News & Events 

MANOR FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR SERVICE

2008

* Record call volume for one month 193

2007

** Record call volume for one shift, Dec 31 07 - Jan 1 08   29 emergency calls

TO REPORT CONTROLLED BURNS CALL

512-272-4502

Be sure that when you have an emergency the fire, police, and ems personnel can find you.  Many homes in the rural areas have no address markings to help emergency workers find the home, this in turn delays help from arriving in a timely manner. The Manor Fire Dept. has address signs that you can purchase for your residence or property.  Manor Fire Dept. will put the correct address on the sign and will even install the signs if you so request. We have green signs for the even numbers and blue signs for the odd numbers, the signs and numbers are reflective for night.  The cost of the signs is $15, which is to make back what we pay.  Don't be left waiting for help while the fire truck drives past your home, MARK YOUR ADDRESS!

Smoke Detector Drive

In an effort to make our community a little safer and to give back to those who have given so generously to us in the past, the Manor Fire Department has started a drive to install smoke detectors in the homes of or elderly and those less fortunate in our district.  We are however in need of funds for the purchase of additional smoke detectors.  If you can help please call 512-272-4995 or e-mail Captain Mike Sims at msims@manorfire.net  If you need a smoke detector or have one and need it installed then just call us and we will gladly assist.

   Outdoor Safety

As the weather here in Texas becomes warmer more people will begin to head to area lakes and streams or even back yard swimming pools, when doing so please practice water safety.  Make sure that you keep an eye on all children around even the most shallow waters.  Make sure to always where life vests and have all safety devices in place when boating or doing other lake and river activities.  Also when participating in outdoor activities remember to drink plenty of water and or fluids.  Dehydration is a serious conditions that can be fatal.  Also while enjoying the great outdoors make sure to rest and cool off as you become warm or fatigued.  If you feel the onset of heat exhaustion cool yourself down drink plenty of water and call 911. The Manor Fire Dept. wants everyone to have a safe Summer.  If you have any type of emergency please call 911!

As we start to move into warmer weather we may begin to see very dry vegetation.  Due to the heavy rain fall totals we have seen early this year these fuels will be taller than normal making them even more dangerous.  If you are planning to burn outdoors this summer here are some tips:

1. First contact the local FD.  The FD can tell you about the burning conditions for the day and if it is even allowed. Burning is not allowed in the within the city limits. To contact Manor Fire Department with any questions about outdoor burning call 512-272-4502!

2.  Clear an area 30 feet around what you will be burning.  This will help keep the fire from spreading via grass and other vegetation.

3. Use a barrel to burn in.  This will help keep your fire controlled.  You can use a piece of metal mesh to cover the barrel to keep embers from igniting other fuels.

OUTDOOR BURNING REGULATIONS

Tips for Rural Residents

Source: Texas Forest Service

• Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your house and outbuildings; closely mow lawns and trees should be pruned and spaced widely apart.

• Establish fuel breaks along roadways and between buildings and fields or woodlands.

• Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in proper working order and watch out for rocks and metal when bush hogging or mowing.

• Monitor hay-baling operations closely, dry hay can ignite within the baler.

• Watch out for sparks when using welding equipment to build fences or repair equipment.

• Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass comes into contact with hot pollution control equipment under vehicles.

• Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up, check with local fire department to determine if ban on outdoor burning have been lifted.

• When debris burning is allowed, establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil prior to lighting your fire. Burn trash in a burn barrel or other fire-safe receptacle covered with a wire mesh or gird that will help contain burning debris. Stay with your fire until it is out.

10 Steps to Protect Your Home From Wildland Fire

Source: Texas Forest Service

Wildfire can strike home if you have not taken some steps to protect your house and property.
The actions and precautions listed below are designed to help you prepare your home and
lessen the threat of wildland fire damage to you and your property.

1. LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.

2. Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

3. All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, etc. should be kept away from structures.

4. Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

5. Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

6. In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least 3 times the fuel length around all structures.

7. Have fire tools handy such as: ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake, and a bucket or two for water.

8. Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

9. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.

10. Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.

A few things you should be aware of during these dry, warm periods...

1. Know if there is or is not a burning ban in place for your town, city, or county.

2. If you burn, clear a large area on the ground of any combustible material, such as grass, leaves, and scrap wood, burn only what you want to burn.

3. Do not leave your burn pile unattended and have a hose at the ready.

The Manor Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy summer.  For more information on outdoor fire safety please visit the Texas Forest Service website.

WEATHER   

  If you come to a low water crossing that has water over it, DO NOT CROSS IT!  Crossing areas of low water can be extremely dangerous. Many people die each year in low water areas when their car stalls out and they are trapped in the water or even swept down stream.  Remember that even the most shallow moving water can be strong enough to sweep a big truck away.  You also may be subject to a ticket by law enforcement as it is illegal to go around barricades.  Please be very careful when traveling and watch for all weather dangers. For more information about flooding you can visit this website!

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