the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Ask Jim Daughenbaugh about putting out an oven fi re this month - his own!Zak gets the “Craziest Outfi t Award” when responding to the fi re station for a call this month. Seems he showed up for a call wearing shorts and boots! Hey guys from Station 2, where’s the picture? Zak, that is just wrong - it’s below zero outside!Seems the guys have a sure fi re way to check the batteries in all the CO calls they have been responding to this month - their tongues! We wish speedy recoveries to fi refi ghter wives Marcia Soppe and Carol Donovan from their surgeries this month. The department Christmas Party was a ton of fun, and very well attended. A big thank you to the Roscoe VFW where it was held. As an ice breaker, everyone was given a name tag with a part of the name of a Christmas Song. They had to fi nd the other people that had the rest of their song, and then sing it. The twist was, all the songs had the word Christmas in them. And, there were only a few songs so multiple people had parts of the same song. The joke was on the Chief though. It didn’t take him long to realize he was the only person with the word Christmas. He did get very creative in singing it! Here are a few of the groups.

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Postage

Harlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com

January 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost

Little-known Facts About Snow The largest snowfl ake on record measured 38 centimeters in diameter, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It allegedly fell in 1887 at Fort Keogh, Montana. Ranch owner Matt Coleman took the measurement, and described the snowfl akes as being “larger than milk pans.” For their part, international weather stations do not measure snowfl ake dimensions. Snow is white because visible sunlight is white. The crystals in a snowfl ake refl ect white light off each other and what little light that is absorbed gives snow its white appearance.It is never too cold to snow since moisture can exist in the air even at the lowest temperatures. However, most snowfalls occur when the air is -9 C or warmer, since air can hold more water vapor during warmer temperatures.Snow is edible, at least in theory. Snow that falls in large urban centrers may contain pollutants that should not be ingested, especially when these are present in high concentrations. Snow makes things quieter because the air pockets in fresh snow absorb and trap sound waves. But ambient noise returns when surface snow hardens and begins to refl ect more sound. In places where there is really hard snow, the icy surface will actually cause noise to travel farther.Snow crunches when you step on it because snow is composed of ice grains surrounding tiny air pockets. Each layer of snow is largely of empty space. When you take a step on the surface, you are compressing layers and causing ice grains to compress. The colder the temperature, the louder the crunch because the ice grains are harder and less likely to melt during compression.Icicles are more common on the south side of buildings because that exposure tends to receive more daytime sun. Snow is more likely to melt on the south side of a building. It then re-freezes during the night to form icicles.Most of it is ice, either individual crystals or packed solid, though it still looks like snow. What’s on top, having been exposed to the warm sun all day today, is what is known to skiers as corn snow. That’s really lumps of white ice, crystals the size of small kernels of corn.Ice itself is unusual because it’s not like any other solid. Water expands when it freezes, unlike (almost) every other material that shrinks when it becomes a solid. Ice continues to melt and refreeze down to extremely cold temperatures, which explains many peculiar characteristics that northerners experience, such as it forming around a shovel left in it for a few days.Snow is technically a mineral, like iron and salt.Another myth you may have been taught is that each snowfl ake is individual and unique. Most snowfl akes tend to stick together with others into globular crystals. And lots of snow fl akes look similar to anyone who takes the trouble to look closely at enough of them. For each one to have a unique shape and composition would be a statistical impossibility.Most snow crystals--the prettier ones-- are very wide but very thin. Though they’re thinner than a piece of paper, they may be up to a few inches wide. .At the centre of each snowfl ake is a speck of dust, volcanic ash or particle from outer space. Temperature, humidity and wind determine the shape each crystal takes as water vapor freezes on it.

