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2024 Safety Messages

Think Twice Before Walking On Ice!

Firefighters standing on ice with the focus on their feet with the caption "Think Twice Before Walking on Ice!"

Think Twice Before Walking on Ice!

Winter is here, and, with it, some hazardous weather conditions! Below are some tips on how to walk safely on snow and ice:

- Wear footwear that is made to walk on snow and ice.
- Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
- Walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
- Keep your hands free and out of your pockets. Wear gloves.
- Use designated walkways.
- Snow can act like a blanket and cover ice so that it is difficult to see. Watch for ice patches under snow and black ice on streets.

Heating Safely in Cold Weather

Ice background with the caption "Heating Safely in Cold Weather"

Elizabeth Fire Rescue is no stranger to clamp on heat lamp fires. With cold temperatures coming in this weekend, help keep animals and people safe with proper heating devices. Below are some tips on using heat lamps safely:

- Clean up cobwebs and dust before using.
- Keep wires out of reach of children and small animals, and make sure they aren't a tripping hazard.
- Double secure the lamp.
- Use heat lamp cages.
- Check lamps for frayed wires before using.
- Avoid the use of extension cords.
- Make sure your heat lamp is UL rated.
- Keep the heat lamp 3 feet away from anything that might catch on fire or burn easily.

Remember: always better safe than sorry!

Be In The Know When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!

Firefighters shoveling snow with the caption "Be In The Know..."
Firefighters shoveling snow with the caption "...When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!"

Be In The Know When It Comes To Shoveling Snow!
Winter is here! Don't forget these shoveling safety tips!
- Warm up before you start.
- Start slow and take it easy.
- Keep your back neutral.
- Lift with your knees.
- Keep your shovel light. Don't try to shovel too much at once.
- Take breaks and stay hydrated.

A Healthy Heart: Nothing BEATS It!

A firefighter holding an apple with the caption "EAT Well!"
A firefighter walking on the treadmill with the caption "MOVE Daily!"
Firefighters standing in front of a water cooler, giving a thumbs up, and holding water cups with the caption "HYDRATE Often!"
A firefighter sleeping on a reclining chair with the caption "SLEEP Well!"
A firefighter meditating in the back of an ambulance with the caption "STRESS Less!"
Firefighters standing in front of an ambulance making hearts with their hands with the caption "LOVE Your Heart!"

A Healthy Heart: Nothing BEATS It!
 
EAT well!
MOVE daily!
HYDRATE often!
SLEEP well!
STRESS less!
LOVE your heart!

Sometimes It's Good to Push Buttons!

Firefighters pointing and looking at a smoke alarm with the caption "Sometimes It's Good to Push Buttons"

Sometimes It's Good to Push Buttons!
More than 50% of home fire deaths are attributed to non-working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! Test your smoke alarms once a month.
Some smoke alarm safety tips:
- Be sure to test once a month.
- Change batteries yearly or if your test fails.
- Replace the batteries if needed; replace the smoke alarm every 10 years.
- Everyone needs to be able to hear the alarm: install an alarm in all bedrooms and at least one on every level of the house.

An unchecked DRYER can start a FIRE...

A dryer vent with lint blockage and the caption "Got Lint?"
Firefighters cleaning dryer lint screen and vent with the caption "Avoid a Fire...Clean Your Dryer!"

An unchecked DRYER can start a FIRE...
The leading cause of home dryer fires is a failure to clean them. An estimated 2,900 home dryer fires happen every year in the U.S. See below for some tips on how to keep your home safe from a dryer fire!
- Clean the lint screen after each load.
- Make sure the outdoor vent isn't blocked, and clean your dryer vent yearly.
- Handle chemical stains on clothes with care.
- Remember: keeping your dryer clean can increase its efficiency, as well as keeping you and your loved ones safe!

Work as a TEAM to keep it CLEAN!

A firefighter holding a bottle of chemical cleaner with gloved hands and reading the label with the caption "Think Safe."
Two firefighters holding up their hands wearing safety gloves with the caption "Act Safe."
Two firefighters holding chemical cleaner with gloved hands and reading the label with the caption "Be Safe."

Work as a TEAM to keep it CLEAN!
Spring has sprung, and with it comes spring cleaning! Remember to Think Safe, Act Safe, Be Safe while you clean, especially when using cleaning chemicals! Below are some safety tips for handling chemicals while you clean:
- Read labels before use.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves.
- Avoid skin contact with any chemicals.
- Never eat, drink, or smoke while using hazardous chemicals.
- Make sure all chemical containers are properly labeled.
- Always wash up after using chemicals.
For our citizens residing within the borders of the Town of Elizabeth, remember that a Town Clean-Up Day, where you can bring household items to dispose of, is currently scheduled for Saturday, May 18th. Please see the provided link for more information and requirements to participate: Town of Elizabeth Clean-Up Day

Wildfires won't wait for you to be ready! Protect your home against wildfire today!

Two firefighters raking pine needles with the caption "Rake Pine Needles"
A firefighter on a ladder cleaning out gutters and a firefighter holding the base of the ladder with the caption "Clean Out Gutters"
A firefighter on a riding mower with the caption "Mow Tall Grass"
A firefighter using a chainsaw on the lower limbs of a tree with the caption "Limb Up Your Trees"

Wildfires won't wait for you to be ready! Protect your home against wildfire today.
Below are some ways to help mitigate your property and reduce the risk of wildfire:
- Rake pine needles.
- Clean out gutters.
- Mow tall grass.
- Limb up your trees.
According to the Denver Post, Colorado's 2024 wildfire outlook projects a normal year, which means there will be about 5,500 blazes to burn some expected 220,000 acres of land throughout the state. Wildfire season is typically from May to September, and statistics show that 85-90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Specific weather conditions can make wildfires worse, such as high winds and low humidity. Don't wait: prepare your home for a possible wildfire today!

