Pool Safety

Too often, firefighters hear people say, "it was just a few seconds." Unfortunately, just a few seconds is all it takes for a child to drown. Most of these children drown in their own backyard swimming pool, but others drown in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog water bowls, canals and ponds. Small children are top-heavy, and they don't have the upper body strength to lift themselves out of one of these dangerous situations. Even if the child survives the incident, they are often left with permanent brain damage.

Drowning and near drowning can be prevented, and you can help! Anyone involved with the supervision of children needs to be aware of the dangers associated with any body of water. Below are some useful tips to prevent these needless tragedies.

• Know where your children are at all times 
• Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house 
• Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source 
• Have life-saving devices near the pool, such as a pole/hook, or flotation device 
• Keep large objects such as tables, chairs, toys, and ladders away from pool fences
• Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone
• Do not allow children to play around the pool and store all toys outside the pool area
• If you leave the pool area, take the children with you 
  Always have a "designated child watcher" 
• Learn to swim 
  Never swim alone, or while under the influence of alcohol or medications 
• Never swim when thunder or lightning is present 
• Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water

Kids and Bike Helmets: The Right Fit

Bike helmets are not optional equipment.

Universal use of bike helmets by children ages four to 15 would prevent an estimated 135 to 155 deaths annually.

Helmets have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by 90 percent. Nationally, only 15 percent of children bicyclists used bicycle helmets.

Here are some points to consider when purchasing or fitting a bike helmet on a child:

• The helmet should sit on the child's head so that the front rim is just above the eyebrows. If the helmet rests on the back of the head, the forehead, nose and chin will be exposed.
• Before buckling the chin strap, have children shake their head from side to side. The helmet should generally stay put. If it moves excessively, it's too big and won't protect the head no matter how tight the chin strap is pulled. 
• When the chin strap is buckled, children should be able to open their mouth and feel the helmet press firmly against the top of their head. 
• Buy a new helmet. Helmets that have suffered even a single fall or have been exposed to heat for a long time (i.e., kept in the trunk of a car) lose the cohesion that keeps the helmet intact during impact. 
• Don't forget to set an example by wearing a helmet yourself!

Other Issues

Can I get a smoke detector from the fire department?

Yes, the Winter Springs Fire Department will provide City residents smoke detectors at no charge. An appointment is made and our firefighters will check your existing smoke detectors, replace batteries or the detector as needed. Please contact Bob Beck at 407-327-7562 or e-mail him at Bbeck@winterspringsfl.org for more information.

What does it mean when my smoke detector chirps every 30 to 45 seconds?

This usually indicates that the battery is low and needs to be replaced. The smoke detectors may also need to be replaced as detectors normally have a 10 year life span. If you have any questions, or if you need assistance with your smoke detector, contact Bob Beck at 407-327-7562 or e-mail him at Bbeck@winterspringsfl.org.

Why does the fire engine to go medical calls?

Most medical calls require at least four team members to take care of a sick or injured patient. Our rescues only carry two team members and a fire engine has at least two more. Depending on the illness or injury severity, more team members may be requested, or canceled.

When should I call 911?

911 is reserved for emergencies. These are situations that are perceived to be property, injury, or life threatening. For all other non-emergent situations, you may contact the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000 or Fire/Medical at 407-830-1411. Remember, if in doubt - Call 911.

How do I depose of household hazardous waste?

The Seminole County Transfer Station on SR 419 near Hwy. 17-92 will take most household hazardous waste at no charge. Contact them at 407-665-2250 with any questions.

I use insulin. What do I do with me used needles?

All needles, also called "sharps", must be placed in a "Sharps Container" for disposal. If you do not already have one, you may get them from any Winter Springs Fire station free of charge. When filled only to the "fill line", you may take the sharps container back to the fire station and trade for an empty one where we will dispose of it properly. Please note that the fire department can only take sharps in an approved "Sharps Container".

How do I get at copy of the fire of EMS report?

Only the patient or victim can obtain a report by going to the Fire/Rescue administration office at 102 N. Moss Rd. with your picture ID. You may want to call 407-327-2332 for additional instructions or directions beforehand.

Where can I learn first aid or CPR?

The Winter Springs Fire/Rescue Department holds regularly scheduled CPR or First Aid classes. A nominal fee is charged to cover the costs of materials. Contact Bob Beck at 407-327-7562 or Bbeck@winterspringsfl.org for more information.

Is it possible to tour the fire station?

Absolutely! We love to have visitors. It is best to schedule in advance so we can have some souvenirs ready for the children. Contact Bob Beck at 407-327-7562 or Bbeck@winterspringsfl.org for more information.

What is the fire insurance rating in Winter Springs?

Our ISO rating is a four (4) for areas with hydrants that are less than 1000 feet from structures, and a nine (9) for areas greater than 1000 feet from structures.

Can I burn my trash or yard waste in Winter Springs?

By direction of the City Commission, all open burning within the city limits of Winter Springs is prohibited. Fires for cooking are permitted. Ceremonial fires are permitted with notice to the Fire Marshal. For more information contact Fire Marshal Robert Dallas at 407-327-7564 or at bdallas@winterspriongsfl.org.

How can I make sure that my car seat is properly installed?

To ensure that your car seat is installed properly in your vehicle, attend one of the many car seat safety checks held throughout the county each month. A certified car seat technician will be on hand to assist you. For a current dates and times go to http://www.seminolepublicsafety.org
/spprgs/pdfs/CarSeatCheckSchedule.pdf.

The members of the Winter Springs Fire/Rescue have been trained to assist citizens with car seat safety checks. However, our personnel are not certified car seat technicians and you will be refered to a safety check. It is important to remember that there are as many types of car seats as there are cars and only by reading the instruction manual for the car seat will you be able to install it properly. It helps for you to bring the instructions with you when you stop by.

Where to I get my fire extinguisher refilled?

Some personal fire extinguishers can not be recharged and must be thrown out after use or the expiration date is passed. For extinguishers that can be recharged, you need to contact a commercial fire extinguisher company for advice. We do not fill fire extinguishers.

Where are the designated hurricane or evacuation shelter in Winter Springs?

The Seminole County Emergency Management Department, on an as-needed basis, opens shelters. In the event of an emergency, local radio and television broadcasts will advise the public to what shelters have been opened.

Why is it important to display my street numerals properly at my residence?

When Police/Fire/Rescue respond to you residence or business, they look for the numerical. It is usually in an emergency situation where time is an important factor. A street side mailbox is the best place to place 2 inch numbers on both sides. If you do not have a street side mailbox, or in addition too, 2" numbers on a visible place on the front of your residence is helpful. Make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed so that the numbers are visible. This is also a city ordinance.

Can I get my blood pressure taken at the fire station?

Yes, simply stop by the either fire station from 8:00 am - 8:00 p.m. Many physicians ask that you get regular blood pressure readings so that they can monitor changes, or the need for medication, so you will be given a card to help you track your blood pressure. Blood pressure machines at local stores are not always accurate.

I am disabled and have no way to evacuate my residence in the event of a hurricane or other disaster?

For someone who is disabled, handicapped, requires assistance with daily living activities, and/or have no one to rely on in the event that an evacuation is required, there is a way to register with the Winter Springs Fire Department Special Needs Registry. This allows the fire department to contact you to make arrangements so that an evacuation can be done in a timely and effective manner. For information please contact Bob Beck at 407-327-7562 or Bbeck@winterspringsfl.org.