood that you and your family will

survive a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy, as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense. Get ready now!

1 Get a Kit of Emergency Supplies.

Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.

Consider two kits. In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make in on your own. The other should be a lightweight smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.

You’ll need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Include in the kits a three day supply of non-perishable foods that are easy to store and prepare such as protein bars, dried fruit or canned foods. If you live in a cold weather climate, include warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family.

Some potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic “junk” into the air. Many of these materials can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. It’s smart to have something for each member of the family that covers their mouth and nose, such as two or three layers of a cotton t-shirt, handkerchief or towel or filter masks, readily available in hardware stores. It is very important that the mask or other material fit your face snugly so that most of the air you breathe comes through the mask, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.

Also, include duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting that can be used to seal windows and doors if you need to create a barrier between yourself and any potential contamination outside.

2 Make a Plan For What You Will Do in an Emergency

Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Develop a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure each person knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be down altogether, but be patient.

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is wheter you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possiblitilites. Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger. Watch television and listen to the radio for official instructions as they become available.

Create a plan to shelter-in-place. There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as sheltering-in-place and sealing the room can be a matter of survival. Use all available information to assess the situation. Quickly bring your family and pets inside, lock doors and close windows, air vents and fireplace

dampers. Immedicatley turn off air conditioning, forced air heating systems, exhaust fans and clothers dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents, Understand that sealing the room is a temporary measuer to create a barrier between you and the contaminated air. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the internet for instructions.

Create a plan to Get Away. Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destingations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half a tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit, unless you have reason to believe it is contaminated and lock the door behind you. Take pets with you if you are told to evacuated, however, ifyou are going to a public shelter, keep in mind they may not be allowed inside. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows and vents closed nad keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to the radio for instructions.

Know Emergency Plans at School and Work. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places your family frequents. Talk to your children’s schools and your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with familyies during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an emergency perparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together.

Car in RiverPhotos by DC John Bergeron

The driver and passengers escaped injury after their car rolled and went into the Rock River at Riverside Park. Firefighters and a diver helped with the recovery of the submerged car on Aug. 17.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

3 Be Informed About What Might Happen

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However there are significant differences among potential terrorists threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear and radiological, which will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning a process of learning about these specific threats, you are preparing yourself to react in an emergency. Go to www.ready.gov to learn more about the potential terrorist threats and other emergencies or call 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure.

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions receieved from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected. Get Ready now.

4 Get Involved in Preparing Your Community

After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step adn get involved in preparing your community. Join Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our communities and our nation safer, stronger and better prepared. We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds. Citizent Corps works hard to help people prepare, train and volunteer in their communities. Go to www.citizencorps.gov for more information and to get involved.

Recommended Supplies to include in Basic Kit

• One gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Food at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First Aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air.

• Moist towlettes for sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medicines, infant formula or diapers, and important family documents.

Harlem-Roscoe Firemen’s Scholarship Fund

This is an annual scholarship that is awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides within the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District. The Scholarship is available for undergraduate education of any choice at any college or university. The scholarship, which will be awarded in 2015, will be in the amount of $10,000. Please place completed application and required documents in a manila envelope and return to:

Harlem-Roscoe Fire DepartmentAttn: Scholarship Board\PO Box 450 (mail)10544 Main St. (drop off)Roscoe, IL 61073

Eligibility• U.S. Citizen

• Graduating high school senior, who will be attending a college or university in the fall of 2015

• GPA of 3.5 or higher

• Must reside in the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District (see district map)

• Must submit completed application and required documents by March 1, 2015

Required Documents• Completed application (available on website)

• Essay (questions available on website)

• Resume

• Two letters of recommendation - One letter from teacher or administrator and one letter outside of school setting (not a relative)

• Seventh semester transcripts with class rank

• Last two years of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) 1040 IRS forms

Timeline• Applications and essay questions available on website.

