springtime arrives
The arrival of spring and it’s beauty unfortunately also brings the possibility of severe weather in the form of tornadoes, thunder storms, lighting, and flooding.
Every tornado should be considered life threating as winds can exceed 200 mph causing dangerous flying debris. One should seek a sturdy shelter such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest away from windows.
Tornados are generally classified in three alerts:
- Tornado Watch – A tornado is possible as weather conditions are favorable for producing one
- Tornado Warning – A tornado is expected, and shelter should be sought
- Tornado Emergency Alert – A sighting has occurred, and one should seek shelter immediately
Thunderstorm alerts are very close and common to the tornadoes. They too can produce damaging winds and hail. An additional hazard of a thunderstorm is lighting. Lighting can be very dangerous. It has been known to damage structures and injure people. Always seek shelter from thunderstorms.
Finally, the increase in precipitation caused by thunderstorms and spring rains can cause flooding. Flooded areas can contain numerous hazardous conditions. Most flood related injuries are caused by people attempting to drive a vehicle through the flood waters. Flood waters often masque or hide obstacles and hazards. Do not drive through flood waters.
Please be aware of the possible weather conditions described above. The Fire District would like everyone to enjoy the arrival of spring and all the excitement and joy that accompanies it.
COVID 19 CONTINUES
Please keep in mind the number of persons in the Community contracting COVID-19 is increasing every day. We all are trying to return to our normal daily routines however, more time is needed for a vaccine to be developed and administered.
In the meantime, continue to practice everyday preventive actions as recommended by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are working to help keep you and the community safe from the threat of a novel, or new corona virus. Take the following everyday steps to help avoid the spread of not only the Covid but all respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Continue social distancing, staying six feet apart.
- Recommend wearing a face mask when in public.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as
remote controls and doorknobs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Updated Union Fire Protection Code in Effect
Beginning January 1, 2021, The Union Fire Protection District will be enforcing the 2018 series of International Building Codes. All new permitted construction and existing buildings inspected for fire safety will be subject to the 2018 code. Those construction projects underway prior to January 1, 2021 will continue to be regulated by the 2015 series of codes until construction is complete.
If one has any questions or concerns feel free to call the Inspection office at 636-583-2515.
Use caution when open burning
The Union Fire Protection District is asking residents to use caution when open burning on their property. Open burning of tree limbs and residential brush is allowed only outside the Union City limits. The open burning period is limited to the period beginning September 16th and ending April 14th. Brush piles are limited to 16 square feet and the burning may occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
The Franklin County area has received favorable precipitation in the recent few weeks, yet conditions can become unfavorably dry in a matter of days. A resident who is burning on their property can quickly create an escalating out of control natural cover fire resulting in damage to others’ properties. Such fires have been known to spread to homes and structures destroying them.
Prior to open burning one should contact the Franklin County Communication Center at 636-583-2567 or Union Fire Protection District Station #1 at 636-583-2515 to confirm open burning will be allowed given the current or forecasted weather conditions.
Some guidelines to follow are:
· Burn piles should be limited to 16 sq. ft.
· Do not burn within 50’ of a structure
· Wind speed must be less than 10 miles an hour
· Humidity should be greater than 50%
· Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, dirt, or sand on hand as an extinguishing agent
All open burning should be constantly attended, and residents need to have the availability to call 911 if their open burning should get out of control. Household trash, tires, shingles, siding, and treated lumber should not be burned.
Lieutenant Promotion
Congratulations to Justin Backhaus. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on February 5, 2021 and is now assigned to Station #1.
Russell Hamilton,
Fire Chief, Union Fire District
Featured Apparatus
The Union Fire Protection District houses and maintains a specialized piece of equipment;
a 2008 Generator designated as 8229. The 60 Kilowatt Blue Star Generator is mounted on a trailer chassis making it portable. The generator most often is pulled by our light rescue truck 8219. It has been utilized several times in the community since being put in service. Most recently it assisted at the City of Union's Auditorium during the COVID 19 vaccinations. Electricity to the area that Saturday morning had been lost and later restored by Ameren UE. 8229 assisted with providing cords and lighting.
Union Fire Protection District
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