PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS
St. Anthony Fire Department Open House – Saturday, Oct. 5, 1-4PM
Join our Fire Department for lunch, tour our station. Have fun and learn how we keep our community safe.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS OCTOBER 6-12!
- Tour the Fire Trucks and spray the fire hose
- Take a photo with Sparky
- Play Fire Prevention Trivia and win a prize!
- Meet our firefighters and try on the gear
- Play in the Jump House and get a fire prevention bag
- Bring your old fire extinguishers for recycling (courted of Summit Fire)
St. Anthony and Falcon Heights City Councils to proceed with police partnership contract considerations
The St. Anthony City Council continues to gather information as they move toward an October vote on whether to enter a contract to provide police services to the City of Falcon Heights. The Council’s work session, Tuesday, Sept. 24, focused on a cost analysis along with the opportunities and challenges for the Police Department presented by City Manager Charlie Yunker and Police Chief Jeff Spiess. The discussion a staffing plan and a timeline to support necessary department expansion. In addition, Council and staff continue to work toward a logistical and financial plan. Full details of the process, the proposed contract, and the full presentation are available on our website. LINK
The work session can be watched online. LINK
Pedestrian Safety Tips for the Back-to-School Season
Contributed by Sgt. James Gerbino
With students back in classrooms, it’s important to remember that increased foot traffic around schools means heightened attention to pedestrian safety. To ensure a safe journey for everyone, here are some essential tips and reminders for students, parents, and drivers.
For Students
1. Use Crosswalks: Always cross the street at designated crosswalks and wait for the pedestrian signal when available. Avoid jaywalking or crossing between parked cars.
2. Stay Alert: Keep your head up and avoid distractions like texting or listening to music while crossing streets. Always make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto road.
3. Follow the Rules: Obey traffic signals and signs. Wait for the “Walk” signal if available, and never start crossing if the signal is counting down.
4. Walk in Groups: Whenever possible, walk with friends or family. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s more fun!
5. Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially during early morning or late afternoon, and inclement weather when visibility is reduced.
For Parents
1. Educate Your Children: Teach your children about the importance of pedestrian safety. Practice walking routes with them and discuss safe crossing practices.
2. Choose Safe Routes: Plan your child’s route to school, making sure it’s safe and well-lit. Avoid routes with heavy traffic or no sidewalks.
3. Supervise Young Walkers: For younger children, consider walking with them to school or ensuring they’re supervised by a responsible adult.
4. Set a Good Example: Model safe pedestrian behavior. Use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and avoid using your phone while crossing streets.
5. Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that you’re aware of school zone rules, such as reduced speed limits.
For Drivers
1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed in school zones and around crosswalks. Watch for school zone signs and adhere to posted speed limits.
2. Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like mobile phones or in-car entertainment. Your full attention should
be on the road, especially in heavily pedestrian areas.
3. Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop for them. Be patient and never attempt to overtake a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.
4. Watch for School Buses: Observe school bus signals. Stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended and wait until the bus has moved and it’s safe to proceed.
5. Be Mindful of Parking: Avoid illegal parking in areas that could obstruct pedestrian visibility, such as near crosswalks or school entrances.
Stay Safe and Have a Great School Year!
Smoke Alarms - Make them work for you!
Contributed by Deputy Fire Chief Mattie Jaros
Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) celebrates Fire Prevention Week. The week coincides with the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire and is the longest running public health observance in our country. Fire Departments from all over use this time to educate the public on fire prevention. The National Fire Protection Association assists in this task by releasing a theme. This year’s theme is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!”
It’s all about smoke alarms! National statistics from NFPA have shown that roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with smoke alarms!
- Here are some quick facts on smoke alarms for you and your family to stay safe:
- Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button found on the device. Replace batteries once a year.
- Smoke alarms with life-long batteries are designed to be effective for up to 10-years. If the alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the alarm batteries right away.
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
FREE SMOKE ALARMS
The St. Anthony Fire Department partners with the American Red Cross to provide free smoke alarms
to residents.
SCHEDULE A HOME SAFETY SURVEY
Our home safety survey program allows residents to have the fire department come to your home to check your smoke alarms and replace or install as needed. To schedule a FREE home safety survey, call the Fire Department, 612-782-3400.
Recreational Fire Permit Requirements
A permit is required for campfires in Saint Anthony Village. Permit applications can be submitted online, and are valid for five years.
> Only dry wood or charcoal can be burned.
> Burning treated or painted wood, construction debris, household materials, or yard waste is not allowed.
> Fires must be extinguished before leaving site, and cannot be left unattended or allowed to smolder.
> No burning when the air quality index is greater than 50, or when winds are greater than 20 mph.
To see the full list of regulations and apply for a permit visit: savmn.com/recreationalfires
STAFF UPDATES
Meet our Newest Police Cadet, Welcome Billy Vang!
Meet our newest Police Cadet, Billy Vang! Our PD staff worked hard to recruit him. Billy worked for Cintas and stopped in once a week. His positive attitude and demeanor made such an impression with staff that they convinced him to join our team. Finally, Billy joined the department as a Cadet this June and is going to school for Law Enforcement with the goal of joining our department as an officer upon graduation!
Firefighter Derek Hood Promoted To Full-Time
Derek has been a Firefighter with the St. Anthony Fire Department in an on-call capacity since August 2022. This past June, he started as our newest full-time Firefighter! Derek comes from the IT world and most recently worked at Optum in Eden Prairie.
Public Safety Recruitment Efforts
Our Police and Fire Departments play a vital role in our community and our priority is to hire the best individuals. We recruit using a variety of strategies including job fairs, social media, outreach to higher education institutions, networking, lateral hires, and internships. The departments offers opportunities to develop through Cadet, Reserve Officer and paid-on call firefighter programs. For more information, visit savmn.com/jobs.
CONNECT WITH US!
Facebook: @St. Anthony Police
Instagram: @stanthonypolice
Facebook: @St. Anthony Village Fire Department
Instagram: @stanthonyfire