EastGorham

DECEMBER 2013

Gorham Fire & Rescue. The Local Services Board of East Gorham continues as the prime organization responsible to provide Fire Protection Services to you

FIRE & RESCUE LOCAL SERVICES BOARD

EAST GORHAM FIRE & RESCUE HAS BEEN BUSY!

It is December already and this year is quickly drawing to an end. And what a year it has been for East Gorham Fire & Rescue!
After many years of deferred projects and maintenance, the team and many neighbours got together and installed new steel roofs on both Tarmola and North Branch Fire Halls. Dennis Tuomi provided the expertise, and many team members and neighbours volunteered their time, including Dennis Thibodeau, Frank Elmore, Scott Chuckney, Mika Pooley, Chris Davidson, Stephen Shelley and Dale Pichlyk. Our Sincere thanks to all. Later in the year, the septic system at North Branch Fire Hall needed to be replaced. Again, neighbours came through and Lloyd Fournier led the team with his expertise, and with the help of Keith Green, Dennis Thibodeau and Frank Elmore, the job got done in record time at a very reasonable cost to East Gorham Fire & Rescue. Thank you to all that helped. Other projects included the building modifications at the Tarmola Fire Hall to permit the housing of an additional First Response vehicle. Unfortunately in that process we had to eliminate all administration and training space at the Tarmola Fire Hall. We recognise that this means some additional driving time for those residents living in the Pike Lake Road area, but we hope to address this sometime in 2014. Chris Dell (one of our Volunteer Fire Fighters!) arranged the purchase of a new furnace for the Tarmola Fire Hall, and volunteered his time and expertise and installed the furnace - many thanks Chris! Dennis Tuomi removed a dividing wall in the Tarmola Hall to make space for the parking of 'Big Red' - the Pumper Truck 124 the team purchased last year. This is just a small list of some key activities. There were numerous other jobs done during the year by many volunteers both from within the team and just neighbours stepping up and doing their part. Our thanks go out to each and every one of them! So looking back at the past 12 months, much has been accomplished to get everything in shape. We have a strong, committed and growing team - all we need now is some more volunteer firefighters from our own area.

Projects and Associated Costs Completed in

2013

Steel Roof for both Halls! ! New Septic at North Branch! ! New Furnace for Tarmola ! ! Purchase of new Rescue Vehicle" Final Mods for Pumper Truck! ! "

! ! ! " !

! ! ! !

$ $ $ $ $

8,011.38 4,253.29 1,038.55 17,465.52 14,345.87

East Gorham and Lappe Fire & Rescue using PPA during a training exercise

In This Issue:
Financials of a Busy Year! A New Approach - PPA! Christmas Fire Safety Tips! Laws Affecting You! Meet the Team! Getting Home Safely!

1 2 3 4 5 6

From the Chief

As the year winds down and Old Man winter settles in, EG Fire and Rescue has taken a moment to look back at all of its accomplishments. It all started with the dept. becoming incorporated as a not for prot organization. Shortly after, we purchased a new rapid rescue vehicle to add to the eet, a new furnace, third door bay door and new roof for Tarmola Hall followed by a new roof and a septic system at the North Branch Hall. I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Peter Dusolt for all of his efforts and time forming the incorporation. His expertise, dedication, his patience, wisdom and kind words always help get the job done. Another huge thank you goes out to Dennis Tuomi. He was a former chief of the dept. and born and raised in the community. He has always been generous with his time and energy, but he is owed much recognition for his work with the dept. over the years. He is our Assets Ofcer which puts him in charge of vehicle repairs/replacement and building maintenance. These two men organized the community (many of which are former team members) to help with the roofs and septic. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped with the re department this year. Peter also started the newsletter, which is gaining public support. It also helps to get the message out there for re prevention and any upcoming events. A warning to residents that one citation was given out to a resident in the community for failing to have working smoke alarms and maintaining those alarms. I cannot emphasize enough to check your alarms on a regular basis, we have zero tolerance. Residents may face charges. It is the law, so do it!! The Ontario Fire Marshall is passing legislation where residents will be phasing CO alarms into their homes for 2014. On this note I would like to wish the community a Happy and Fire Safe Holiday Season

A New Approach
East Gorham Fire & Rescue Training to Protect its Firefighters and YOU!
On a cold weekend this November, East Gorham Fire & Rescue participated in a joint training session with Lappe Emergency Service & Fire Protection and employees of Ontario Power Generation led by Lappe Fire Chief Bill Pottruff and Deputy Chief Lorenz Bosinger. Both received training and shared their knowledge on Positive Pressure Attack (PPA) which is a new twist on an old technique to combat fire. Volunteer fire departments often face the unique challenges of long response times and limited personnel when responding to situations where lives and property are at risk. This new approach will allow East Gorham Fire & Rescue to more safely and quickly provide fire protection to the residents of our community.

