City of Midland Pess Release... October 5, 2007

October 5, 2007

PROMOTIONS
The Midland Fire Department will promote four employees to higher ranks. Two separate ceremonies will be held, one on Monday, October 8, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. and the second on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, at 9:00 a.m., both at the Central Fire Station.

Fire Driver Brian Martin will be promoted to Fire Captain. Martin has worked with the department for 18 years. Fire Fighter James Martin will move to the rank of Fire Driver. Martin has been with the department for 13 years.

Firefighter K.C. Ward will be promoted to Fire Driver. He has been with the department for 8 years. Peyton Sedberry will be promoted from Firefighter to Fire Driver. Sedberry has been with the department for 7 years.

The media is encouraged to attend and help make this a special day for the employee and his family.

OCTOBER 9th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The City Council will consider authorizing the purchase of streetscape elements for the Wall Street Pedestrian First Project. TxDOT informed the City of Midland that they will be finalizing the construction contract for the rehabilitation of Wall Street by the end of October. Two small projects remain for the City to move forward with including streetscape elements for corner landings and landscaping. The streetscape elements will include benches, litter receptacles, canopy covered benches, and bicycle racks. They will be purchased through a state bid. Once those items are in place, installation of irrigation and landscaping will begin. This is scheduled for January and February of 2008 so that the trees will be planted during the most optimal time for growth.
The Council will consider renewal of a Training Agreement and License Agreement with Midland College for the purpose of continuing a coordinated training program. Midland College and the Midland Fire Department recognize the need for quality training for firefighters and EMS personnel and the benefits of Midland serving as a source for firefighter and EMS training for this region. This joint relationship helps meet the training needs. In addition, a license agreement allows the Midland Fire Department to provide a quality fire training facility for the Midland College Basic Fire suppression Certification Program.
The Council will consider establishing two-way traffic on portions of Illinois Avenue, Texas Avenue, and “L” Street. This follows an approval, on first reading, of a vacation of “M” Street between Illinois Avenue and Texas Avenue. The changes will include Illinois from the east curb line of “L” to the east curb line of “K.” Texas from the east curb line of “L” to the east curb line of “K.” “L” from the south curb line of Illinois to the north curb line of Texas.

“Practice Your Escape Plan”
It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 7-13, 2007, the Midland Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to 'Practice Your Escape Plan.’ During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of home fires and teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

According to the latest NFPA research, 3,030 people died in 2005 in home fires – that’s roughly eight people every day. Being alerted to a fire and knowing what to do to escape from one are extremely important, yet only 23% of households have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Are you prepared for a fire? Although it’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, reviewing the information below and taking action based on it to plan for a fire is strongly recommended… and don’t forget to practice your escape plan during Fire Prevention Week!

Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside and outside of each sleeping area.
Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.
Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.
Practice using the plan, at least twice a year.
Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.
If the smoke alarm sounds: go to your closest exit, and if you run into smoke, turn and use another way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country. For 85 years fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

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