The Edmonds Fire Department was dispatched to 111 calls in and around Edmonds the week of Jan. 14-20, which brings this year’s call volume to 285. Medical crews evaluated 76 patients; fire crews responded to 35 incidents.

Medical Responses

On Jan. 17, five consecutive aid calls were to assist patients who had fallen. They ranged in age from 67 to 91 — two patients fell while getting out of bed, one tripped and fell, another slid to the floor, and one complained of a bruised knee as a result of a fall two days prior.

Stay In Step! a brochure designed to reduce the older adult’s risk of falls and fall injuries, will be available from the Edmonds Fire Department (EFD) in February. It includes ways to make your home more fall-safe and lists things you can do, such as review your medications with a doctor or pharmacist, to keep your balance in check. For a free copy of Stay In Step! call 425-771-0215.

Fire Dispatches

Firefighters responded to a gasoline spill in the 22900 block of Highway 99 on Jan. 20. An employee of the rental outlet was filling a gas-powered piece of equipment and left it unattended. The overfill mechanism in the fill handle did not trip “off” when the tank was full, releasing approximately 20 gallons of gasoline before it was discovered.

Rental employees used absorbent pads, powders, and booms to contain the spill and prevent run-off into storm drains and a city of Edmonds retention pond. The Department of Ecology was notified and followed up to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Fire crews employed a gas monitor and found a zero reading in the storm drains and around the retention pond, although the gasoline odor remained. The Edmonds Fire Department urges people never to leave gas pumps unattended, whether you’re filling your car, portable equipment or a gas can. Other fueling safety precautions include:

•Turn off your car’s engine, put the car in park and set the emergency brake.

• Do not smoke or light matches or lighters.

• Do not re-enter your vehicle while refueling. A static electricity buildup can be caused, particularly during cold and dry weather. If you cannot avoid getting back into the car, always first touch another metal part of the car, such as the door, to discharge any static buildup before reaching for the nozzle.

• If fire starts, do not remove nozzle. Back away immediately.

• Do not use cell phones.

• Do not overfill or top-off gas tanks, which can cause gasoline spillage.

• Never allow children under driving age to operate the pump.

• Use gasoline only in open areas with plenty of fresh air.

For more information, contact the Edmonds Fire Department at 425-771-0215.