Winter Driving Safety

Ice and Snow - Take it Slow
ISP and INDOT advise those considering going out onto the roads to check the weather forecast and traffic information before leaving, and allow extra time if you decide driving is necessary. If you must drive during any period of the storm, make sure you have a fully charged and functioning cell phone. IDHS also recommends carrying blankets, extra water, a small shovel and other items which may be helpful if you find yourself in trouble on the road.  If you become stranded:

• Make sure you have at least a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle before you leave. This will help prevent the fuel line from freezing.

• Unless there is immediately accessible, better shelter such as a building, do not leave your car.

• Keep the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen (remember to keep the windows cracked).

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see.

• Run the engine for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Remember, an idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.

• Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• If involved in a crash and no one is injured and the involved vehicles are still drivable, move to a safe area to exchange names, vehicle and license plate information, along with driver license number and insurance agent name and phone number with the other driver

• During severe weather conditions law enforcement will be busy responding to emergency calls and will not be able to take reports of crashes where there is only damage to property

• Vehicles left abandoned along interstate and state road right-of-ways are subject to immediate removal during inclement weather events

Battle of the Badges

The stakes were high for the 20th annual Battle of the Badges and the results are in.  The Red Cross received more than 650 blood donations from the community during this year's blood drive. This annual, good-natured rivalry among first responders helps ensure the blood supply keeps pace with demand during the holidays.   

As the largest blood drive for Northeast Indiana Red Cross, Battle of the Badges provides a friendly competition between police (FWPD/ISP/ACPD) and FWFD and TRAA for bragging rights.  Donors not only give lifesaving blood donations, but they too can vote for their favorite public safety organization.  The votes are in and the Fire Department/EMS team wins again - nine years and counting. 

A sincere thank you to each and every person who supported this blood drive effort.  If you weren't able to donate during this drive, remember the need for blood never disappears.  The only substitute for blood when it is needed in life-saving situations is blood!  Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your blood donation appointment today. 

Line of Duty Death - Washington Township

Washington Township Firefighter Mark Haudenschild's funeral arrangements have been confirmed. The exact routes for the processionals are still being determined. 

• Friday, November 16, 2 - 8 p.m., Viewing at D.O. McComb - 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne 46845
• Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Viewing - The Chapel at 2505 W. Hamilton Road South (Southwest) Fort Wayne 46814. At noon the funeral service begins (The Chapel) followed by the burial service at Riverview Cemetery, 11425 Carroll Road, Churubusco, 46723

Change Your Clocks - Change Your Batteries

CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AND
CHANGE YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BATTERIES

With daylight saving time ending this Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., the Fort Wayne Fire Department urges residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors when they set their clocks back one hour.

More than 70 percent of fatal fires throughout the U.S could be prevented if working smoke detectors were in place.

A good way to make sure working batteries are in smoke detectors is to change them each time daylight saving time goes into effect so these life-saving devices are always operational.

Assistant Chief Jim Murua, Fire Marshal of the Fort Wayne Fire Department says, “Daylight saving time is a date and time twice a year that we all remember. As we go through our homes and change the clocks we should also make this the time to replace the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The chance of surviving a fire significantly increases when you have a working smoke alarm.”  

Murua also suggests in addition to replacing the batteries you should also prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.

For more safety fire tips or assistance in creating a fire escape plan visit www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org or contact the Fire Code Enforcement Division at 260.427.1479.

Halloween Safety

HAVE FUN – BE SAFE ON HALLOWEEN! 

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS RECOMMEND TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN, Saturday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. 

Read more: Halloween Safety