Community Involvement

Whether it's fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy or cooking up pancakes, the Rossland Fire fighters continue to remain an active part of the community. The fire fighters are involved in the annual Winter Carnival and Golden City Days events by hosting the pancake breakfast and open house to the community. They also commit to annual fireworks celebrations and parades during these events. Every October has fire prevention week. A number of fire fighters volunteer their time each year by attending the schools and educating the children on fire awareness and safety using the Fire Safety house. The Rossland fire department is also active in a district hockey league.

Municipal By-laws for Backyard Burning

Open Burning Regulations for Rossland (inside city limits):

• Permits are required from May 1st to October 1. Permits may be acquired from the Rossland Fire Hall.

Outside Municipal boundaries:

• Category 1&2-Campfires and Backyard Burning - no permits required.
• Category 3,4,5,6 Industrial/Agricultural burning (large open fires) - call 1-888-797-1717 for reference number*.
• Category 7&8 Resource Management fires - call 1-888-797-1717 for reference number*.

* A reference number must be acquired for these category fires so that forest fire detection, fire
suppression and fire cause determination can be hampered if the locations of regulated fires
are not known.

** All open burning is governed by the BC Ministry of Forests burning regulations. (pamphlets available at your local fire department)

*** All open burning should comply with Ministry of Environment smoke control regulations.

Winter Preparedness and Safety Tips

Before Severe Weather Arrives:

• Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no cook food, non-electric can opener, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get to them easily, even in the dark.
• Keep cars and other vehicles fuelled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
• Get a battery powered weather radio to monitor severe weather
• Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, tv, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community, e.g.:"winter storm watch" - Be alert, a storm is likely
• "Winter storm warning", take action, the storm is in or entering the area
• "Blizzard warning" - snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill - seek refuge immediately!
• "Winter weather advisory" - winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
• "Frost freeze warning" - below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees.
• Know how to shut off gas, electrical power and water before an evacuation.
• Know ahead of time what you would do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbours or employees.
• Keep plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and hand tools on hand and accessible.
• Winterize your home or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; check the structural stability of your roof to sustain heavy weight from the accumulation of snow.
  

Rossland Fire Fighters Compete at Combat Challenge

• Monitor your radio for information and emergency instructions
• Have an emergency survival kit ready to go if told to evacuate.
• If you go outside for any reason, dress for the season. In the winter, wear several layers of loose fitting lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves, wear a hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in snow.
• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping the house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat to less-used rooms. For using karosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid building up of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable liquids. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.
• Avoid travel if possible. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and keep others informed of your schedule.

After the Storm

• Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.
• After blizzards, heavy snow or extreme cold, check to see that no physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you attempt to drive anywhere.
• Check on neighbours, especially those who might need help.
• Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shovelling snow in extreme cold may cause a heart attack. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.

(Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, USA. Jan 12, 1998)

A Home Emergency Kit Should Include:

1. A back pack
2. Bottled water
3. Non-perishable food
4. First Aid Kit
5. Flashlight, extra batteries, light sticks,lanterns, no candles
6. Matches and lighter
7. Portable radio and batteries
8. Change of clothes
9. Walking shoes or winter boots
10. Blanket, sleeping bags,
11. Comfort kit (hand warmers, emergency blanket)
12. Gloves (leather)
13. Small tool kit
14. Toiletries and person hygiene items, soap, toothpaste
15. Tarpaulin, tent or alternative for emergency shelter,
16. Plates and cutlery
17. Camp stove
18. Extra eye glasses
19. Cash
20. Rope, string
21. Toilet paper, paper towel
22. Books, cards, games, pencil and paper
23. Aluminium foil, fire starter
24. Rain gear
25. Duct tape
26. Mull-blade knife
27. Camp toilet.

(Taken from Vancouver fire and Rescue Services Web site, Oct 3, 1996)