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6 Winter 2017-18 Fire Department Update First off, and probably most importantly, staffing the department is proving to be more and more dif- ficult as it is with other paid-on-call/volunteer fire departments around the country. Thankfully, with the vision and direction of our City Council, your fire department has been able to hire much needed part-time fire fighters. This is going to be a work-in-progress as we acclimate to a different way of working and maximize the benefits of our new staffing dynamic. You will be seeing a lot more of your fire fighters around town as we increase our Fire Prevention/Fire Education activity and assist Lake Elmo Public Works with the maintenance of our fire hydrants. We are also excited to be working on a project that has the potential to benefit every resident of Lake Elmo. This project, SAFE HAVEN, has been used with great success by neighboring fire departments. One mission that connects all fire departments is the desire to help and protect our communities, thus the willingness to not only share, but to assist in the development of our program by the North Saint Paul Fire Department. We are expecting to roll this program out before the end of the year. SAFE HAVEN is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and fire departments to guide citi- zens through a simple self-assessment in their own homes. SAFE HAVEN also offers follow up op- tions if requested in the form of basic smoke and carbon monoxide detector checks, battery replace- ments, and even the possibility of free detectors, batteries, or a basic inspection/walkthrough of your home, so we can give you basic ideas to help keep you and your family safe. Part of the program also includes the possibility of free Fire Stop stove top automatic fire extinguishers. As SAFE HAV- EN is being finalized you will find a “Citizen Request Form” on the Fire Department’s page on City’s website under the Fire Department Related Information header at: http://www.lakeelmo.org/public- safety/lake-elmo-fire-department . Please feel free to complete it and send it in now if you think you could benefit from our help on a more immediate timeline. In addition to the SAFE HAVEN project, Lake Elmo FD already offers many other services such as free basic First Aid classes, and a basic CPR instruction program where you can borrow a small kit that includes an inflatable mannequin and instruction video for self-teaching at home. The kits were provided by Lake Elmo Rotary. While we may not want to think about it yet, winter is approaching. Here are some safety tips. • Stay off the thin ice! MN DNR Ice Safety Tips can be found at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html • The State Fire Marshal website provides safety tips regarding Home Heating, Holiday Safety, Carbon Monoxide and other year around tips. Visit their site at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/for-families/Pages/fire-facts-tips-what-you-need-to-know.aspx • Fire Hydrants - Help us help you by keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and other obstructions. If you are unable to clear the hydrant, please contact the Lake Elmo FD at 651-770-5006 or gmalmquist@lakeelmo.org As always, remember that safety knows no season and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 651-770-5006 or gmalmquist@lakeelmo.org