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Newly fallen snow is usually about 90 - 95 percent air, which explains its property as a good thermal insulator.A blizzard with lightning is called thundersnow. You likely have heard that you shouldn’t eat yellow snow. It’s...well, pee. But don’t eat the red snow either. Often called “watermelon snow,” it even smells like the fruit. But it’s color comes from a species of pigmented algae that grows in ice. Red

snow may taste great, but stay close to a toilet for a day or so.Although avalanche deaths have risen dramatically over the past half century due to the increasing popularity of skiing and snowmobiling--250 deaths in the US over the past decade--it’s not true that shouting, yodeling or other loud sounds will trigger an avalanche.The most snow in the USA usually falls on Valdez, Alaska. It receives an average of 326 inches of it per

year. Never mind that it’s 27 feet of snow, that would turn into 2.7 feet deep of water over everything in the area if it all melted at once. Because of the air within it, snow takes up ten times as much space as liquid water.Despite how white the North and South Poles are, it snows very little there. The little bit it does snow each year never melts, but it accumulates over decades and blows around a lot, creating blizzard or white-out conditions.The snow in Antarctica is mostly so hard and fl at that it refl ects sound as well as light. Researchers have heard human voices talking as much as one mile (1.6 km) away.A man named “Snowfl ake” Bentley admired the fl akes so much that in 1885 he took close-up pictures of some 5,000 individual fl akes. He died of pneumonia. No kidding.In addition to snow blindness you can get from overexposure of the brightness of snow on the retinas of the eyes, it can also drive people crazy. A little understood kind of hysteria called pibloktoq can cause a variety of symptoms including echolalia (senselessly repeating words overheard from another person) and running around naked in the snow. Note that this is not the same as the Scandinavian ritual following the sauna, despite appearances.According to one theory of earth history called “snowball earth,” our entire planet was covered with snow and ice some 600 million years ago. Opponents argue that no complex life form could have survived in that environment. However, it’s impossible to know if the oceans were frozen over and how much life could have survived near the water if only the land were covered with snow and ice.

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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

This will be an exciting year for Harlem-Roscoe as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary as a Fire Protection District! Plans are underway to celebrate this milestone throughout 2010. Can you believe, seventy years of service to our community? Just think how the district has grown and progressed over those years. As I get older, I am amazed at how

quickly just one year goes by. Each fi lled with its own challenges as well as rewards.

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season. If you were like me, there was plenty of food, family, food, friends and more food to go around. I want to thank all of you for a most successful “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign. I am proud and honored to say we did not replace one red bulb. Great Job!

Now that the family, friends and FOOD is over, it’s back to work as usual. Another year that will be fi lled with exciting new challenges and rewards. We will continue to build and improve upon our foundation of 70 years. I am certain with the continued dedication and commitment from our trustees, offi cers, fi refi ghters and support staff, these challenges and goals will be obtained.

Over the past 70 years we have been fortunate to have mindful people who have looked to the future. From capital items to personnel, equipment and training, the needs and demands continue to increase. Each year is more demanding on our members and their families. I would like to praise all of you for staying on top of all that is requested of you. In 2009, we fi nished the calendar year with 2230 calls. That’s over 6 calls per day!

As Harlem-Roscoe begins another 70 years, the district will continue to grow and so will the needs for our services. I can assure you that we will look to those future need. We will be proactive. We will continue to bring our district the commitment of excellence, integrity and caring. As history has shown, our performance of emergency fi re, medical and rescue services is second to none. We will keep it that way.

Remember to check out our website, www.harlemroscoefi re.com to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and calls we have had. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Photos Needed

April 4, 1940 Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District was formed. During 2010, the department will be celebrating “70 years of service”.

We are also looking for anyone with pictures or videos of Harlem-Roscoe Fire through the years. We can scan and copy them and the originals will be returned safely.

Up-coming celebrations will be posted on the department web site at www.harlemroscoefi re.com.

New Fire Chief License PlatesFire Chief License Plates are available only to the fi re chief of a municipal fi re department or fi re protection district. Fire Chief License Plates may be displayed on passenger vehicles and on trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less. Vehicles displaying these plates must be owned by the fi re department or the chief offi cer of the fi re department. The license plates must be surrendered when the person no longer serves as fi re chief.

Chief Shoevlin’s command vehicle now displays his new Illinois Fire Chief Plate.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

“Keep the Wreath Red” There were NO holiday fi res in December, so the bulbs stayed red! Thank you, everyone!

“A man who worked at a fi re hydrant factory was always late for work. When confronted by his boss the man explained: “You can’t park anywhere near this place!

