[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO)have teamed up this week in an effort to provide residents, guests and visitors a safe holiday weekend.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Both agencies will be increasing their staffing in order to meet the demands of the highly anticipated influx of visitors and tourists. Based on the recent figures from the Walton County TDC, South Walton could experience near capacity crowds this weekend. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The WCSO Marine Unit along with SWFD lifeguards will patrol the shores of South Walton to promote public safety. “This interagency cooperation maximizes the ability to respond and provide immediate assistance to any boater or swimmer in distress,” said Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The mandatory burn ban was recently issued by Walton County Board of County Commissioners and included “all non commercial fireworks” as well as beach bonfires . Anyone caught ignoring this burn ban could potentially face a substantial fine as well as possible jail time. “With the extreme drought like conditions we are currently experiencing, any small spark could potentially become our worst nightmare,” said Rick Talbert, SWFD Fire Chief. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Already this month there have been more than 300 active fires in the State of Florida. Last week the public safety community mourned the loss of two Division of Forestry Firefighters who lost their lives in a woods fire. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The South Walton Fire District and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging citizens to follow these safety tips: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Both agencies will be increasing their staffing in order to meet the demands of the highly anticipated influx of visitors and tourists. Based on the recent figures from the Walton County TDC, South Walton could experience near capacity crowds this weekend. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The WCSO Marine Unit along with SWFD lifeguards will patrol the shores of South Walton to promote public safety. “This interagency cooperation maximizes the ability to respond and provide immediate assistance to any boater or swimmer in distress,” said Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The mandatory burn ban was recently issued by Walton County Board of County Commissioners and included “all non commercial fireworks” as well as beach bonfires . Anyone caught ignoring this burn ban could potentially face a substantial fine as well as possible jail time. “With the extreme drought like conditions we are currently experiencing, any small spark could potentially become our worst nightmare,” said Rick Talbert, SWFD Fire Chief. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif][FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Already this month there have been more than 300 active fires in the State of Florida. Last week the public safety community mourned the loss of two Division of Forestry Firefighters who lost their lives in a woods fire. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]The South Walton Fire District and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging citizens to follow these safety tips: [/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Do not burn outside until the Walton County burn ban is lifted. [/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Never drink and drive. Use a designated driver.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Take yard debris to the Walton County landfill or recycling centers. Call Walton County Solid Waste at 892-8180 for more information. [/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]If you go swimming, know your limitations. Know the waters.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Immediately report any unattended fires to local authorities.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Stay alert. Know where your children are. It only takes a second to lose sight of them.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Obey the beach flag conditions. Learn them, know them. [/FONT]
- [FONT=Calibri, sans-serif]Illegal fireworks remain a constant threat. Avoid them by attending a professional fireworks display.[/FONT]