By Mackenzie McClintock, SWFD Public Information Officer
The growth of the South Walton community means there is a greater demand for both emergency services and public safety information than ever before.
The safety and wellbeing of this expanding community remains South Walton Fire District’s (SWFD’s) top priority. When SWFD thinks about the start of 2023, the topics below are at the top of our list for public education and safety.
Prescribed Burns
If you are driving on U.S. Highway 98 or County Highway 30A and notice signs of smoke coming from the state forest or parks, the most likely cause is a prescribed burn. The Florida Forest Service (FFS) and Florida Park Service (FPS) will be conducting prescribed burns in the winter and spring months to reduce the threat of wildfires in South Walton and maintain our fire-dependent ecosystem.
The FFS and FPS conduct the burns, while SWFD takes the lead on alerting the public when the burns are taking place.
How can you receive notifications about these burns, so you know that the smoke you’re seeing isn’t a true emergency?
- Download the free SWFD Smartphone Application, available in the Google Play and App Stores. SWFD sends push notifications through this app for all emergencies and public service announcements, including prescribed burns.
- Follow SWFD on Facebook and Twitter, where alerts about prescribed burns are posted based on the information sent out by FFS and FPS (@swfdinfo).
- Contact FFS at 850-373-1801 with comments, questions, or concerns related to the burns.
Why do local forestry officials conduct prescribed burns? Consider visiting whyprescribedfire.org to learn more.
Take a Community CPR and First Aid Course
The importance of effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) made national news headlines when Damar Hamlin, a professional football player with the Buffalo Bills, went into sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of a game on January 2, 2023. The work of athletic training staff and on-site emergency medical services to render lifesaving first aid gave Hamlin a greater chance at surviving the cardiac event.
Did you know that SWFD offers Community CPR and First Aid Courses? Some of these CPR and First Aid courses will even be offered for free throughout 2023!
A Community CPR and First Aid class can be taken as an individual or as a group, and includes hands-on instruction in CPR and AED protocols, as well as first aid for an individual who is choking.
SWFD also offers Car Seat Safety Checks for anyone who would like assistance with a car seat installation.
The community should follow SWFD on social media, or email info@swfd.org, to receive further information.
Beach Safety Season starts March 1
As long as we have the beautiful beaches of South Walton to enjoy, beach safety will remain a major priority for SWFD and our community at large. As a reminder, SWFD Beach Safety full-time staff are patrolling beaches in a limited capacity during the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day until the official season starts.
On March 1, 2023, SWFD Beach Safety will open the 2023 season and staff approximately 15 lifeguard towers to provide coverage across the 26 miles of South Walton beaches. We will also maintain our patrolling capabilities with staffed, emergency response vehicles, such as surf rescue pick-up trucks and ATVs.
If you or someone you know is interested in a career in Beach Safety, please email career@swfd.org for further information. Multiple seasonal lifeguard spots will be available. This is a local career opportunity to work as a first responder, gain valuable medical experience, and create your own schedule. No previous experience is required!
To receive daily text alerts about beach flag conditions in South Walton, text “SAFETY” to 31279.
Heating Safety
Space heaters can make any chilly evening along the Emerald Coast feel much cozier, but don’t forget that small heating appliances can pose a significant fire hazard if not utilized properly.
Here are a few space heater safety tips:
- Keep anything flammable (blankets, curtains, outdoor furniture, etc.) at least three feet away from space heater appliances.
- Never leave a space heater unattended. When you leave the room, go to bed, or leave your house entirely, all space heaters should be turned off.
- Place heating devices on a stable, flat surface before using.
- Avoid running any cords (including extension cords) underneath carpeting or across areas where you commonly walk. Cords can create a tripping hazard for anyone of any age.
- Never plug a space heater into a power strip or into an extension cord. Space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and remember to plug only one space heater into an outlet at a time.
- Ensure your home’s smoke detectors are working properly by testing them regularly. If you are a resident of South Walton and interested in receiving a free smoke detector for your home, email lifesafety@swfd.org.
Stay Connected with SWFD
South Walton Fire District wishes you the safest, happiest start to 2023! To stay connected with us throughout the year, please consider following SWFD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube by searching “South Walton Fire District” or @swfdinfo. We do our best to consistently post relatable and helpful information to keep our community informed, prepared, and safe.
To receive up-to-date, community-focused notifications, download the SWFD Smartphone App on the Google Play or App Store, then open the app to select which notifications you’re most interested in receiving. The app is free to download, and the notifications are completely customizable.
The South Walton Fire District is responsible for Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Services Transport, Surf Rescue, 911 Emergency Communications, Fire and Life Safety, and Public Education and Prevention activities for 84 square miles in South Walton County, Florida. This encompasses all properties from the Okaloosa County line eastward to the Bay County line, and south of the Choctawhatchee Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.
Author: Sowal Editor
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