What is carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is CO found?CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be diffi cult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

How does CO poisoning work?Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Who is at risk from CO poisoning?All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups — unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems — are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualifi ed technician every year. Do not use portable fl ameless chemical heaters (catalytic)

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indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a fl ame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO. When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories. Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

How do I vent my gas appliances properly?All gas appliances must be vented so that CO will not build up in your home, cabin, or camper. Never burn anything in a stove or fi replace that isn’t vented. Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris. This can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin. Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper. Horizontal vent pipes to fuel appliances should not be perfectly level. Indoor vent pipes should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This helps prevent CO or other gases from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fi tted tightly.

How can I heat my house safely or cook when the power is out?

Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper. Never use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors. Using a grill indoors will cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fi replace. Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal — red, gray, black, or white — gives off CO. Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper. Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent.

How can I avoid CO poisoning from my vehicle?Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of my car every year. A small leak in your car’s exhaust system can lead to a build up of CO inside the car. Never run a car or truck in the garage with the garage door shut. CO can build up quickly while your car or truck is running in a closed garage. Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house and always open the door to any garage to let in fresh air when running a car or truck inside the garage. If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate, you also need to open vents or windows to make sure air is moving through your car. If only the tailgate is open CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the car.

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Alarms Keep Firefi ghters on the RunStory and Photos by Sheryl Drost

Remember in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says, “Lions and tiger and bears, Oh my!” Well, this month it has been smoke and CO and alarms, Oh my!

Firefi ghters responded to numerous smoke, CO, and fi re alarm investigations. The CO alarms were at residences and fi refi ghters did fi nd a couple low CO readings around furnaces and stoves. Luckily replacing batteries was the most common solution.

Fire Alarms

Firefi ghters responded to the Showplace Theatres during the rain/ice event on December 23rd for a fi re alarm. No smoke or fi re was found and the alarm was reset. Movie patrons were evacuated to the front door vestibules while fi refi ghters searched the theatre.

Engine 701 crew arrives at 4950 Marlin Drive to a large commercial structure with a fi re alarm sounding on December 28. No fi re was found and the alarm was reset.

Firefi ghters walk the perimeter of the large building checking in windows for any signs of smoke or fi re while another crew made entry into the building.

Due to the size of the structure, the aerial trucks were dispatched to the scene.

Smoke Investigation

Firefi ghters ladder a large commercial building on Hwy 251 on December 29 after a passing motorist reported smoke coming from the building.

Firefi ghters only found steam, due to the very cold outside temperatures, coming out of the heating vents on the roof . Once again, no smoke.

Chief Shoevlin monitors radio traffi c on scene at his command post he has set up in the rear of his vehicle.

Carbon Monoxide

It’s silent but deadly. And it can kill. The odorless and colorless fumes from carbon monoxide can go undetected until it is too late.

A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in US, with more than 20,000 people hospitalized and nearly 500 killed each year. . The Centers for Disease Control reports that cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have been on the rise in recent years.

. . . See page 11 for more facts

On Scene By Mike Huffman

Cold and extreme winter weather bring new challenges to the fi re service. If you mix snow and ice with the cold, a new dimension is created.

According to the National Weather Service, approximately 70 % of winter storm related deaths occur on the roadway. A large number of these deaths can be contributed to slippery road surfaces and drivers unfamiliar with a vehicle’s handling and performance under winter conditions.

Firefi ghters enroute to motor vehicle accidents will need to take snow, ice and accessibility into consideration. How will they infl uence the actions of the ambulance, squad, and engine companies? An important point fi refi ghters are taught is - the fi re department is of no value unless it is able to arrive on scene safely.

As offi cers arrive on the scene, they scan the scene. They ask themselves is the scene safe, how are the vehicles placed, what are the conditions of the vehicles involved, what kind of vehicles are involved, and how many victims do we have? Winter weather adds more questions – How is the snow and ice going to affect responding units? How and where to place apparatus to protect everyone on scene from other traffi c? Are more personnel needed to monitor equipment? And, what needs to be done to keep personnel from falling or slipping on the snow and ice?

The cold weather can also play havoc with the fi refi ghter’s operations. Cribbing on snow/ice will move a lot so more crib

checks will have to be done. Hydraulic tools can run a bit slower in the cold weather. On air tools, the hose to regulator can freeze up when in use. When securing rollover vehicles, extra care is needed for placement of the Buttress system (Rescue 42 or rescue jacks) and they may have to be secured by using spike or rebar.

