Pulaski County residents in the in the northeastern part of our fire district are generating ground roots support from local residents and from WPFD leadership with hopes to develop a new fire station that can serve the eastern part of Pinnacle Valley north of Hwy 10 to the Arkansas River.  Many residents in this area have seen large increases in insurance rates or have trouble getting insurance since our last Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluation (Oct 2012) that showed improved fire protection rates to most of our fire district but many in this area live further than 5 miles from the closest station on Hwy 10. The ISO ratings are require structures to be located no more than 5-miles distance from their closest fire station and no more than 1, ed 000 feet from their nearest fire hydrant. Residents in this area have fire and rescue coverage from WPFD, troche however this distance from the fire station has impacted insurance costs the most for this area, even though they are paid members of the volunteer fire department. As recent developments and housing growth has risen over the past several years the community has now organized to help WPFD improve our response times to meet services for increased population numbers and higher local traffic to local state and city parks in this region. This local support from the community and is critical as we evaluate options and hope to find ways to finance a suitable property, equip it with fire apparatus, acquire protective gear and develop more community volunteers that will train and respond to calls from this new station area. A recent commitment from a property owner has helped get the ball rolling with a donation of approximately 1 acre of land in the vicinity of Pinnacle Valley and Beck Rd. Additionally, community volunteers area expressing interest to join the planned station as volunteer firefighters and first responders. With planning for building design, commitments of labor, and recent progress with the Little Rock Planning Commission, we are glad to see progress being made toward helping achieve better fire and rescue service from WPFD and, hopefully, better insurance rates for those that live in that desired 5-mile distance from the planned station. For more information, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette did a story recently that has more information. If you would like more information about how you will be affected by this planned station or would like to contribute, please contact West Pulaski Fire Departments Business Office at 501-821-9320.

This time of year we expect the hot days are here to stay for a while.  Arkansas weather experts are currently predicting high temps in the range of 100’s. These hot days create the need for extra caution when working and playing outside. Here are some reminders on how you can remain safe and comfortable.

General Recommendations

1. Stay cool and if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall, library, recreational facilities or heat-relief shelters.
2. Electric fans should be used with caution. Use only if they bring in cool air from outside. Do not use if they only circulate hot air. Instead take cool showers or baths.
3. When outdoors, stay in the shade whenever possible (natural or artificial structures).
4. When in the sun, cover up. Wear a wide brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses, and loose-fitting long shirts and pants.
5. Stay well hydrated. Plain water is the liquid of choice, diluted fruit juice is okay. Drink less caffeinated and alcoholic beverages on hot days.
6. Check regularly on children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities or with chronic illnesses; be sure they are well hydrated.
7. Be aware of signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Follow first aid procedures promptly.
8. Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), 20-30 minutes before going outside to ensure absorption.
9. When using DEET insect repellent, apply 20-30 minutes after sunscreen has been applied.
10. Sunscreens/insect repellents are not recommended for infants under six months of age. Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight.
11. NEVER leave anyone (including pets) in a closed, parked vehicle.

Continue reading Stay cool and safe during extreme heat periods →

Ferndale – A 5- year old boy who was reported missing Wednesday night was safely found early Thursday morning.The boy disappeared from his locked home on Kanis Road 8:40 p.m. after it was suspected he exited the structure from a doggie door and entered the heavily wooded area surrounding his home.

Over 60 people joined the nighttime search from WPFD, Pulaski County Sherrif’s Dept, and Arkansas State Police who brought in their helicopter and night vision capabilities in the early hours of the search to view the dense woods with infrared cameras. After 6+ hours of searching with 50+ searchers, the boy was located around 3 a.m in the woods east of his residence by one of the searchers using bloodhounds brought in from the Arkansas Department of Corrections search team . The boy was treated by MEMS ambulance paramedics and was found to have had some minor visible scratches but was not injured otherwise.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) Shelter Rebate Program will begin accepting applications on Monday, pharmacy July 15, see 2013. The Arkansas Legislature approved the program to receive $1, 250,000 for the new fiscal year. Reimbursements will be awarded based on the date of installation.

Applicants are responsible for mailing the application after it is signed by the County Judge/Coordinator. ADEM will not process electronic applications or those received before July 15. The rebate program will close when ADEM receives enough applications to expend all the funding. After all funding has been obligated and the program is closed, the remaining applications will be retained. Shelter Rebate applications that were received prior to December 9, 2011, but were not funded on the July 2012 cycle, will be honored first. If future funding becomes available a notification will be posted regarding the application acceptance period.

Eligibility is limited to individuals who own their home at the time of application and who have installed an above-ground safe room or in-ground shelter after January 21, 1999. ADEM will provide reimbursement for cost associated with individual above-ground safe rooms or in-ground shelter installation. Reimbursements will be 50% of the associated costs or $1,000, whichever is less.

Although an individual, above-ground safe room or in-ground shelter can be designed in a number of ways, it must meet requirements established in FEMA Publication 320 and/or meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters dated May 28, 1999. The program will require that it be constructed of a waterproof material, properly ventilated and the door must meet the National Performance Criteria for Tornado Shelters. The shelters must meet city and/or county codes if there are any. Previously owned or used shelters will not be eligible for the grant. Only shelters that come originally from the manufacturer or contractor are eligible.

Click on this link to find out more information and access applicable forms:  http://www.adem.arkansas.gov/ADEM/Divisions/Admin/Mitigation/shelter.aspx