• Application and required documents submit deadline: March 1, 2015

• Finalists notified: April 1, 2015

• Interviews by scholarship board: TBA

• Winner notified: April 15, 2015

• Application, essay questions, and further information will be available online at www.harlemroscoefire.com

EMS CORNERBy Battalion Chief Jay Alms

Infectious Diseases at School

Infectious diseases account for millions of school days lost each year for kindergarten through 12th-grade public school students in the United States:• 40% of children aged 5–17 years missed 3 or

more school days in the past year because of illness or injury.

• Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to colds alone.

• 38 million school days are lost each year due to the influenza virus.

Schools inherently foster the transmission of infections from person to person because they are a group setting in which people are in close contact and share supplies and equipment. But, schools also can be instrumental in keeping their communities healthy by:• Encouraging sick students and staff to stay home and seek

medical attention for severe illness.• Facilitating hand hygiene by supplying soap and paper towels

and teaching good hand hygiene practices.• Being vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting classroom

materials and surfaces.• Providing messages in daily announcements about preventing

infectious disease.• Adopting healthy practices such as safe handling of food and

use of standard precautions when handling body fluids and excretions.

• Encouraging students and staff to get annual influenza vaccinations.

Important Infectious Diseases

Foodborne IllnessFoodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, can contaminate foods, leading to many different foodborne illnesses.3 Educating students, families, and school staff on simple but effective food safety measures can help prevent the approximately 76 million cases of foodborne illness reported in the United States annually, which result in an average of 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.

Food safety remains a concern in schools, as children can come into contact with contaminated foods on school property.

Noroviruses are a major cause of foodborne illness, and outbreaks occur in a range of settings, including schools. CDC’s Updated Norovirus Outbreak Management and Disease Prevention Guidelines provide information on prevention and control.

InfluenzaOn average, each year 5%–20% of the U.S. population acquires seasonal influenza (flu), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized as a result of flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from

flu. Young children are among the populations at greatest risk for serious flu complications.5 During the 2004–2005 influenza season, only 34.8% of children aged 2–17 years with high-risk conditions received an influenza vaccination.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes a person can become infected by touching something — such as a surface or

object — with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The best ways to prevent seasonal flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccination each year and follow proper respiratory and hand hygiene etiquette.

• Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers• School Planning (Flu.gov)

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. Invasive (i.e., serious) MRSA infections occur in approximately 94,000 people each year and are associated with approximately 19,000 deaths, most frequently among persons in hospitals and health care facilities who have weakened immune systems. MRSA can also infect otherwise healthy people in the community at large. Community-associated MRSA cases are usually manifested as skin infections, such as pimples and boills. • Information and Advice about MRSA for School Officials

Preventing Transmission of Infectious Diseases

Hand HygieneKeeping hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses. Practicing good hand hygiene gets rid of bacteria and viruses from contact with other people or surfaces.

Schools play a key role in supporting hand hygiene. This involves teaching good hand-hygiene practices, providing hand-hygiene information to students and families, and providing the hand soap and paper towels necessary to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the school environment.• Clean Hands Save Lives• Handwashing and Nail Hygiene

Respiratory EtiquetteRespiratory infections can spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person can be propelled through the air and land on the mouth or nose of people nearby.

To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, the nose and mouth should be covered with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and the tissue should be thrown in the trash immediately after use. Schools can teach respiratory etiquette to students and staff — including coughing or sneezing into the arm if no tissue is available — and can ensure that tissues are available.• Cover Your Cough

Apartment FirePhotos by Sheryl Drost

Firefighters responded to a report of an apartment fire on Bagley Drive.Smoke was found in the apartment upon arrival and the residents were outside. The cause of the smoke was found to be a burning pot on the stove. (photo left)

Firefighters found a pot burning on the stove causing the smoke in the apartment.

Firefighters checked out the other apartments.

Firefighter Joe Quast engineers the attack truck.