Fire Weather Is Upon Us! Don't Be A Problem Burner!

Firefighters standing in front of a large burn pile with their arms crossed with the caption "Don't Be A Problem Burner!"
Firefighters holding burn flyers with the caption "Check Local Regulations"
Firefighters holding umbrellas that are being blown by the wind with the caption "Check Weather Conditions"
Firefighters holding a burn permit with the caption "Get A Burn Permit"
Two people shaking hands over a fence with the caption "Talk With Your Neighbors Before You Burn"
Firefighters kneeling before a burn pile and holding a shovel with the caption "Keep A Shovel And Hose Nearby"
Firefighters checking a pile of ashes with the caption "Never Leave Your Burn Pile"

Fire Weather Is Upon Us! Don't Be A Problem Burner!

As we move into the warmer, dryer summer months and fire danger increases, we want to remind everyone to plan ahead before starting a fire. Below are some tips on how to stay safe and burn responsibly:

  • Check Local Restrictions: we have burn flyers with additional information on local restrictions available at our administrative office and on our website at the provided link: Open Burning
  • Check Weather Conditions: don't burn if it's windy and dry!
  • Get a Burn Permit: see the provided link for additional information: Request A Burn Permit 
  • Talk With Your Neighbors Before You Burn: remember that smoke and fumes can impact the people around you; it's always better to have a conversation first!
  • Keep A Shovel And Hose Nearby: make sure it's easy for you to put the fire out quickly if you need to!
  • Never Leave Your Burn Pile: always stay with your burn until it is completely extinguished.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!!!

Firefighters in a fire vehicle with the caption "DO seek shelter in a substantial building or hard topped vehicle."
A firefighter flying a kite with the caption "DO wait 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard to resume activities."
Firefighters demonstrating the lightning position with the caption "DO use the Lightning Position."
Firefighters standing under a tree with the caption "DON'T go under tall trees, swim or be near water, or touch metal objects."
A firefighter washing dishes with the caption "DON'T use sinks, baths, or faucets."
Firefighters standing outside and holding umbrellas with the caption "REMEMBER: you can be in danger of being struck by lightning even if there is no rain!"

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!!!

DO:

  • Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard topped vehicle.
  • Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard to resume activities.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Assume the lightning position if you are caught outdoors. Crouch low like a baseball catcher, don't touch any possible conductors, place your hands over your ears, get on the balls of your feet, and touch your heels together.

DON'T:

  • Go under tall trees, swim or be near water, or touch metal objects.
  • Use sinks, baths, or faucets.

Remember:

  • You can be in danger of being struck by lightning even if there is no rain.
  • You can be in danger without any dark cloud over your head. A "Bolt from the Blue" can strike 10-15 miles away from the storm.
  • You can be in danger if you can hear thunder.

Lightning Fast Facts:

  • More people are struck by lightning on Saturdays than any other day of the week.
  • Lightning strikes are 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the surface of the sun.
  • More than 1,000 Americans are struck by lightning annually.
  • One third of lightning injuries occur indoors.
  • Colorado is usually one of the top 5 states with the most lightning strikes every year.

Fourth of July: Keep it LEGAL, Keep it SAFE!

Firefighter standing with arms outstretched with statistics on where firework injuries occur: 15% eyes, 16% head, face & ears, 30% hands & fingers, 10% arms, 6% torso/other area, and 23% legs

Fourth of July: Keep it LEGAL, Keep it SAFE!

Fourth of July Safety Tips:

  • Watch a professional fireworks display.
  • Keep your pets indoors.
  • Check your local burn restrictions to see if fireworks are permitted in your area.
  • Sparklers are considered fireworks. Give kids glow sticks instead.

Fireworks cause approximately 17,000 fires every year, and 65% of all fireworks injuries happen to bystanders. Don't spark a wildfire this Fourth of July!

For locations within the State of Colorado to watch professional fireworks displays, view the link below:

Professional Fireworks Displays

Back to School: Be SAFE, Be SMART!

Firefighters standing in front of school buses with the caption "Back to School"
Firefighters boarding a school bus with the caption "Be Safe Be Smart"
Firefighters crossing the street in front of a school bus with its stop sign extended with the caption "Brake for the School Bus"

Back to School: Be SAFE, Be SMART!
Remember to:
- Slow down around school buses.
- Allow more time before passing.
- Stay alert: children may be crossing.
- Brake for the school bus. Passing vehicles cause an estimated two-thirds of school bus loading and unloading accidents.

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape! Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape!

Firefighters standing in a superhero pose with the caption "Be Your Own Hero! Not Every Hero Wears a Cape! Plan and Practice Your Escape!"
Firefighters checking a smoke detector with the caption "Have Working Smoke Alarms!"
Firefighter working on a home escape plan with the caption "Make a Home Escape Plan!"
Firefighter climbing out the window and running out the door with the caption "Know at Least Two Ways Out of Every Room if Possible!"
Firefighters standing by a tree with the caption "Have an Outside Meeting Place!"

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape! Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape!

See below for some ideas on how to be ready in case of a fire in your home:

  • HAVE working smoke alarms.
  • MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • KNOW at least TWO ways out of every room if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
  • HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
  • PRACTICE your home fire drill.

Remember: Fire is FAST!! It only takes minutes for the thick, black smoke to fill your home. Take precautions and make a plan now in order to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Administration Building

146 N. Elbert Street
PO Box 441
Elizabeth, CO 80107

(303) 646-3800

Elizabeth Fire Station 271

155 West Kiowa Avenue
Elizabeth, Colorado 80107

Elizabeth Fire Rescue Logo

Hours

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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