Press Releases

Wyoming Receives Grants

The Wyoming Fire - EMS has a received a grant in excess of $ 350,000 for Fire Service Operations and Equipment from the Department of Homeland through their 2005 Fire Act Program. Chief Robert R. Rielage received confirmation of the award from the Office of Ohio Senator George Vionivich.  The bulk of these funds will be used to update and purchase new communications equipment for the Department.

Earlier this month, Wyoming Fire - EMS was presented with a check for $ 17,000 from the Fireman's Fund Heritage Foundation and Ted Marty and Associates for the purchase of an additional Thermal Imaging Camera to be used on Wyoming's Ladder Truck and the needed replacement of six sets of turn-out gear. 

For more information contact Chief Robert Rielage at 513-842-1357

Wyoming Improves Fire Classification 

    At the invitation of the City of Wyoming, the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) conducted a Public Protection Classification survey from December 2004 to mid-January 2005.  This survey covered three major areas of the community's fire and disaster protection: water supply; fire protection; and communications.  The previous survey conducted in 1998 resulted in the City having a Class 5 rating on a scale of 1 to 10 with Class 1 being the best.  Effective June 1^st, the results of the 2005 ISO survey improves this classification from a Class 5 to a Class 4 with significant improvements shown in the areas of water supply and fire protection.  A Class 4 rating puts Wyoming in the 94^th percentile of all rated areas across the country. 

     Individually, the Wyoming Water Works dropped from a Class 3 to a Class 2 showing improvement as a result of the ongoing capitol improvement program in the replacement and upgrades to water mains throughout the water distribution system.   Wyoming Fire - EMS improved from a Class 6 to a Class 4 citing significant continuing improvements in the equipment, training and number of firefighters responding to emergency calls.  The Wyoming Dispatch Center moved from a Class 5 to a Class 7, and the survey recommended several improvements including the redundancy of communications systems at the Dispatch Center and emergency power generators at the transmitter site. 

     The improvements to fire protection are perhaps the most notable changes discussed in the survey.  Wyoming Fire - EMS is a 78-member combination department that provides paramedic service not for the City of Wyoming, but also to the Villages of Arlington Heights, Lincoln Heights, Lockland and Woodlawn. Forty-five highly trained and motivated volunteer firefighters primarily provide the fire protection for the City.  The department averages 17 firefighters per emergency call which is equated by the ISO as 5.65 full time equivalent firefighters on duty 24 / 7/ 365.  By a conservative estimate, this service annually results in a direct savings of over $ 1.2 million in salaries and benefits to the City of Wyoming.  The department is able to staff two fire engines, a ladder truck and a heavy rescue unit within minutes of a call. 

     According to their 2004 Annual Report, Wyoming Fire - EMS responded to1,806 Fire and Emergency Medical Service calls with an estimated fire loss of $ 205,000 and an estimated $ 8.5 million in property saved.   The move to a Public Protection Class 4 may also, depending on the insuring company, improve the insurance rate for commercial or residential fire policies issued on property in the City. 

   "Our goal is to continually improve our Public Protection Classification hoping to reach a Class 3 or 2 in the next few years," said Wyoming Fire Chief Robert Rielage. "Several methods are under study to address the recommendations of the ISO survey, especially in the area of communications."

Here are some precautionary measures that should be taken when using an LP gas grill:

1) Clean and inspect the grill prior to use, especially the metal tubes that go to the burners. Rust or insects can block these tubes and cause gas to build-up or not burn properly.

2) Check hoses from the LP gas tank to the grill for cracks or holes, and replace any hose that appears damaged.
3) Check the connection and gas regulator for leaks. An easy way to do this is to tighten the connection and apply a soapy water solution around the connection. If bubbles appear, the connection is leaking.
4) Keep the grill on a flat surface at least 10 feet away from any building. Never use a grill on a wooden patio, inside a garage, carport or breezeway.
5) Always open the lid of a grill before attempting to light it and use an electric igniter on a gas grill.

Charcoal grills also require some special handling:

1) Use only charcoal lighter fluid, never gasoline to light the charcoal briquettes.
2) Keep the grill on a flat surface at least 10 feet away from any building. Never use a grill on a wooden patio, inside a garage, carport or breezeway.
3) Use a charcoal grill only in well-ventilated area. Avoid the fumes from a charcoal fire as they contain a high level of carbon monoxide.
4) Dispose of the charcoal ashes in a metal can and never put hot ashes into a dumpster or trash bag.

First Aid

The best treatment for any small burn is to immerse the area in cold water as soon as possible, and always call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Summer is a time for being with family and friends, but it also is a time we have to consciously practice safety.

For more information contact Chief Robert Rielage at 513-842-1357.