Fire Safety Task Force holds its first community meeting

What does a resident do when a neighbor is a packrat? Why are the fire extinguishers downstairs in two-level buildings? Is the landscaping too close to buildings and particularly flammable? How will a virtually deaf person be warned when the sound of a smoke alarm doesn't wake her from sleep?

These and more were the concerns residents brought to the table at the Fire Safety Task Force town hall meeting held May 16 at Hillside. Just about 40 residents came to speak about their thoughts and fears and the task force listened, took note, and promised to seek answers and solutions, which will be presented in due course.

“This is our first formalized town hall meeting,” said Melvin Wall, chairman of the Fire Safety Task Force. “We'll want to keep the education going.”

But first, he said, resident fears need to be addressed, so listening and recording concerns was the first order of business.

“We need to hear from you,” Wall said.

In the event of fire

Following the airing of concerns, Fire Marshal Richard Carpenter spoke about what residents should do in case of a fire.

Two words came up repeatedly in his presentation: “Get out.” That advice was followed by an addendum: “Then don't go back in.”

Addressing the question of whether to call 9-1-1 or the special Walnut Creek emergency number suggested in the News, Carpenter said his best advice was simply to call 9-1-1. Currently, the call is routed differently from cell phones, but will still reach emergency services and Carpenter suggested that it is best to keep it simple.

“That's (9-1-1) the norm; that covers all areas,” he said.

Also, when calling from a landline, even if one simply dials 9-1-1, states “Fire,” and drops the phone and exits, the dispatcher will have the address automatically and will send out a fire unit. It is not necessary to stay on the line.

This is not true from a cell phone, however. Carpenter said one should always try to get to a safe location; stay calm; state the emergency; and give name, address and phone number when calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone.

Carpenter does not recommend residents make extended efforts to extinguish a fire themselves unless the fire is small and clearly manageable, such as the beginnings of a fire on the stove or in the oven. (How to handle those fires was covered later by CCFPD Education Division Supervisor Jojy Smith. See below.)

Fire extinguishers are not light and should never be used by those who are not properly trained to use them, Carpenter said. If one has to stop to read the directions on the extinguisher, it is too late.

The best suggestion is to leave, closing all doors behind after leaving each room if possible, because it “compartmentalizes the fire,” Carpenter said.

Kitchen fires

Kitchens are the primary starting point for most fires, said CCFPD Education Division Supervisor Jojy Smith. The basic causes of kitchen fires are usually neglect (walking away to do something else while something is on the stove) or having combustibles too close to a flame (pot holders, sleeves, etc.).

Smith said that one should try never to leave the kitchen when in the middle of cooking. If there is some distraction that occurs, such as a phone call, it is advisable to take a reminder (potholder or wooden spoon, for instance) so as not to forget there is something on the stove.

But her best advice, she said, is don't leave.

What a person does in the first few seconds of a kitchen fire is critical.

There are three things that will work to extinguish a grease fire on the stove: a pot lid or cookie sheet used to slide over the top of the fire; baking soda; or a fire extinguisher.

Contrary to the opinions of some, salt and flour are not good extinguishers and, in fact, can be explosive, she said. Water is also the wrong choice.

If there is a fire in a pot and it has been covered by a lid or cookie sheet, the next step is to be sure the stove is turned off, then left to cool. It is always a good idea to call the fire department and report that you've had a fire and would like to be sure it is completely out.

One should never be embarrassed to do this, Carpenter said. In fact, the fire department prefers that even small fires be reported, because it is possible sparks could travel into the flue.

In the event of an oven or microwave oven fire, close the door of the appliance and turn it off. Unplugging it is also wise.

Smith's suggestions for kitchen safety include the following:

€ Don't leave the kitchen while cooking. Unattended cooking is the number-one cause of cooking fires.

€ Wear short or fitted sleeves while cooking. Clothing ignition is a higher risk for people over 65, Smith said.

€ Use potholders.

€ Don't store cloth or paper products, or any flammable cleaners near the stove; do have a pot lid or cookie sheet within reach.

€ Never cook with a small pot on a big burner.

€ Use the back burners when possible.

€ Turn pot handles inward on the stove.

€ Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease buildup and clean filters in exhaust fans regularly.

€ Have a working smoke detector in the home and test it regularly.

€ If possible, mount an ABC-rated fire extinguisher on the opposite wall to the stove and know how to use it.

Artists, authors, dog lovers and more at the Flea Market

A record number of vendors - 78 - will be on hand for Saturday's Flea Market.

Flea Market Vendors list

The vendors at this weekend's Flea Market include:

Rossmoor author will sell her books at Saturday Flea Market

Rossmoor resident and author Dr. Muriel James will sell some of the books she has written during the Saturday, May 26, Flea Market at the Gateway Clubhouse complex.