Positive Pressure with Defensive Attack:

The What and Why
1. Ventilating a Fire Ventilation is an important part of structural reghting tactics, and involves the expulsion of heat and smoke from a re building, permitting the reghters to more easily and safely nd trapped individuals and attack the re. If a large re is not properly ventilated, not only will it be much harder to ght, but it could also build up enough poorly burned smoke to create a smoke explosion, or enough heat to create a ashover. 2. What is Positive Pressure Ventilation? Using a fires natural tendency to create an increase in air pressure and by forcing air into a structure using gas fans, properly vented buildings will allow smoke to clear faster in a controlled and coordinated effort. 3. How is PPA Different? Traditionally, firefighters have used ventilation to clear the fire ground AFTER the initial attack. Applying PP ventilation BEFORE an attack will make the atmosphere safer for our volunteers and allow a quicker, more accurate exterior attack 4. What YOU NEED TO KNOW INSIDE THE BUILDING: When PPA is applied in a systematic and coordinated fashion, it will keep our firefighters safer, make visibility better and allow us to quickly extinguish fires. OUTSIDE THE BUILDING: When the fans go on, the fire will come shooting out the windows with extreme force. Dont panic! The smoke and fire is being pulled out of the structure where it cant damage your house or injure occupants/firefighters.

Capt. Steve Shelley and Mika Pooley preparing to enter into live burn at Cummins Lake

Chief Ted Post

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

Nobody wants a house fire for Christmas, but its so easy to let the spirit of the season distract us from common sense fire safety practices. Now is the time to brush up on the little things that can keep our families safe during the holidays. If you have children, or expect children to visit for the holidays, take a tour from a kids eye view. Get down at toddler level and you may be surprised at the hidden hazards in your home. A little time and attention at the outset can save a world of regret later.
A Message From the Fire Marshal: news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/ 2013/12/enjoy-a-fire-safe-holidayseason.html www.oafc.on.ca/holiday-firesafety

Christmas Trees 1. If you want a real Christmas tree, choose a fresh one and dont let it dry out check the water level every day. 2. Dont hang on to your tree after it becomes dry and needles begin to fall out. 3. If you have an articial tree, make sure its ame retardant. 4. Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources, including replaces, heating vents, and candles. Electric Lights 5. If you use electric lights, make sure theyre tested for safety and note whether theyre for indoor or outdoor use. 6. Inspect lights before you use them. Dont use electrical decorations that have frayed wiring. 7. Dont use electrical wires where they can become a tripping hazard. 8. Dont overload your electrical system. 9. Turn off all electrical decorations when you go to bed at night. Fireplace 10. Hang your stockings by the chimney with care: dont let them hang too close to a working replace. 11. Dont burn evergreens or commercial gift wrapping in the replace they can spark out of control. 12. Use a replace screen and make sure to check the ue. 13. Dont wear loose or owing clothing when youre stoking the re (even if your wife tells you that awesome Christmas sweater makes you look ten pounds lighter). Kitchen 14. Dont wear loose or owing clothing when youre tending the stove.

East Gorham & Lappe Volunteer Firefighters celebrating another year of mutual support to keep our communities a much safer place to live

15. When cooking, dont let the festivities distract you never leave cooking unattended. 16. Use extreme caution with outdoor deep fryers typically used for turkey. Make sure its not located too close to the house and follow manufacture instructions. Never leave a deep fryer unattended, even for a minute. You cant use water on a grease re, so make sure you have an all purpose re extinguisher (class K) close by. Make a Fire Safety Plan 17. Make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition. 18. Have at least one re extinguisher on each level of your home. 19. Make and practice a re evacuation plan so that little ones (and big folks too) know what to do when an alarm sounds.

Have an Emergency?

