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Three times in the last three weeks, I have stopped to help someone change a flat tire.  Twice, I actually changed the tire.  The other time, I just used the flashy lights on the truck to protect the person who was actually doing the work.  Either way, I was there to help!  The issue that caught my attention was that, every time a tire was changed, the spare was flat.  This was not immediately apparent when we were putting the tire on the car but, when the jack was lowered and the tire had to hold the car’s weight, things drastically changed.

This made me think about my truck’s spare tire……..I bought my truck in 2002 and I have never thought of checking the air in my spare.  So, I did.  And, just like the others mentioned above, I had a whopping 15 psi in the spare.

Luckily, I learned about this problem via the mistakes made by others, so I thought I’d pass this little lesson on to all of you.

Before you’re on the side of a busy highway, in the dark, in the rain, make sure that your vehicle’s spare tire is ready to roll!

Fire Safety Info

This month, in a police and fire department insurance magazine, there was a great article on battery safety, particularly battery storage and disposal.  The article was very informative and discussed some valid safety issues concerning the ability of your basic household batteries to start a fire.   After reading it, I went home and found I was one of the worst offenders at battery storage so I thought it would be good to bring it to everyone’s attention.

Think about it…what’s the number one place most people store loose batteries?  The junk drawer!   You know…the drawer in the kitchen that you throw everything that doesn’t have a home.  This is where the problems begin.  Batteries that are improperly stored can short against any piece of metal they bump up to (coins, keys, paper clips, pen clips, other batteries, etc.) and overheat, igniting combustible items (note paper, coupons, lotto tickets, etc.) causing a fire. Once the items in the drawer start burning, it can quickly catch the cabinets, then the kitchen and then turn into a family’s worse nightmare: a house fire.

The most likely battery to cause an issue is the 9-volt.  Due to the terminals being on the same end of the battery and very close together, 9-volt batteries can easily be shorted, causing them to overheat and start a fire.  Other battery types can have issues as well when multiple batteries are stored together so treat them just like the 9-volt, safely.

Battery companies recommend that you keep batteries in the container you purchased them in until you need them, to prevent battery shorting issues.  When batteries are loose, it is recommended that you store them standing up in a non-metallic container.  9-volt batteries should be stored with a piece of electrical tape covering the terminals.

The same safety concerns arise during disposal.  All of the issues discussed above can occur when you haphazardly dispose of batteries.  With the right conditions, just tossing them in the trash can burn your house down just as quickly as improperly storing them.  Follow the same battery safety rules when storing and disposing of batteries.

Volunteer Information

Are you the person that stops to help someone change a tire?  Help someone reach something on the top shelf at HEB? Hold a door open for someone carrying packages?  Go out of your way to help someone that you’ve never met before?  If so, you are just the type of person we are looking for!

We are the Jollyville Volunteer Fire Department and we’re looking for people who want to do something to help their community.  If you are an outgoing, intelligent person who is willing to make the required time commitment, and want to be a major contributor to your community, call or come by the station and we will discuss your possible future as a community servant.

The basic requirements are:

A high school diploma or GED

A valid Texas driver’s license

Valid Texas auto insurance

Ability to attend two Monday night trainings a month

Availability to stay two nights a month at the fire station

Ability to attend 30 hours a month of trainings and calls

Willing to go the extra mile for your neighbor

Now, don’t be scared of the 30 hour commitment.  This minimum requirement includes the Monday night trainings, station overnights, community events, public education events and anytime you decide you would like to visit the station. 

Call (512-258-1038), check out the website (www.jvfd.org) or just come on by the station (9218 Anderson Mill Road) and we will see if you’ve got what it takes to be a “Community Leader.”

Employment Information

ENTRY LEVEL FIREFIGHTER HIRING PROCESS

On Saturday, September 9th, the Jollyville Fire Department (JVFD) will be testing for full-time firefighter positions (24/48’s).

Compensation begins at $15.00 an hour (gross $43,200 per year). Benefits for full-time personnel include paid vacation/sick leave, holiday pay, higher class pay (if eligible), medical & dental insurance, workers compensation insurance & life insurance.  Total starting compensation package, including benefits, is $52,449.84.  Jollyville also provides three annual step raises with the maximum total compensation package of $56,769.84.

Minimum qualifications that must be met at time of application submission: 1) TCFP Basic Firefighter, 2) Texas DSHS EMT-B, 3) Texas Class-B Exempt driver’s license, 4) three or less minor traffic violations on your driving record and 5) a clean DPS finger print, criminal history.

Preference will be given to experience and higher or specialized qualifications, certifications and education, such as Intermediate or Advanced Firefighters, EMT-P, Haz-Mat Technician, Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, etc.  Copies of advanced certifications and education are required.

The testing process will include: 1) a written examination, 2) physical agility testing and 3) an oral interview.

The complete Application for Employment and a physical examination and statement from a medical doctor indicating that the applicant is in good physical condition and able to perform the duties of a firefighter/EMS provider MUST be submitted to the department by Friday, September 1st. 

Complete applications must be submitted by:

5pm Friday, September 1st

INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Testing, examination and interviews will be conducted at the above address at:

10am – Saturday, September 9th