The Turlock Fire Department responded to a total of 495 incidents during the month of April. These included a total of 316 emergency medical service calls. Turlock Fire responded to 18 motor vehicle accidents and 19 commercial/residential fire alarms. There were a total of 19 fire type calls: two building fires, one vehicle fire, six grass/ rubbish fires, four unauthorized burnings, four Dumpster fires, one cooking fire, and one outside storage fire. Remaining incidents consisted of public assists, assist to police, water or steam leak, smoke checks, gas leaks, haz-mat, and power lines down.
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS: On average, the Turlock Fire Department responds to about 20-30 vehicle accidents a month. While some vehicle accidents are considered "minor," the department must train for the worst-case scenario. This month, fire crews used the heavy extrication tools, "jaws of life," to simulate entrapment of occupants in a vehicle. Vehicles can become heavily damaged in the event of an auto accident. When this happens, vehicle doors can become smashed, locked, and can have engine compartment intrusion on potential occupants. Thanks to the help and support of Kelso's Auto Wrecking & Towing, the Turlock Fire Department was able to use real cars to perform many different scenarios to help meet its mission of "Protecting What Matters Most" to our citizens.
SAFETY: Memorial weekend means people are headed to the water. Water is all around us, and while it's usually safe, it also carries certain dangers you should be aware of when you head out to rivers and lakes this summer for recreation. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
• Learn to swim
• Children should always swim with an adult
• Swim in safe designated swim areas only
• Stay away from canals; they are not safe for anyone - big, small, young or old
• Fish at designated sites only
• When at lakes or reservoirs always follow the rules set up by the authorities
• Always wear a life vest while boating on the lake or out on the ocean
• Obey all hazard signs because they are in place to save lives
• Look before you leap or dive; and only leap or dive where it is allowed and safe
• Know your limits on how good of a swimmer are you, how far you can swim
• Don't mix alcohol consumption with water recreation
• The water may look calm, but there are potential strong currents beneath