More personnel are needed and can be used to monitor equipment as well as spreading oil dry on ice to keep rescuers from falling.

Firefi ghters will only be able to battle the elements for shorter periods of time in extreme weather. All offi cers and fi refi ghters watch for signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather operations.

So how does the fi re department prepare for extreme weather? Training! Trainings for extreme weather may include how to use and keep tools working, how to quickly extricate victims and get them into warm ambulances, and how to keep everyone safe on scene.

Christmas Family in Need Drive Chief Shoevlin says, “Thank you to all for another successful Harlem-Roscoe Fire Christmas Drive. The outpouring of donations from fi refi ghters, individuals, families and local businesses was overwhelming.” Don adds, “We did make a difference for some local families in these hard economic times. It shows the true meaning of the Christmas Season!”

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters played Santa on Saturday December 19 as they delivered the boxes of donated food and presents to 24 families in need in their fi re district. Each family received a box of food including a turkey and all the fi xings, milk, bread and butter. The boxes also contained presents for a total of 70 children.

The shopping crew met for breakfast after their 3-hour shopping spree to purchase toys and clothes for the children.

Firefi ghters met early Saturday morning, December 19 to deliver the baskets of food and presents to 24 families.

Birthdays

January 4th Bill Hyde5th Matt Bush17th John Presley25th Jerry Lund29th Charlotte Alms31st Mark Soppe

February

10th Robert Gonia Neil Roe - ‘30th”12th Ken O’Dell15th Scott Jensen16th Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’23rd Brian Szilagyi

February Breakfast ListBrad Knipp, Adam Eich

Radi Huggard, Debbie RykowskiMickey Rykowski, Jordan Stark,

and Greg Wernick

Total Calls for 2009

2230!

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Gone, But not forgotten

Some people come into our lives,and quickly go.

Some stay awhile and leavefootprints in our hearts.

And, we are never, ever the same.

Debbie Rykowski’s father, Nels Swanson passed away December 31 in Marshfi eld WI.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Debbie & Mickey and their family!

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John predicts...

36 Snowfalls

22 left as of January 7!

Memorial DonationBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin and Deputy Chief John Presley met with the Jack family; wife Louise and children, Tom, Sandy, Dennis, Steve, Dave & Tim at their family business, Loves Park Auto Sales in Machesney Park, to accept a memorial donation in the name of the family patriarch Ed Jack who had passed away on December 3.

One of the sons commented that the family knew right away where the memorial money for his dad was going to go. The Jack family has been a long-time supporter of Harlem-Roscoe Fire. The family has allowed auto extrication classes to be held on the their property as well as to supply any needed vehicles to be ‘cut up’ for years.

Chief Shoevlin said, “It is an honor to have the support of the Jack family. The commitment they have made to allow us to continue to grow our skills and develop skills for new fi refi ghters is most generous. The memorial donation will go towards purchasing extrication equipment, I feel a fi tting memorial to Ed who was always so supportive of our fi re department.”

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

01/01/2010 Hwy. 251 12/11/09 Prairie Hill Road - Rollover

12/12/2010 Menards parking lot - 7 vehicles

12/26/09 Hwy 251 12/23/09 Forest Hills Road

01/05/10 West Lane and Alpine Road 01/06/10 West Lane and Hwy. 251 Frontage Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost Remembering When . . .

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2009 Year in Review

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

2009 Year in Review

The Firehouse Scene - Page 6 The Firehouse Scene - Page 7

The Firehouse Scene -Page 8 The Firehouse Scene - Page 5 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

01/01/2010 Hwy. 251 12/11/09 Prairie Hill Road - Rollover

12/12/2010 Menards parking lot - 7 vehicles

12/26/09 Hwy 251 12/23/09 Forest Hills Road

01/05/10 West Lane and Alpine Road 01/06/10 West Lane and Hwy. 251 Frontage Road

Accidents Photos by Sheryl Drost Remembering When . . .

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On Scene By Mike Huffman

Cold and extreme winter weather bring new challenges to the fi re service. If you mix snow and ice with the cold, a new dimension is created.