New ParamedicChief Don Shoevlin

Congratulations are in order for the successful completion of paramedic class by Ryan Sarver. What began in August of 2013 for Ryan came to a grand conclusion of the Swedish American Paramedic class on June 12, 2014. Excellent job Ryan. We look forward to all your contributions as a paramedic and have the utmost confidence in the care you will give the people of our communities.

Deputy Chief John Bergeron and Chief Don Shoevlin pose with Ryan.

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect

for others, and Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

6. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

7. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

8. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

9. Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.

10. Call your mother.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3

 

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Station Tours Fire Trucks on display Kids Firefighters Challenge @ Sta.#1 Thermal Imager Demos Fire Gear demonstrations Smoke House @ Sta.#2 Training Tower Demonstration at Sta.#3 Safety tips table Refreshments – Hot dogs, Lemonade, cookies and coffee

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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

This past month the firefighters responded to 208 calls. We were also visited by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) to conduct a survey of the fire department.

During a fire department survey, an ISO Field Representative interviews the Fire Chief and

visits the fire stations and other facilities, such as training grounds. They review the fire station locations, apparatus (and equipment carried), engine and hose tests, aerial and ground ladder tests, and training records. The ISO collects information on fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States.

In each of those communities, they analyzes the relevant data using their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). They then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. By classifying the fire districts ability to suppress fires, the ISO helps the fire districts evaluate their fire protection services. The program provides an objective, country-wide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training.

Our goal and objective is to improve our rating, which in turn, will lower your homeowner insurance premiums along with assisting in our future strategic planning. It will take four to six months for us to get the results.

The month of September is a month full of training and community events for our men and women! Occasionally, we acquire a structure that we can hold valuable training sessions in for our firefighters. Last month after numerous trainings, we burned a home on Main Street. We also have acquired a structure on Rockton Road that we will use for live training evolutions. This type of opportunity is far and few between so when we get them, we try to maximize the amount of training we can get. The month will wrap up with our annual “Crunch Time Symposium”. This full two-day event is dedicated to education on vehicle extrication. Participation from ten fire departments will begin with hands-on training and finish up with a “friendly” competition by the second day’s end. You are invited to come join us at Station #3 (Willowbrook Road) on Sunday, Sept. 28th and watch the firefighters use the Jaws of Life and other equipment, and finish up a great weekend and month full of events!

We will then enter into October which is Fire Prevention Month. Last year, if you remember, we changed up our Fire Prevention Week Open House a bit. It was received with numerous positive comments, so we will be doing it again. We will be having “A Night Out at The Firehouse “on Tuesday Oct. 7th. It will be held at all three of our stations from 6p.m. to 8p.m. I have been told by our officers that all three locations will be full of activities, opportunities to see equipment, tours of the stations and there will be plenty of hot dogs, chips, and cookies. It is a great opportunity to stop in and see the fire station that is part of your neighborhood along with meeting the firefighters.

Don’t forget 2015 is a big year for HRFD. We have sent off the HRFPD 75th History Book to the publisher for layout to go to print. A huge amount of hard work has gone into this. I think you will all be surprised of its outcome. Don’t forget to get your copy reserved by placing your order. Information can be found on the last page of this newsletter.

We greatly appreciate your continuous support and feedback. If you have any questions about anything regarding your fire department, please don’t hesitate to call me or stop by. Don’t forget to friend us and follow us on Facebook plus visit us on our website. www.harlemroscoefire.com

Harlem-Roscoe will once again be hosting a 3-day extrication event. The event is geared toward new rescue personnel interested in obtaining vehicle extrication training. This event will consist of a classroom session on Friday evening and practical skills workshop on Saturday using hand tools & hydraulics.

Then on Sunday, the public is invited to a full day of extrication competitions between the teams. Each team consists of five firefighters and will compete in two, 20 minute scenarios throughout the day. Mannequins are trapped in damaged vehicles to simulate a motor vehicle accident. In one scenarios the teams will use only hand tools and the second scenario they are able to use hydraulics. The teams are judged on their use of tools and how they get their patient out.