Dial 9-1-1
Fire - Medical - Police

From The Board

Another year has passed and what an exciting year 2013 was! With the contracting of re protection with the East Gorham Fire & Rescue Board, it made our role as LSB board members much easier. During the year, we were constantly informed about what was happening and were often asked for our opinion but it was great to see what happens when the decisions being made are by individuals who have a true understanding of the re service and the needs of the re department. A few former reghters and re chiefs have joined together to help out and it is amazing to see what they have accomplished in such a short time. Both halls are now being fully utilized and all the equipment and structures are up to standard and the most amazing thing is they did it and stayed within budget! I want to thank the former board members who helped for the past 12 years and would also like to welcome our new board members this year. They are Pat Williams, Jim Parkes, Dennis Thibodeaux and Dennis Tuomi. I would like to personally invite all community members to become involved. If you have some time to give, please consider volunteering with our board or the re department. We are denitely in need of more rst responders and we are actively recruiting for a new secretary. Our current secretary, Peter Dusolt, has done an absolutely amazing job this year. We could not have made so many changes without his expertise and guidance. But he also keeps saying he wants to retire... so if you know anyone or want to volunteer yourself, please give us a call (683-1355) or simply email eglsb@tbaytel.net and someone will respond back within 24 hours.

East Gorham Fire & Rescues New First Response Vehicle

Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulation SOR/2013-119 June 7, 2013 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act If This New Regulation Applies to You, Contact East Gorham Fire & Rescue and the LSB -Licences issued pursuant to the previous Marijuana Medical Access Regulation will be repealed on March 31, 2014 ! - Requirements for licensing under the new Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulation application process primarily address security matters - Applicants must provide written notice to local government, re authority and local police agency. The expectation is that Fire Departments will conduct a re safety inspection. - Health Canada included the requirement to advise the re authority so that local authorities are aware of their proposed location and activities. - Dwelling places are prohibited

The Northern Services Board Act Funds East Gorham LSB

The Local Services Board of East Gorham is now 'funded' by the Ministry of Northern Development & Mines. Our MPP, Michael Gravelle notified the Board on October 29th, 2013 that we will now receive annual funding in the amount of $ 5,174.94. While it is very much appreciated, it only represents about 4.1% of our annual budget. At the very least, this funding will defer the need to increase our levy amount for fire protection by at least another year. Also note, that there will no increase for the LSB funding on your 2014 tax bill!

Smoke Alarms: Its The Law!

Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every story and outside all sleeping areas. Homeowners: must install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside sleeping areas.Landlords: must ensure their rental properties comply with the law. Tenents: contact your landlord immediately if you do not have the required number of smake alarms. It is against the low for tenents to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a ticket for $235 or a ne of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season, Shelley Tuomi East Gorham LSB, Chair

Have an Emergency?

Dial 9-1-1
Fire - Medical - Police

Events
If you have an East Gorham event, important date, special occasion or interesting story that you would like included in the next newsletter, contact us. Email Us: eglsb@tbaytel.net Call Us: 807.683.1355 (messages are only checked every couple of days) Mail Us: 5 Kam Current Road Gorham, ON P7G 0J7 or contact newsletter curator Tim Bernardi at home or through email @ 807.345.0228 tbernardi@tbaytel.net

LSB Meetings Aug 27/13

@ North Branch Fire Hall 3 inhabitants attended Board elections took place Term runs from Oct 1, 2013 to Sept 30, 2014 - Board Members: Shelley Tuomi, Jim Parkes, Pat Williams, Dennis Tuomi, and Dennis Thibodeau - Shelley Tuomi elected chair - Peter Dusolt elected as (reluctant) Secretary

Fire & Rescue July 20/13

- East Gorham & Jacques BBQ & Yard Sale - Fire Prevention Info distributed - Fire Truck Rides - A big hit! - Arlene Coolen won both fire alarm and extinguisher prizes - Thank you to our donors: Sausage Pros Sasi Spring Water Canadian Tire

Upcoming April 2014

LSB Meeting - exact date to be set in early spring All residents of East Gorham and Jacques are welcome.

February 2014
Fire & Rescue Meeting - exact date to be set in early 2014

Nov 19 /13
- Audit Report for LSB for fiscal 2012/13 - Requests for a copy of the audit report can be made to eglsb@tbaytel.net

Nov 20 /13
- Budgetary Review - Class A member renewals - Audit Report for EGF&R to be completed in early 2014

Looking to Get Involved?

If you have a talent, time and the inclination to help, contact us. Wed love to help you find a way to to give back to the community!

Who We Are
East Gorham Fire & Rescue is composed of 18 dedicated volunteers who are certified and outfitted by the Ontario Fire Marshals Office and the residents of East Gorham through the LSB. We proudly serve the emergency needs of our community.

Meet the Team

Captain Stephen Shelley was born in NFLDs
White Bay Region but spent much of his time away from The Rock. He was out west for 11 years, four of which were spent as a volunteer firefighter and completing departmental administrative work in Tumbler Ridge, BC. He now enjoys the peace and quiet of East Gorham where he can hunt, fish and just relax when hes not on the road in his rig. Steve is an invaluable member of East Gorham Fire & Rescue. He ensures our volunteers and equipment are in top condition and maintains our records for the Ontario Fire Marshals Office.