According to the National Weather Service, approximately 70 % of winter storm related deaths occur on the roadway. A large number of these deaths can be contributed to slippery road surfaces and drivers unfamiliar with a vehicle’s handling and performance under winter conditions.

Firefi ghters enroute to motor vehicle accidents will need to take snow, ice and accessibility into consideration. How will they infl uence the actions of the ambulance, squad, and engine companies? An important point fi refi ghters are taught is - the fi re department is of no value unless it is able to arrive on scene safely.

As offi cers arrive on the scene, they scan the scene. They ask themselves is the scene safe, how are the vehicles placed, what are the conditions of the vehicles involved, what kind of vehicles are involved, and how many victims do we have? Winter weather adds more questions – How is the snow and ice going to affect responding units? How and where to place apparatus to protect everyone on scene from other traffi c? Are more personnel needed to monitor equipment? And, what needs to be done to keep personnel from falling or slipping on the snow and ice?

The cold weather can also play havoc with the fi refi ghter’s operations. Cribbing on snow/ice will move a lot so more crib

checks will have to be done. Hydraulic tools can run a bit slower in the cold weather. On air tools, the hose to regulator can freeze up when in use. When securing rollover vehicles, extra care is needed for placement of the Buttress system (Rescue 42 or rescue jacks) and they may have to be secured by using spike or rebar.

More personnel are needed and can be used to monitor equipment as well as spreading oil dry on ice to keep rescuers from falling.

Firefi ghters will only be able to battle the elements for shorter periods of time in extreme weather. All offi cers and fi refi ghters watch for signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather operations.

So how does the fi re department prepare for extreme weather? Training! Trainings for extreme weather may include how to use and keep tools working, how to quickly extricate victims and get them into warm ambulances, and how to keep everyone safe on scene.

Christmas Family in Need Drive Chief Shoevlin says, “Thank you to all for another successful Harlem-Roscoe Fire Christmas Drive. The outpouring of donations from fi refi ghters, individuals, families and local businesses was overwhelming.” Don adds, “We did make a difference for some local families in these hard economic times. It shows the true meaning of the Christmas Season!”

Harlem-Roscoe Firefi ghters played Santa on Saturday December 19 as they delivered the boxes of donated food and presents to 24 families in need in their fi re district. Each family received a box of food including a turkey and all the fi xings, milk, bread and butter. The boxes also contained presents for a total of 70 children.

The shopping crew met for breakfast after their 3-hour shopping spree to purchase toys and clothes for the children.

Firefi ghters met early Saturday morning, December 19 to deliver the baskets of food and presents to 24 families.

Birthdays

January 4th Bill Hyde5th Matt Bush17th John Presley25th Jerry Lund29th Charlotte Alms31st Mark Soppe

February

10th Robert Gonia Neil Roe - ‘30th”12th Ken O’Dell15th Scott Jensen16th Nick Mladenoff ‘21st’23rd Brian Szilagyi

February Breakfast ListBrad Knipp, Adam Eich

Radi Huggard, Debbie RykowskiMickey Rykowski, Jordan Stark,

and Greg Wernick

Total Calls for 2009

2230!

The Firehouse Scene is a monthly newsletter produced by the Harlem-Roscoe F.P.D.

Editor-in-Chief - Chief Don ShoevlinEditor - Sheryl Drost

The Firehouse Scene is available at Station One - 10544 Main Street in Roscoe and on the department’s web site after the second Sunday each month.

www.harlemroscoefi re.comE-mail submissions to: sdrost@harlemroscoefi re.com

The Firehouse Scene - Page 4 The Firehouse Scene -Page 9www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Gone, But not forgotten

Some people come into our lives,and quickly go.

Some stay awhile and leavefootprints in our hearts.

And, we are never, ever the same.

Debbie Rykowski’s father, Nels Swanson passed away December 31 in Marshfi eld WI.

Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Debbie & Mickey and their family!

•

John predicts...

36 Snowfalls

22 left as of January 7!

Memorial DonationBy Sheryl Drost

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Chief Don Shoevlin and Deputy Chief John Presley met with the Jack family; wife Louise and children, Tom, Sandy, Dennis, Steve, Dave & Tim at their family business, Loves Park Auto Sales in Machesney Park, to accept a memorial donation in the name of the family patriarch Ed Jack who had passed away on December 3.

