www.abilenefiredepartment.org

Our Mission: To deliver the highest quality service by protecting our community through risk reduction, emergency response, and public service.

Our Vision: We are committed to become a nationally recognized, full-service Fire Department.

Our Core Values: Service Partnership Integrity Respect Innovation Trust

All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

Many estimates show that ATV-related injuries in the U.S. have doubled in a recent 5-year period and deaths also continue to climb. ATV injuries requiring an emergency room visit increased by over 100 percent from an estimated 52,800 in 1997 to 110,100 in 2001. In 2001, about a third of these victims were under 16 years old. In this same period the estimated number of ATV drivers increased 36 percent, driving hours grew 50 percent and the number of ATVs increased 40 percent. Commission staffers estimate that there were 634 deaths associated with ATVs in 2001. This is up from 291 deaths in 1997.

The major ATV manufacturers agreed in Consent Decrees in 1988 and in subsequent voluntary action plans that they would not manufacture three-wheel ATVs; they would place engine size restrictions on ATVs sold for use by children under 16; and they would offer driver-training programs.

	Children and young people under the age of 16 should not ride adult ATVs (with engines bigger than 90 cubic centimeters).
	Take a hands-on safety training course.
	Always wear a helmet while on an ATV.
	Never drive an ATV on paved roads. Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
	Never drive an ATV with a passenger, and never ride as a passenger.

HOT TOPICS

The recent Taylor County Burn Ban was lifted August 18.
Please continue to be careful.

Abilene Fire Department News

Congratulations to Jeremy Williams for his recent promotion to Lieutenant!

HELP PREVENT GRASS FIRES

BE CAREFUL WHILE WELDING OR WORKING WITH OTHER SPARK PRODUCING EQUIPMENT

When was the last time you tested your smoke detectors ?

Your Abilene Fire Department reminds you to test your detectors MONTHLY !

Never cross a road that is covered in water. 1 to 2 feet of water is capable of floating your vehicle.

"FIREWATCH"

FIREWATCH every Monday on KRBC 9 "Abilene's First News" during the 5:00pm Newscast

CODE RED

The CodeRED system calls only those who are in the telephone database. To ensure no one is omitted, individuals and businesses are encouraged to log onto the City of Abilene’s website, www.abilenetx.com, and follow the link to the "CodeRED Residential and Business Data Collection" page. Those without Internet access may call Emergency Plans Office (676-6525), Monday through Friday No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included.

Questions should be directed to the City of Abilene’s Office of Emergency Management, (325) 676-6683.