Rookie Jeff Mahoney is a red seal

Boilermaker, Biomedical Engineering Technician, and is currently enrolled in an NFPA Firefighter 1,2 Hazmat awareness, ops program in Texas. He was born and raised in Thunder Bay and was first bitten by the fire service bug at a young age listening to his uncles stories about helping people in need, and being a part of a team that helps solve problems in the community. After meeting Chief Ted Post, he knew that the training that is set up, the attitude, the team, the stories, the feeling you get when you leave there gave him a sense of accomplishment, knowing that were making a difference.

Become Part of The Team

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter/first responder, please contact Chief Ted Post. Training Meetings are held every Wed. night in North Branch Hall@ 19h00

(e) (p)

egf_r@tbaytel.net 807-683-1355

Have a Safe Christmas

If you are planning a celebration, be it a company Christmas party or a holiday gettogether with family and friends, make sure that your guests get home safe. As the year winds down, celebrations are in order. Following safe practices and encouraging your friends and family to do the same isnt just the right thing to do - it could save a life. The tendency at holiday parties is for people to get a bit merry, but alcohol doesnt need to be the focus of your event.

Let Us Know What YouIngredients: Think ...

Holiday Eggnog

(non-alcoholic)

- 6 eggs at room temperature, separated - 3/4 cup sugar (for the yolks) - 6 Tablespoons sugar (for the whites) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (use the good stuff, and/ or make your own) fresh grated nutmeg - 3 cups whipping cream, chilled - 2 cups whole milk Directions: 1. Separate the eggs. - Put the yolks in your big bowl, the whites in the electric mixer bowl (Make sure the bowl is clean and dry, with no oil residue - grease of any sort can interfere with proper egg white whipping) 2. Prep the Yolks - Mix the yolks vigorously with a wire whisk for about a minute - they will turn much lighter yellow. -Whisk in 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, whisking steadily. Grate in a bit of nutmeg (gently - you can always add more later, and fresh nutmeg can be powerful), then add 3 cups cream and 2 cups milk and whisk a bit more. Everything should be thoroughly incorporated. 3. Prep the Egg Whites - Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks (It will take ~3-5 minutes, even longer if you're crazy enough to try whisking it by hand.) - Add 6T sugar, one tablespoon at a time, as the mixer runs. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks, but still looks moist (another 2-4 minutes). 4. Combine - Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk/cream mixture with a spatula. -Scrape the egg whites out of the bowl with your rubber spatula, and use a gentle sweeping motion to incorporate the whites to save all the air you just beat into them. - You should still have some small blobs of unincorporated egg white and if the mixture is allowed to sit it will separate 5. Serve Ladle out the eggnog into your fancy cups, and top with a bit more freshly grated nutmeg

Have a Plan to Get Everyone Home Safely ...

Designated Driver Taxi Service
!

Keep Your Holiday Party Safe

- Instead of making drinks the main event, have an activity for your guests like a game of a sport (Residents of East Gorham have been known to enjoy tobogganing, curling, ice skating and hopping on a snow machine) -Provide a variety of nonalcoholic beverages -Serve a meal and snacks ... resist the temptation to overindulge in food also :) - Stop serving alcohol well before the party ends

Diamond 622-6001!! Laceys 622-2227!

Roachs 344-8481

Superior 345-8595

Operation Red Nose

If you are within city limits, a fleet of volunteers will drive you AND your vehicle home

If You Drink, Dont Drive

- Encourage guests to leave cars at home - Let your guests know that there will be zero tolerance for drinking and driving - Support designated drivers by offering prizes of thank you gifts - Help connect guests with a designated driver - Post local cab numbers in a prominent place near the exit, or handout business cards

To access the service, dial 683NOSE (6673) between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am on our service dates Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 27, and 28. The service is free, however donations are gratefully accepted.

... SO YOU DONT NEED EAST GORHAM FIRE & RESCUE

We encourage your feedback on this edition of the newsletter. One of the responsibilities of the East Gorham Local Services Board is to communicate our efforts both internally and externally. In order to do this, we need your help. So, we are looking to you for comments, suggestions and submissions. If you have a community event or project that you would like mentioned in the next newsletter, please contact us. Because we are an organization made up of volunteers, we do not have a phone that is attended at the Fire Hall or the Local Services Board that is staffed throughout the day. If you wish, you can leave us a message at 683-1355. However, our preference is that you contact us by e-mail at eglsb@tbaytel.net, for the Local Services Board; or egf_r@tbaytel.net for the East Gorham Fire & Rescue organization.