Hope's August Blog - White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company

Hellooo my favorite hoomans!

Wowzers! It’s August already! That means it’s time to plan for back to school stuff. Yay school!

I know lots of tricks, I mean tips to help keep the kids safe. Parents should pay attention and make sure you share these with the kiddos. I’m gonna get lots of boops for these! I just know it! Oof!

First things first –

Crossing the street can be dangerous! If your child walks to the bus stop or to school, keep these tips in mind to make it a safer journey –

Always cross the street at a crosswalk. If a street doesn’t have a crosswalk, cross the street at the corners.
Never cross a street in between parked cars. Never ever! Oof!
Wear bright colored clothes so cars can see you better. I wanna see you too! Boop!
Always, always look both ways twice!
If a car is coming, wait for them to stop. Don’t try to beat them! That can be way bad!
Pay attention and know your surroundings.
Those storm grates can be scary to step on so make sure you walk around them so you don’t twist your ankle. Ouchies are no fun!
If you’re lucky and ride a bike to school, stay on the sidewalk and watch out for other bikes and kiddos!
Walk your doggos on the sidewalk too! We like sidewalks and fire hydrants. Well, the boys do. Hehe!
Hands free! If you can carry everything in a backpack, it’s a good idea.

School bus safety is important too so remember these also –

Know where your bus stop is and what time your bus will come.
Get to the bus stop early so you don’t miss it. I only rush for treats! Boop!
Don’t run! Carrying a backpack is ruff work. Running with that weight on your back can cause you to lose your balance and fall. We don’t want that! Oof!
If you have to cross a street to get to the bus stop, make sure you read the crosswalk safety tips again and again. Memrize them too!
It’s a cool idea to learn your bus driver’s name and the bus number you ride.
Sometimes, the bus has a color dot or square on it so you can remember it better. You don’t want to get on the wrong bus to go home. You could miss a snack! I never miss a snack! Oof!
Buses have stop signs! They’re for cars to stop when the bus stops. If you have to cross the street when the bus stops, make sure the stop sign is out and make sure the cars have all stopped.
Never, ever run across the street in between parked cars to get to the bus.
The bus drivers are really cool and they’ll look for you to make sure they don’t leave you behind.
Make sure you always stay seated and face forward when the bus is moving. It’s the bestest way to see where you’re going so you don’t miss your stop. I missed my stop for a treat one day. It wasn’t fun.
Always put your backpack and lunch box on the floor of the bus when you’re riding. That way your hands are free in case the bus stops fast. You can hold on better and sit back better. I sit purdy! Boops!
Know where the emergency exits are on the bus and know how to open them. Ask your cool driver for a lesson. Lessons are cool!
Never, ever put your head or arms outside the bus windows. It can be dangerous! Danger isn’t fun.
Last one – promise! Know your address and know the phone number of your mom, dad, daycare provider or whoever gets you at the bus stop. Ask mom or dad to write them on the inside of your backpack with a magic marker or on a piece of paper to keep in your backpack.

Whew! I need a nap now!

Now that my nap is over, I have more tips for my favorite hoomans –

Batten down the hatches! Hurricane season started in June and goes to the end of November. Whew! That could be ruff!

Here’s some tips from my frens at Ready.gov for you to follow –

Know your Hurricane Risk –

Hurricanes don’t just hang out at the beach. They can move our way too.

Follow a storm tracker app on your phone. Those are cool!
Be ready for power outages, flooding and heavy winds. And even tornadoes. Oof!
Charge all phones, tablets and laptops before the storm comes.
Check flashlights and batteries to make sure they work.
Get some non-perishable foods that don’t have to be cooked.
Make sure you have lots of pet food and kitty litter.
Peanut butter is a great idea to have on hand or paw! Yum!
Unplug electronics in areas where water can rise.
Check on your neighbors, specially the elderly ones.
Making a list is a good idea so you remember everything. Like me! Boop!

Know your Evacuation Zone –

You may have to evacuate quickly if you live in an evacuation zone.

Learn your evacuation routes and practice before the storm could arrive.
Know where you can stay and don’t forget to include your pets.
Do not wait to leave! The quicker you leave, the quicker you’re safe. Safe is good! Oof!
Find out where shelters may open before the storm arrives.
If you go to a shelter, make sure you check in. They keep lists of people and pets there.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts –

There’s some cool apps for your phone for weather alerts. That emergency alert beeping on tv is fun too. Not! Oof! Make sure you have alerts set for your area so you can know what’s happening. I love to know what’s happening. I nosy!

Review Important Documents

Make sure your important documents are in a dry place and you know where they are. These include things like –

Insurance papers for your home.
Auto insurance policies – they should be in your car too.
Health insurance cards.
Driver’s licenses or any photo identifications.
Put the phone numbers and policy numbers in your phone in case you have to leave home.
Have medical information and lists of medicines and allergies with you. Bracelets and necklaces with things like allergies and pacemaker/defibrillator information on them are great!

Strengthen your Home –

De-clutter drains and gutters and bring in any loose items like furniture and toys.
Deflate inflatable pool toys and put them inside or under something so they don’t blow away.
Put umbrellas down and on the ground.
Slowly building up supplies in advance will help your budget and help those who can’t stock up.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities.
Only take the items you and your family may need so that others who rely on these products can also access them.

Weather the storm by knowing these tips –

Determine the best place to be to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.
If you’re home, go to an interior room for high winds. Stay away from windows!
If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters or any water in the roads. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Oof!

Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Do not wade in flood water, which can contain debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife.
Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water. Whoa!
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster.
Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

The threat of a hurricane or tornado can add additional stress. Following my tips may help you feel less scared. Don’t forget – cuddling with your favorite furry friend will help them too. Boops!

Look who came to visit us at Food Truck Tuesday during National Night Out! They were the perfect guests and got lots of boops!

While it’s still beeyoutiful outside, stop by on Food Truck Tuesdays every week 4pm-8pm with lots of food and live music. And me! Give me lots and lots of boops pleaz! If you stop by and want to see me, ask one of my firehouse family to bring me out, kay? I don’t stay out when it’s hot cuz well it’s hot and I like air conditioning bestest.

Guess what frens! We have a new sponsor! That’s right!

Zips Dry Cleaners of Perry Hall is donating a portion of the cost of your service to us. Click here to check them out – https://www.facebook.com/ZIPSPerryHallMD

Also, don’t forget we’re having the raffle for the brand new 2021 Nissan Rogue and the Ultimate Ravens Fan experience.

Here’s the link for the car raffle: https://wmvfc.rallyup.com/rogue/Campaign

And for the Ultimate Ravens Fan experience, go to this link: https://wmvfc.rallyup.com/ravens/Campaign

Annnd guess what else! We are just over a month away from our Fields of Fire Country Concert on Saturday, September 18th, 2021. HOPE to see you all there! Hehe!

Get your tickets here – https://wmvfc.org/concert/

You can follow us on social media too! We has lots of stuff there always!

Can’t wait to see you all Tuesday! Boops!

～ Hope ～

Hope