“National EMS Week”

May 19-25 2013

            Please join The Center Point Fire District in celebrating “National EMS Week”.

The purpose of  National EMS Week is to honor the men and women who deliver pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical care in their communities. The theme for 2013 is “EMS: One Mission One Team”.

            The fire service has a rich history of protecting the health and safety of our communities through an “all hazards: response model that includes the delivery of pre-hospital Advance Life Support Emergency Medical Care. Center Point Fire District Firefighter/EMT’s and Paramedics are located, trained and equipped to provide timely pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical response, patient care and transport every day… 24/7.

            These men and women are passionate about their jobs. They respond quickly, safely, and professionally to the communities of Center Point, Clay, Pinson and un-incorporated areas in Jefferson County. In addition, Center Point Fire District provides mutual aid to the surrounding communities including the City of Birmingham.

            In closing, Center Point Fire District has a proud tradition and was recognized nationally in 2012 by winning the prestigious Congressional Fire Service Institute “Excellence in Fire Service- Based EMS Award”.

Center Point Fire District is seeking applicants for the position of Firefighter/ Paramedic. Center Point Fire District is one of the most active fire departments in the entire region. We have four (4) stations that house an Advance Life Support Pumper and an Advance Life Support Rescue Unit. In addition, we have a Ladder Truck, Tactical Unit, Brush Truck, Rescue Boats and other specialized equipment. We respond to over 7,200 calls per year.

Center Point Fire District has a mandatory Physical Fitness Program and promotes positive health habits. The Department also has Annual Health Screening and Job Task. All applicants are required to have completed the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT) within the past six months as a condition of employment.

Applicants must participate in a written and problem solving exercise in addition

to an Interview. Also, as a condition of employment, a Background Check, Physical and Drug Screening is required.

Center Point Fire District has an outstanding reputation for providing exceptional service as well as being a great place to work. If you are interested in becoming part of our organization and meet the job requirements, please come by our Administrative Headquarters and complete an Employee Application

See the attachment for the job description, benefits and required qualifications.

If have any questions, please contact my office.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Dusty Underwood

Phillip W. Underwood

Center Point Fire District

Job Title: Firefighter/EMT Paramedic

Job Location: Center Point Fire District

Work Schedule: Full Time - 24 hour shift on duty and 48 hours off.

Half Shift – 24 hour shift and 96 hours off. Off Day (Kelly Day) every 9^th shift.

Compensation and Benefits: Starting annual salary isapproximately $34,000. Additional incentive pay of 3% for Paramedic, 3% for an Associate Degree in Fire Science and 3% for a Bachelor’s Degree in a work related field. Holiday Pay for eleven (11) holidays and one (1) personal day. Vacation and sick time is 10.64 hours per month. Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Education Reimbursement, State Retirement and membership into the Alabama Firefighter’s Association. Personnel that work ½ shift received ½ benefits.

TORNADOES
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

The peak season for Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms in the southern states is
from the month of March through the month of May. However, these storms can form
anytime if the conditions are right, as we remember the EF-3 tornado that cut a diagonal
path approximately 10.5 miles long through the Fire District in the early morning hours
of January 23rd, 2012. Along this path, many businesses and homes were destroyed or
heavily damaged and one life was lost that day.

The Center Point Fire District would like to encourage everyone to have an emergency
plan in place before, during and after a tornado. The following list provided by FEMA at,
http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes will assist you with helpful information you will need
for all three steps. Please take the time to read, these tips could help save your life or
someone in need of help.

Before a tornado:
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan:

→ Basic Emergency Kits – 72 Hours: Water, non-perishable foods for
(3) days, battery powered radio and NOAA weather radio with extra
batteries for both, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, whistle
for signaling help, dust mask, moist toilettes, garbage bags with ties for
personal sanitation, wrench and/or pliers to turn off utilities, manual
can opener for food, local map, cell phone with charger – inverter or
solar charger.

•

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts
for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions
given by local emergency management officials.

•

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

→ Look for the following danger signs: Dark - often greenish sky, large
hail, a large – dark- low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating), loud roar,

similar to a freight train. If you see approaching storms or any of the
danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

During a tornado:

• If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home,
hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building):

→ Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement,
storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go
to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior
hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as
many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy
table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

→ In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the
lowest floor possible.

→ If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect yourself
from head injuries.

→ Put on sturdy shoes.

→ Do not open windows.

•

A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home.

→ Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby
building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little
protection from tornadoes.

•

The outside with no shelter.

→ Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your
hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

→ Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat
location.

→ Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck.
Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

→ Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes cause most
fatalities and injuries.

After a tornado:

•

Safety precautions that could help you avoid injury after a tornado:

→Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for
emergency information.

→ Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.

→ Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or
walking on or near debris.

→ Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.

→ Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines.
Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.

→ Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light
homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in
safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items.
Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.

→ Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves or other
gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your
home, basement, garage or camper - or even outside near an open window,
door or vent. Carbon monoxide (CO) - an odorless, colorless gas that
can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe it - from these sources
can build up in your home, garage or camper and poison the people
and animals inside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO
poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.

→ Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by
the tornado, but stay off the telephone, except to report an emergency.

→ Cooperate fully with public safety officials.

→ Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, fire fighters,
emergency management and relief organizations, but do not go into
damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could
hamper relief efforts and you could endanger yourself.

In my opinion, the local and national weather media has done an excellent job in making
the public aware of any potential threat of severe weather. So remember to always plan
ahead, stay focused and make your friends and family aware of your plan.

Matthew E. Angelo
Captain/Fire Marshal 

Job Announcement

Training / Safety Officer 

February 18th 2013

The Center Point Fire District would like to announce an opening for Training / Safety Officer. To view job requirements and qualifications see the following word document.

 THANK YOU! 

            Many people who live in the Fire District and from other communities donated brand new toys and clothing items to the Center Point Fire District for the 2012 Christmas Season. Each year Center Point Fire District receives numerous Christmas Angel request from the local school systems. With this year’s request, we were able to make Christmas morning a dream come true for many families who have children attending JCCEO Head Start, Erwin Intermediate, Pinson, Chalkville, Clay, and Center Point Elementary. With the abundance of toys and clothes received this year, we were also able to assist families aside of the Christmas Angel Program. In all the Center Point Fire District assisted 70 families this Christmas season. 

Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to build  roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.

Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal  can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.

Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace  mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.

Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire  is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.

If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on  the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

 inspected to ensure that it is in good working condition.

Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs  are in proper working condition.

Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists.  Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified. Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.

Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well  supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.

Is the chimney solid, with cracks or loose bricks?  All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.

Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Other Fire Safety Tips

Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.

Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental  heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.

If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload  the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry an amp load. TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.

Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms  or other areas where they may come in contact with water.

Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them  with a blow torch or other open flame, otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space. Use hot water or a laboratory tested device such as a hand held dryer for thawing.

If windows are used as emergency exits in your  home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can  assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.

FINALLY...

Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean it on a monthly basis.

Plan and practice a home escape plan with  your family.

Contact your local fire department for advice if you  have a question on home fire safety.

For more information or copies of this publication, please contact:

Department of Homeland Security • U.S. Fire Administration

16825 South Seton Avenue • Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727

800-561-3356 • www.usfa.dhs.gov

FA-249F/March 2008

OCTOBER 7-13TH IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

WE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THE ARTICLE BELOW WITH YOU FROM: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/escapeplans/index.shtm

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities. It's also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight guests. Some tips to consider when preparing your escape plan include:

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.
• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.

"Have Two Ways Out" PSA

Additional Video Formats, Transcript »

Security Bars Require Special Precautions

Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you inside in the event of a deadly fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.

Immediately Leave the Home

When a fire occurs, get out fast: you may only have seconds to escape safely. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases, which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.

Never Open Doors that are Hot to the Touch

When you come to a closed door, feel the doorknob and door to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use your secondary escape route. If the door feels cool, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.

If you can't get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors to keep the smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

Designate a Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance

Designate a meeting location a safe distance in front of your home. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and that your house number can be seen day or night from the street.

Once Out, Stay Out

Remember to escape first and then notify the fire department using the 9-1-1 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, or pets are trapped inside your home, tell the firefighters right away. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.

How Fire-Safe Is Your Home?

You won’t know until you do a fire safety walkthrough.

Conduct a fire safety walkthrough of your home on a regular basis. Use the following tips to help you in your walkthrough:

• Keep clothes, blankets, curtains, towels, and other items that can easily catch on fire at least three feet from space heaters and away from stove burners.
• Place space heaters where they will not tip over easily.
• Have chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a professional.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces and leave glass doors open while burning a fire.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed.
• Check for worn wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• Never overload electrical sockets.
• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
• Never leave cigarettes unattended and never smoke in bed.
• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. The cigarette needs to be completely stubbed out in the ashtray or run under water 

 January 23rd Tornado (2012)

The Center Point Fire District was struck by an EF-3 tornado on the morning of January 23. The tornado cut a diagonal path through the fire district 10.5 miles long.  At least 30 business were destroyed and numbers of homes significantly damaged are nearing 500. Dozens were injured in the early morning storm and sadly one 16 year old young lady was killed when her house was destroyed. The Fire District went into a search and rescue mode immediately but we were soon overwhelmed with calls for help. Many neighboring departments sent resources to help in the rescue effort. Most of our off duty firefighters returned to work and by early afternoon we had accomplished the task of searching and confirming that survivors were accounted for. It was a huge effort and so many people played roles in that mornings operation.

Since that time many agencies, fire departments, government resources and volunteers have been in the area offering help. Not only in the clean up effort but also long term help. The fire district would like to sincerely thank everyone who has offered their help and support.

Center Point Fire District

2229 Center Point Parkway

Birmingham, AL. 35215

205-853-5098

2013 Fire Dues Structure (Residential and Commercial) 

For the most current and updated information, please see our NEWS section.

Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarm Form  

Center Point Fire District Stations