June 8, 2006
FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION TRAINING
The Midland Fire Department will be offering a basic firefighter certification training academy, or recruit school, beginning July 10, 2006. Interested persons should attend an orientation for prospective students on June 26, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., at the MFD training center Harris Field, 3215 FM 307.
The 14-week academy meets the Texas Commission on Fire Protection standards for basic firefighter certification. Classes will meet Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the duration of the 468 hours long academy.
The cost of the course is $1,230 plus books and other supplies. College credit hours may also be earned by attendance. Students must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Interested persons may contact Training Chief Stephen Forbes at 685.7346 or by email
at: sforbes@midlandtexas.gov
MLK COMMUNITY CENTER POOL
Too hot to go to the pool? Swim inside at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center pool. The pool is open for swim five days a week.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. open swim
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. adult swim
Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$1.50 cents per person
Proper swim attire. No cut-offs allowed.
Media Contact: Andy Bass/Recreation Coordinator at 685.7379
GANG SEMINAR
Anyone wanting to learn more about gangs is invited to attend a one night seminar and presentation about street gangs. The Midland Crime Prevention Commission will hold a free seminar on Friday, June 16, 2006, from 7-9:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane.
Officers with the Midland Police Department and Midland Sheriff’s Office will offer informative information for parents and citizens. They will discuss gangs, their members, what one has to do to become a member, advantages and disadvantages of being a member, and warning signs to look for in your own children, family members, or neighbors.
For more information contact MPD Community Relations at 685.7977
Media Contact: Officer Larry Woodruff/MPD at 685.7977
SUMMER & BAR-B-QUE FIRE SAFETY TIPS
With summer like temperatures here, and weekends by the pool, the Midland Fire Department would like to remind all citizens about dangers of grilling outdoors. Two apartment complex fires just this week are not believed to have been caused by outdoor grilling, however, both are believed to have started on the balcony area by other causes. Operating a grill on an apartment balcony is not only a violation but also a serious danger.
In 2002, gas and charcoal grills caused 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in the United States. These fires caused an estimated $30 million in property loss. Surprisingly enough it was found that gas grills caused more fires than charcoal grills. This was due to poor maintenance along with placing combustible material to close to the grill and leaving cooking unattended.
Here are some safety tips listed below will help keep everyone safe this summer season:
- Position the grill away from combustible material such as home siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging tree branches.
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Declare a three-foot safe zone around the grill.
- Periodically remove grease buildup in trays below the grill to prevent the grease from being ignited by a hot grill.
- Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid to ignite the grill. Use only approved lighter fluid.
- Do not add lighter fluid when the coals have already been ignited.
- Check gas grills for leaks and have them repaired before using the grill.
- Never move a grill after the fire has been ignited or with the gas valves open.
- Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.
- Grills are prohibited on apartment balconies and cannot be used within 10 feet of combustible siding of the buildings.
For more information regarding summer fire safety contact the Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal’s office at 685.7334
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