Time to Change Those Smoke Alarm Batteries (or Maybe Not)

Lakeside, CA -

Working smoke alarms save lives. In fact,the risk of dying in a residential fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. That is why it is recommended that smoke alarm batteries are replaced regularly. As a reminder, the "Change Your Clocks, Change your Battery®" campaign is presented in the spring and fall when the time change occurs. However, due to new life safety regulations in California, newly installed smoke alarms are required to have a non-replaceable, 10-year battery. So, if your smoke alarms have a replaceable battery, then put in a fresh one; if not, test your alarm to make sure it is working. Remember, a "chirping" sound from a smoke alarm is an indicator that a new battery is needed. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that all smoke alarms be replaced if they are 10-years old (or older). Upon replacing old smoke alarms, a battery change will no longer be required.

Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home, outside of every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In a typical single-family residence, this would require 4-6 alarms.

 Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Community Members Learn 2-Minute CPR

Lakeside, CA - 

An enthusiastic group of community members dedicated some time to learn 2-minute CPR on Sunday, October 11, 2015. Around 20 members of the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church watched a presentation by Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Moore on the newest techniques for citizen bystander CPR. Dubbed "2-minute CPR," because that is literally how long it takes to learn, it is a form of "Hands Only CPR" that is now the recommended method to be used by laypersons according to the American Heart Association. Church members listened to a short lecture presentation and then (for those that wanted to) were given an opportunity to try CPR on our ResusciAnne® CPR manikins.

After the CPR instruction, members were given a brief overview of the operation of the public-access Automated External Defibrillators (AED) that the church has recently put in service at their facility.

Lakeside Firefighters make these kind of presentations throughout the community on a regular basis. If you have a local group that you feel would benefit from this or another safety-related topic, contact our administrative office at 619-390-2350.

FF-PM Brian Moore teaches 2-minuteCPR.

FF-PM Brian Moore giving tips on CPR technique.

 Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Fighters Host Dinner at the Firehouse

Lakeside, CA - 

The A-Division crew at Lakeside's Lake Jennings Fire Station (fs3) recently prepared dinner for a large group of guests. The "Dinner at the Firehouse" was auctioned to the highest bidder at this year's Lakeside River Park Conservancy Blue Moon Dinner. The meal is provided thanks to the Lakeside Fire Fighters' Association and hosted in conjunction with the Lakeside Fire District.

The firefighters hosting the event were Captain Eric Stamm, Engineer Lance Buford, and Firefighter-Paramedics Mark Poynter and Chad Murray. This is but one of many charitable causes that Lakeside Fire Fighters participate in every year to support our community.

Enjoying Lance's meatloaf at fs3.

Our guests on the "A-Deck" at fs3.

Post and photos by: Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire's 2015 Open House

Lakeside, CA -

Despite record-breaking heat, many Lakeside families attended our fire department open house on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Hosted by the Lakeside Fire Fighters' Association in conjunction with the Lakeside Fire District, this year's event was a great success.

In addition to apparatus displays, station tours, and fire safety information, we had informational displays from the Burn Institute, Sharp Grossmont Hospital Stroke Unit, Lakeside CERT, SDG&E, I Love a Clean San Diego, and the Lakeside Amateur Radio Club. Also attending were San Diego County HazMat, California Highway Patrol, and San Diego Sheriff's Department K9 unit.

A very special display this year was the antique CSFA Steamer Engine hosted by Dave and Barbara Hubert and their Dalmatian Dottie.

Lakeside Fire Fighters would like to acknowledge the support of the Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group (LVG) for their help in coordinating, planning, setup, and cleanup. Also, a special thank you to Sondra Buzzell (wife of Lakeside Captain Matt Buzzell) for her amazing face-painting skills!

The fire department open house is an annual event. We hope to see all of you next year.

On the CSFA steamer with Dottie the Dalmatian.

Rescue 3 crew after the extrication demonstration.

Sheriff K9 demonstration with "suspect" FF-PM Shaba.

Post and photos by: FF-PM Marc Poynter, Lakeside Fire District

Senior Fire Safety & Smoke Alarm Program

Lakeside, CA -

The Lakeside Fire District, in partnership with the San Diego Burn Institute, offers FREE lifesaving smoke alarms for qualified seniors. To qualify for the Burn Institute’s Senior Smoke Alarm Program, seniors must be 62 years or older and own their own home. Representatives from Lakeside Fire will test existing smoke alarms, change batteries, or install new smoke alarm(s). It is recommended that a smoke alarm be installed in every bedroom, hallway, and on every level of a home.

Please call Lakeside Fire Administration at (619) 390-2350 from 7am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday, for more information on this free program and to schedule an appointment.