All directors return to serve another year on the GRF Board

The 43rd annual meeting of members of the Golden Rain Foundation May 14 was a mere formality in that all of the previous year's directors will continue to serve for the 2007-2008 year.

Community meeting to be held at Tice Valley Gym tomorrow to discuss proposed development

There will be a community meeting at the Tice Valley Gym on Thursday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is for Tice Valley Oaks, LLC to present its proposed 17-unit development to local residents.

Eagle Ridge uses a different approach to introduce board candidates

Eagle Ridge's Mutual 68 has three candidates for two board vacancies. Residents were sent biographies of the three candidates and the Community Information Committee (CIC) discussed having a forum to hear the candidates discuss their backgrounds, their reasons for competing for the two positions, and their stands on various issues.

Evac Pac surveys being tallied, emergency bag is still available

Over 600 Rossmoor residents have responded to the Evac Pac survey and the results are being tallied. Along with their responses, Rossmoor residents have made many helpful suggestions and requests that are now being evaluated by Contra Costa County Supervisor Gayle Uilkema's office.

Fire Safety Task Force holds its first community meeting

What does a resident do when a neighbor is a packrat? Why are the fire extinguishers downstairs in two-level buildings? Is the landscaping too close to buildings and particularly flammable? How will a virtually deaf person be warned when the sound of a smoke alarm doesn't wake her from sleep?

GRF committees have vacancies

There will be openings on the following GRF committees this month:

GRF President David Smith's remarks at the annual meeting of members

The current Golden Rain Board has completed its 2006-2007 year, a year of challenges and a year of accomplishments that have benefited all of Rossmoor. While the scope and degree of accomplishments would, by themselves, make this a noteworthy year, it is the unprecedented trust, confidence and openness that has been established which marks this past year as a truly exceptional one.

Learn the ins and outs of riding County Connection

Residents who feel uncomfortable with the thought of taking the County Connection to doctors appointments or shopping can get help from Gretchen Hansen, Rossmoor bus forewoman.

Lions Club offers free hearing screenings

As part of its continuing effort to assist residents with hearing problems, the Rossmoor Lions Club sponsors free hearing screenings for residents once every year.

Looking for Rossmoor pioneers

The Rossmoor News and Channel 28 are looking for pioneer Rossmoor residents. Residents or former residents who lived in Rossmoor between 1964 and 1970 are invited to tell their stories of the early years in Rossmoor, Leisure World. What was life like here back then?

Meetings

BOARD, MUTUAL AND COMMITTEE

Memorial Day ceremony recognizes returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan

For the fourth consecutive year, the Walnut Creek City Council will honor Walnut Creek servicemen who have returned from military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan at its annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at the gazebo in Civic Park, corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive.

Mutual 22 to hold election

The 37th annual meeting of members of Walnut Creek Mutual 22 will be held on Monday, June 4, at 10 a.m. in the Mutual's Recreation Room, 4033 Terra Granada Drive.

President's Corner

Giving credit to CORG for open committee meetings

Residents are invited to discuss enhancements to the Creek Walk

The public is invited to share ideas on potential enhancements to the Creek Walk in Walnut Creek's Civic Park at a community meeting on Saturday, June 2, at 9 a.m. in the Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive.

Rossmoor Farmers' Market to open May 25

The Rossmoor Certified Farmers' Market will be open every Friday morning this summer, beginning Friday, May 25, at 9:30 a.m. in the Gateway parking lot of the main clubhouse.

Scholarship Foundation disperses 31 college scholarships

Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation President Bill Regan has announced that 31 students have been awarded collage scholarships of $2,750 each.

Security Report

The following incidents were reported to Securitas, Rossmoor's security service provider. They appear here as they were initially reported to Securitas. After investigation, details of a case may indicate a lesser or different incident description.

Single-payer healthcare is discussed at Democrats meeting

The Democrats of Rossmoor will have two speakers discuss single-payer health care at the Thursday, May 24, meeting in the Diablo Room at Hillside.

Take precautions around snakes; they come out of hibernation at this time of year

It's the time of the year when the snakes come out of hibernation and move into patios, carports and walkways. There are several different kinds of snakes in the valley, including garter, gopher, king, whip and rattlesnakes.

Third Mutual will hold its 33rd annual meeting of members in the Fireside Room

The 33rd annual meeting of members of Third Walnut Creek Mutual will be held on Tuesday, June 12, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room, Gateway Clubhouse, 1001 Golden Rain Road.

Two new candidates running unopposed for Third Mutual board

Fred Barnes and Pauline Kelzer were unopposed for seats on the Third Walnut Creek Mutual board and, having submitted petitions signed by a least a quorum in their districts, will take office at the end of the members' meeting on Tuesday, June 12.