'Environmental Dangers' Topic Of Golden Fire Safety Academy

GOLDEN, CO -- Members of the Golden Fire Department will present a special session of the Golden Safety Academy with an emphasis on environmental dangers, the department said. Golden, like most of Jefferson County, is a high-fire danger area and any mountain town is susceptible to weather-related events. Other environmental hazards can include flooding, storm surges, blocked highways, downed power lines, blizzards and landslides.

The seond-Monday monthly safety academy will take place from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12 at Golden Fire Station's Upstairs Training Room, 911 10th Street in Golden.

Meanwhile, make sure your home is free of debris that might be combustible in a wildfire.

Jefferson County recommends residents take hazard mitigation steps to make their home less susceptible to fire, including removing 'slash' (debris from vegetation found in forest areas) from around their homes.

FEMA suggests the following items for an emergency supply kit:

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lense solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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