Public Safety Rec Center 18–19

Take a look behind the scenes at Cedar Falls Public Safety!

SCBA: Drill day at the fire station. This is part of a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) drill that firefighters do to maintain their proficiency for the rigors of the fire ground.

Ice rescue: During the month of February, Cedar Falls Public Safety performs annual ice rescue training. Team members practice using Ice Rescue gear and learn techniques to both self-rescue and rescue a victim if they fall through the ice.

Be Prepared for a Fire

In a disaster, local officials and first responders cannot reach everyone immediately. Help may not arrive for hours or days. Your family needs to be prepared ahead of time. Most disasters are natural disasters such as tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. Some natural disasters can be predicted, such as severe winter storms. Others, such as tornadoes and earthquakes, happen with little or no warning. Some disasters are the cause of human actions— intentional or unintentional. A family disaster plan can help your family be more safe, security, and comfortable. No matter the disaster, there are things your family can do to prepare.

MAKE A PLAN

• Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Don’t forget to include the needs of those with disabilities. • Make sure all family members know to dial 911 in an emergency to contact the police, fire fighters, or an ambulance. • Family members can become separated during an emergency.

Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another.

Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or friend) who can coordinate family members’ locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans. • Discuss the plan with all family members, including children, so they remember what to do, where to go, and who to call. • Decide how to take care of pets. Pets are not allowed in places where food is served. You will need to have a place to take pets if you need to go to a shelter.

Safe Passage for Pedestrians & Bicyclists

With spring weather, pedestrians and bicyclists are out in large numbers along streets, trails, and sidewalks. People walking, running, and biking are signs of a healthy community. To maintain a safe environment, bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists need to be observant of each other, especially at intersections: • Bicyclists need to follow the same rules as motorists, including signaling turns and stopping or yielding at intersections. • Pedestrians must use crosswalks when available, but not all crosswalks are marked. Please remind children that looking both ways and being alert are essential before crossing the path of motor vehicles. • Motor vehicle drivers are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, whether the crosswalk is marked or not. Properly yielding means coming to a complete stop until the pedestrian is completely clear of the street.

Considering general traffic, please also remember:

• Bicycle riders have the right to use the road. For example, experienced bike riders will be on the road where trails are less continuous. • Pedestrians are required to walk on the left side, facing traffic to see it, when walking on the roadway. • For drivers, it is important to slow down, wait for oncoming traffic to pass, and move all the way to the other lane before passing. Safe passage is the responsibility of all—motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians—throughout the year. Feel good about making these efforts for a safe Cedar Falls!

Events

May is the celebration of National Bike Month, including Bike to Work Week May 16–22. Watch for announcements on additional Bike Month activities.