One of the sons commented that the family knew right away where the memorial money for his dad was going to go. The Jack family has been a long-time supporter of Harlem-Roscoe Fire. The family has allowed auto extrication classes to be held on the their property as well as to supply any needed vehicles to be ‘cut up’ for years.

Chief Shoevlin said, “It is an honor to have the support of the Jack family. The commitment they have made to allow us to continue to grow our skills and develop skills for new fi refi ghters is most generous. The memorial donation will go towards purchasing extrication equipment, I feel a fi tting memorial to Ed who was always so supportive of our fi re department.”

What is carbon monoxide?Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is CO found?CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be diffi cult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

How does CO poisoning work?Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

Who is at risk from CO poisoning?All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning. Certain groups — unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems — are more susceptible to its effects. Each year, more than 500 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualifi ed technician every year. Do not use portable fl ameless chemical heaters (catalytic)

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indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a fl ame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper. If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO. When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories. Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

How do I vent my gas appliances properly?All gas appliances must be vented so that CO will not build up in your home, cabin, or camper. Never burn anything in a stove or fi replace that isn’t vented. Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris. This can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin. Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper. Horizontal vent pipes to fuel appliances should not be perfectly level. Indoor vent pipes should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This helps prevent CO or other gases from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fi tted tightly.

How can I heat my house safely or cook when the power is out?

Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper. Never use a charcoal grill or a barbecue grill indoors. Using a grill indoors will cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fi replace. Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal — red, gray, black, or white — gives off CO. Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper. Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window, door, or vent.

How can I avoid CO poisoning from my vehicle?Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of my car every year. A small leak in your car’s exhaust system can lead to a build up of CO inside the car. Never run a car or truck in the garage with the garage door shut. CO can build up quickly while your car or truck is running in a closed garage. Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house and always open the door to any garage to let in fresh air when running a car or truck inside the garage. If you drive a vehicle with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate, you also need to open vents or windows to make sure air is moving through your car. If only the tailgate is open CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the car.

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The Firehouse Scene - Page 10 The Firehouse Scene - Page 3 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

Alarms Keep Firefi ghters on the RunStory and Photos by Sheryl Drost

Remember in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says, “Lions and tiger and bears, Oh my!” Well, this month it has been smoke and CO and alarms, Oh my!

Firefi ghters responded to numerous smoke, CO, and fi re alarm investigations. The CO alarms were at residences and fi refi ghters did fi nd a couple low CO readings around furnaces and stoves. Luckily replacing batteries was the most common solution.

Fire Alarms

Firefi ghters responded to the Showplace Theatres during the rain/ice event on December 23rd for a fi re alarm. No smoke or fi re was found and the alarm was reset. Movie patrons were evacuated to the front door vestibules while fi refi ghters searched the theatre.

Engine 701 crew arrives at 4950 Marlin Drive to a large commercial structure with a fi re alarm sounding on December 28. No fi re was found and the alarm was reset.

Firefi ghters walk the perimeter of the large building checking in windows for any signs of smoke or fi re while another crew made entry into the building.

Due to the size of the structure, the aerial trucks were dispatched to the scene.

Smoke Investigation

Firefi ghters ladder a large commercial building on Hwy 251 on December 29 after a passing motorist reported smoke coming from the building.

Firefi ghters only found steam, due to the very cold outside temperatures, coming out of the heating vents on the roof . Once again, no smoke.

Chief Shoevlin monitors radio traffi c on scene at his command post he has set up in the rear of his vehicle.

Carbon Monoxide

It’s silent but deadly. And it can kill. The odorless and colorless fumes from carbon monoxide can go undetected until it is too late.

A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in US, with more than 20,000 people hospitalized and nearly 500 killed each year. . The Centers for Disease Control reports that cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have been on the rise in recent years.

