Yuma News Now

Yuma, Arizona - Fire House Facts - The Yuma Fire Department responded to 193 emergency calls for services for the week of Sunday July 27, 2008 through Saturday August 2, 2008.

13 - Commercial Assignments - Including:  Reports of smoke seen and smelled in area of businesses, a stove fire in an apartment, and various alarm responses.

1 - Hazardous Materials Assignment Including: A vehicle leaking gasoline.

1 - Mutual Aid Requests Including: Assisting with a building on fire in Winterhaven, CA.

21 - Motor Vehicle Accidents Including: 1 involving a canal, 1 involving a pedestrian, 2 involving 3 vehicles, 2 involving a motorcycle or scooter, and 1 reported as a “head on” collision .

139 - Other Medical Emergencies (serious to minor) Including:   26 for difficulty breathing, 16 for chest pain, 15 fall victims, 9 unconscious people, 2 seizure cases, 6 diabetic emergencies, 3 suicidal subjects, 4 possible stroke cases, and misc. other illnesses and injuries.

18 - Special Duty, Public Assistance, and Residential Assignments Including: A residential fire, 3 vehicle fires, 2 reports of smoke in the area, and various alarms.

August has been proclaimed “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” in the City of Yuma by Mayor Nelson. This proclamation has also been made for the State of Arizona by Gov. Napolitano. The purpose is to raise awareness of the number of cases and the impact of child drowning in Arizona. Even though Arizona is considered a desert state, drowning incidents take the lives of the equivalent of a classroom full of children each year. Children 4 years old and younger are in the highest risk group.

Families can take simple steps to protect their children around water and avoid the tragedy of unnecessary loss of life. The most basic of these steps comes down to constant, responsible, adult supervision of any child around water. Never let a child unattended around water for any length of time. It “only takes a few seconds” for a life to be lost and a family to be changed forever. All too often first responders hear “I was only gone a few seconds” or “I thought they were watching them”.

Keeping children healthy and safe, are the goals of Fire Departments and other prevention institutions in Arizona. “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” is one way to raise awareness and remind people that there is no substitute for constant, responsible, adult supervision of children around water.