Finally, after lots of work (and infinite patience!) our station is completed. All department operations, administration and training are now located at the new building and we have never been happier. We think the most happy are the firefighters, due to the fact that this is the first fire station in the history of JVFD that wasn’t build entirely by the members. Feel free to come by anytime and take a tour or our new home.

 

Factors Leading to Heat Stress

• High temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat
• limited air movement; physical exertion
• poor physical condition
• some medicines
• and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Weakness and moist skin
• Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
• Upset stomach or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Dry, hot skin with no sweating
• Mental confusion or losing consciousness
• Seizures

Preventing Heat Stress

• Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses
• monitor yourself and coworkers
• Block out direct sun or other heat sources
• Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly
• Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals

What to Do for Heat-Related Illness

• Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once

While waiting for help to arrive:

• Move the worker to a cool, shaded area
• Loosen or remove heavy clothing
• Provide cool drinking water
• Fan and mist the person with water

Michael Belohlavy, Commissioner Lisa Birkman, Mack Sherrod, Kenny Schnell, Adam Bryant, Darryl Phillips, Assistant Chief Brian Quinlan (watching) and Fire Chief John Kiracofe at the groundbreaking for the expansion of Fire Station No. 1 in September.

Now that station, Fire Station No. 1, located near the intersection of Pond Springs Road and Anderson Mill Road, is ready to grow again.

“Both the stations we operate out of were never intended to be full-service, live-in stations,” Jollyville Fire Chief John Kiracofe said of the department’s volunteer heritage. “We’ve just had to make do. Now, with this expansion, we’ll have living quarters.”

The Jollyville Fire Department, Williamson County and Emergency Services District No. 1 broke ground on the station expansion project mid-September. The expanded station will house the Jollyville Fire Department and the Williamson County Emergency Medical Services, said Lisa Birkman, Williamson County commissioner for Precinct 1.

Fire Station No. 1 serves the area surrounding the station in southern Williamson County, including the Springwoods and North Austin No. 1 municipal utility districts, Milwood, Hunters Chase, Rattan Creek and Forest North neighborhoods and adjoining county areas. The expansion to the station includes new living quarters for the EMS and fire personnel, a classroom, new offices and new bays to house fire trucks and ambulances.

The existing space will also be renovated to create living quarters for Williamson County EMS Medic 22, which shares the station with the firefighters.

“They don’t have any living quarters or educational spaces now,” said Connie Watson, public affairs manager for Williamson County.

She said the ESD and the county jointly funded the expansion and renovation. The project costs just under $1 million. Construction is projected to take five months for completion.

While the county provides the facilities, the JFD provides the manpower, Kiracofe said.

According to JFD’s website, the station expansion was made necessary since the City of Austin annexed Anderson Mill MUD, where the former EMS station was located. That annexation took effect Jan. 1. The expansion is also in response to high growth and additional demand for services in the area, Watson said.

Kiracofe said the officials were hoping to have the expansion completed before the annexation.

“But it’s been a longer process than I thought it would be,” he said. “We’re just so excited it’s finally happening.”

Perhaps the biggest cause of flood-related deaths and injuries is lack of public understanding of the severity and danger involved with floods and flash floods. The following tips can help protect you during flood events.

Fast Facts About Flood Events

• Many people are killed by driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered by water. Even though the water might look only inches deep, it could be much deeper and with have strong currents. It only takes two feet of water to carry away a car and six inches of swiftly moving water will sweep a person off his feet.
• Flooded creeks and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth the water is moving very fast.
• High water in streets and intersections will quickly stall motor vehicles. Most trucks, four-wheel drives, and sport utility vehicles also are susceptible to being swept away by high water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under any conditions.
• If you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route, even though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
• Never let children play near creeks or storm drains when the water is rising or high. Swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving a flooded creek or stream.
• Debris or garbage in the water may include tires, shopping carts, furniture etc. These items can easily injure or trap a person under water.
• Flooded streams and rivers are not safe for recreational boating. Many canoeists and kayakers have been rescued from dangerous rapids in flood-swollen streams and rivers.

What to do if someone falls in or is trapped in flood water

• Do not go after the victim!
• If possible, throw them victim something to use as a flotation device (spare tire, large ball or foam ice chest).
• Call 911 with correct location information on this water rescue situation.
• Never set up a tent or camper on the bank of a river or stream. It is best to allow some distance between the campsite and water so if a flash flood does occur, you will have more time to move to higher ground.
• If you live in a low-lying area or near a creek, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water levels rise rapidly during flash floods, often surprising victims. Heavy rainfall upstream can cause a river or stream to rise quickly, even if it is not raining near you. Be prepared to move quickly to higher round if water levels begin rising. Quickly responding to an evacuation order can save your life.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.