. . . See page 11 for more facts

Little-known Facts About Snow The largest snowfl ake on record measured 38 centimeters in diameter, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It allegedly fell in 1887 at Fort Keogh, Montana. Ranch owner Matt Coleman took the measurement, and described the snowfl akes as being “larger than milk pans.” For their part, international weather stations do not measure snowfl ake dimensions. Snow is white because visible sunlight is white. The crystals in a snowfl ake refl ect white light off each other and what little light that is absorbed gives snow its white appearance.It is never too cold to snow since moisture can exist in the air even at the lowest temperatures. However, most snowfalls occur when the air is -9 C or warmer, since air can hold more water vapor during warmer temperatures.Snow is edible, at least in theory. Snow that falls in large urban centrers may contain pollutants that should not be ingested, especially when these are present in high concentrations. Snow makes things quieter because the air pockets in fresh snow absorb and trap sound waves. But ambient noise returns when surface snow hardens and begins to refl ect more sound. In places where there is really hard snow, the icy surface will actually cause noise to travel farther.Snow crunches when you step on it because snow is composed of ice grains surrounding tiny air pockets. Each layer of snow is largely of empty space. When you take a step on the surface, you are compressing layers and causing ice grains to compress. The colder the temperature, the louder the crunch because the ice grains are harder and less likely to melt during compression.Icicles are more common on the south side of buildings because that exposure tends to receive more daytime sun. Snow is more likely to melt on the south side of a building. It then re-freezes during the night to form icicles.Most of it is ice, either individual crystals or packed solid, though it still looks like snow. What’s on top, having been exposed to the warm sun all day today, is what is known to skiers as corn snow. That’s really lumps of white ice, crystals the size of small kernels of corn.Ice itself is unusual because it’s not like any other solid. Water expands when it freezes, unlike (almost) every other material that shrinks when it becomes a solid. Ice continues to melt and refreeze down to extremely cold temperatures, which explains many peculiar characteristics that northerners experience, such as it forming around a shovel left in it for a few days.Snow is technically a mineral, like iron and salt.Another myth you may have been taught is that each snowfl ake is individual and unique. Most snowfl akes tend to stick together with others into globular crystals. And lots of snow fl akes look similar to anyone who takes the trouble to look closely at enough of them. For each one to have a unique shape and composition would be a statistical impossibility.Most snow crystals--the prettier ones-- are very wide but very thin. Though they’re thinner than a piece of paper, they may be up to a few inches wide. .At the centre of each snowfl ake is a speck of dust, volcanic ash or particle from outer space. Temperature, humidity and wind determine the shape each crystal takes as water vapor freezes on it.

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Newly fallen snow is usually about 90 - 95 percent air, which explains its property as a good thermal insulator.A blizzard with lightning is called thundersnow. You likely have heard that you shouldn’t eat yellow snow. It’s...well, pee. But don’t eat the red snow either. Often called “watermelon snow,” it even smells like the fruit. But it’s color comes from a species of pigmented algae that grows in ice. Red

snow may taste great, but stay close to a toilet for a day or so.Although avalanche deaths have risen dramatically over the past half century due to the increasing popularity of skiing and snowmobiling--250 deaths in the US over the past decade--it’s not true that shouting, yodeling or other loud sounds will trigger an avalanche.The most snow in the USA usually falls on Valdez, Alaska. It receives an average of 326 inches of it per

year. Never mind that it’s 27 feet of snow, that would turn into 2.7 feet deep of water over everything in the area if it all melted at once. Because of the air within it, snow takes up ten times as much space as liquid water.Despite how white the North and South Poles are, it snows very little there. The little bit it does snow each year never melts, but it accumulates over decades and blows around a lot, creating blizzard or white-out conditions.The snow in Antarctica is mostly so hard and fl at that it refl ects sound as well as light. Researchers have heard human voices talking as much as one mile (1.6 km) away.A man named “Snowfl ake” Bentley admired the fl akes so much that in 1885 he took close-up pictures of some 5,000 individual fl akes. He died of pneumonia. No kidding.In addition to snow blindness you can get from overexposure of the brightness of snow on the retinas of the eyes, it can also drive people crazy. A little understood kind of hysteria called pibloktoq can cause a variety of symptoms including echolalia (senselessly repeating words overheard from another person) and running around naked in the snow. Note that this is not the same as the Scandinavian ritual following the sauna, despite appearances.According to one theory of earth history called “snowball earth,” our entire planet was covered with snow and ice some 600 million years ago. Opponents argue that no complex life form could have survived in that environment. However, it’s impossible to know if the oceans were frozen over and how much life could have survived near the water if only the land were covered with snow and ice.