Public is Invited Sunday, September 28th

Crunch Time Extrication CompetitionHRFD Fire Station #3

13974 Willowbrook Rd. Roscoe8am to 5pm

Birthday!September1st Stefani Layman3rd Ramona Baldoni-Lake5th Adam Eich Stanley Dean12th Bart Munger Kyle Alms ‘21st’13th Marty Green Mike Powell Joe Koeninger28th Paul Meyers30th Micah Anderson

October5th Eric Wilkins ‘40th’7th Brandon Tietz ‘30th’13th Ryan Messinger15th Ryan Alms17th Chuck Hansel23rd David Pautsch26th Tom Aaker “40th”29th Sue Null

Total Calls for 20141822

Firehouse Scene The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Prot. Dist.

Editor-in-Chief - Don ShoevlinEditor & Layout - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s website after the second Sunday each month:www.harlemroscoefire.comE-mail submissions to Sheryl:hrfdsdrost@gmail.com

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefire.comwww.harlemroscoefire.com

Brandon Tietz ‘30th’ October 7th

Eric Wilkins ‘30th’ October 5th

2014 Mud Volleyball forEpilepsy

2014 Fill the Boot for MDA

THE FIREHOUSE SCENEIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Harlem-Roscoe Fire’s 75th Anniversary History BookBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2015. To celebrate this achievement, a 75th History Book is also being published. The text and photos have currently been set off to the publisher for final layout. Orders are being taken up to Sept. 30, which is when the book goes to print. Delivery will be in time for Christmas.

Order forms can be picked up at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station One at 10544 Main St. in Roscoe and can be found on the department’s website www.harlemroscoefire.com. You can also order direct from the publisher at www.mtpublishing.com (search harlem-roscoe to find it.)

The history book tells the 75 year history of the fire district through the memories and stories of the firefighters that lived it. The 104 page book will have 300 photos with two-thirds of the book in color. Some of the photos are from trainings, fire prevention activities, PR activities, past fire chiefs, etc., as well as action shots throughout the years. It also includes photos of the fire trucks through the years as well as many anecdotes about the trucks from the firefighters that drove them.

There will also be a list of all known Harlem-Roscoe Firefighters in the book. If you’re a former firefighter, there is still time to make sure your name is on the list or if you have any questions, email Sheryl Drost at hrfdsdrost@gmail.com.

It was a joy reminiscing with current and former firefighters and it is an honor to be able to tell the history of the fire district through their words and memories. I have many favorite firefighter anecdotes in the book, but here are a couple humorous ones.

The first story was from Retired Chief Jack Brown. “Getting stuff in your eyes and breathing smoke was rough, so getting air masks, even the first crude ones, helped. The part you breathed through had a charcoal filter on the bottom and we only had two or three of them, so not everyone got one. I remember sending Firefighter Harry Schoonover into the fire with one of the first face masks and Harry kept coming right back out. We would send him back in wondering what was going on. Well, after a second time he came right back out, we figured out we had forgotten to pull the tape off the bottom of the canister so Harry could breathe!”

Another story is from former Assistant Chief Donny Ball, “He also revealed his funniest call that was terrifying at the time. He was driving the pumper down the frontage road on the way to a fire at the trailer park south of town and it was snowing. The roads had not been plowed and he hit a slick spot. The truck literally spun so that the rear end of the truck with the firefighters hanging on was now leading. He could no longer see where they were going, but boy, the two firefighters riding the tail board sure could.

Don’t miss out, order you copy today..

A few photos from the book:

Left, Firefighter Dale Selsor’s son Dennis wearing his gear and standing in front of “Betsy”.

Below top, An accident scene where firefighters use air bags to extricate the driver of a semi truck hauling cans of Hormel Chili.

Below middle, Firefighters perform hose training during a live burn in the 1970s.

Below bottom, 2010 House fire on Stamford Lane.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefire.com

September 2014 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl