December 19, 2007

VOLUNTEERS GET NEW RESPONSE VEHICLE
A group of volunteers who help the Midland Fire Department will receive some help of their own.  On Thursday, December 20, 2007, at 1:30 p.m., Christmas arrives a little early at the Central Fire Station, 1500 W. Wall.  The Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association (CFAAA) will receive a new response vehicle to help them in assisting the department at emergency scenes. 

The CFAAA is a group of volunteers who have graduated from the Midland Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy (CFA). These dedicated folks respond to emergency scenes to provide support to Midland firefighters. This support may be in the form of a meal, a cold drink, or a hot cup of coffee. They also help the MFD raise money for special firefighting and rescue equipment.

They have been using a van for transporting food and refreshments out to the firefighters on the scene. However, this van could only hold a small amount of supplies and required that the meals and drinks already be prepared before they headed to the scene. The new Support Response Vehicle is actually an ambulance that has been converted to serve a new purpose. This vehicle will allow the CFAAA to make coffee and microwave hot meals on the scene, thereby reducing the amount of time it takes them to provide the food and refreshments to the firefighters.

The CFAAA volunteers and the Support Vehicle are a welcome sight when firefighters have been working in the scorching summer heat, or as has been the case lately, the freezing cold. When the firefighters have the opportunity to take a break from their firefighting duties, a cold bottle of water or hot cup of coffee can be just what the doctor ordered.

HOME SAFETY
The Midland Police Department is offering tips for residents planning to travel out of town for the Christmas and New Year holidays.  There are a few easy steps to take to ensure that your home is safe while you are away.

Deadbolt all doors and lock all windows.  This includes removing keys from double cylinder deadbolts.

Stop delivery of mail and newspaper.  If you have a neighbor that you trust, ask them to pick up your paper and mail.

Leave on an interior light.  Let criminals think someone is at home.  A light timer is the best.

Leave a radio or television on.  Again, a timer hook up is best.

Close all window blinds and curtains.  Keep valuables out of sight, especially presents under the tree.

Leave a car parked in the driveway.  If that is not possible, ask a neighbor to use your driveway while you are away.

Turn off garage door opener power.  Don’t chance that a thief might be able to trigger your door open.  Simply cut off the power to the door.

Don’t let a thief steal your Christmas…play it safe!!!

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