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From the Chief’s DeskBy Fire Chief Don Shoevlin

This will be an exciting year for Harlem-Roscoe as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary as a Fire Protection District! Plans are underway to celebrate this milestone throughout 2010. Can you believe, seventy years of service to our community? Just think how the district has grown and progressed over those years. As I get older, I am amazed at how

quickly just one year goes by. Each fi lled with its own challenges as well as rewards.

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season. If you were like me, there was plenty of food, family, food, friends and more food to go around. I want to thank all of you for a most successful “Keep the Wreath Red” campaign. I am proud and honored to say we did not replace one red bulb. Great Job!

Now that the family, friends and FOOD is over, it’s back to work as usual. Another year that will be fi lled with exciting new challenges and rewards. We will continue to build and improve upon our foundation of 70 years. I am certain with the continued dedication and commitment from our trustees, offi cers, fi refi ghters and support staff, these challenges and goals will be obtained.

Over the past 70 years we have been fortunate to have mindful people who have looked to the future. From capital items to personnel, equipment and training, the needs and demands continue to increase. Each year is more demanding on our members and their families. I would like to praise all of you for staying on top of all that is requested of you. In 2009, we fi nished the calendar year with 2230 calls. That’s over 6 calls per day!

As Harlem-Roscoe begins another 70 years, the district will continue to grow and so will the needs for our services. I can assure you that we will look to those future need. We will be proactive. We will continue to bring our district the commitment of excellence, integrity and caring. As history has shown, our performance of emergency fi re, medical and rescue services is second to none. We will keep it that way.

Remember to check out our website, www.harlemroscoefi re.com to keep up with the progress of the department, individuals, and calls we have had. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me or stop by if I can be of any assistance.

Photos Needed

April 4, 1940 Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District was formed. During 2010, the department will be celebrating “70 years of service”.

We are also looking for anyone with pictures or videos of Harlem-Roscoe Fire through the years. We can scan and copy them and the originals will be returned safely.

Up-coming celebrations will be posted on the department web site at www.harlemroscoefi re.com.

New Fire Chief License PlatesFire Chief License Plates are available only to the fi re chief of a municipal fi re department or fi re protection district. Fire Chief License Plates may be displayed on passenger vehicles and on trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less. Vehicles displaying these plates must be owned by the fi re department or the chief offi cer of the fi re department. The license plates must be surrendered when the person no longer serves as fi re chief.

Chief Shoevlin’s command vehicle now displays his new Illinois Fire Chief Plate.

The Firehouse Scene - Page 2 The Firehouse Scene - Page 11 www.harlemroscoefi re.comwww.harlemroscoefi re.com

“Keep the Wreath Red” There were NO holiday fi res in December, so the bulbs stayed red! Thank you, everyone!

“A man who worked at a fi re hydrant factory was always late for work. When confronted by his boss the man explained: “You can’t park anywhere near this place!

the firehouse sceneIs a monthly publication of the

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District

Station Gossip

Ask Jim Daughenbaugh about putting out an oven fi re this month - his own!Zak gets the “Craziest Outfi t Award” when responding to the fi re station for a call this month. Seems he showed up for a call wearing shorts and boots! Hey guys from Station 2, where’s the picture? Zak, that is just wrong - it’s below zero outside!Seems the guys have a sure fi re way to check the batteries in all the CO calls they have been responding to this month - their tongues! We wish speedy recoveries to fi refi ghter wives Marcia Soppe and Carol Donovan from their surgeries this month. The department Christmas Party was a ton of fun, and very well attended. A big thank you to the Roscoe VFW where it was held. As an ice breaker, everyone was given a name tag with a part of the name of a Christmas Song. They had to fi nd the other people that had the rest of their song, and then sing it. The twist was, all the songs had the word Christmas in them. And, there were only a few songs so multiple people had parts of the same song. The joke was on the Chief though. It didn’t take him long to realize he was the only person with the word Christmas. He did get very creative in singing it! Here are a few of the groups.

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Postage

Harlem-Roscoe FirePO Box 450Roscoe, IL 61073

The Firehouse Scene - Page 12www.harlemroscoefi re.com

January 2010 Fire Chief Don Shoevlin Editor Sheryl Drost