HISTORY
HISTORY
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
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SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
The San Mateo Consolidated (SMC) Fire Department officially commenced operations on January 13, 2019. The department was formed by the establishment of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and represents the merger of fire departments in San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont. At that time, it was the first JPA to commence operations in the State of California in nearly a decade.
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SMC Fire has over 260 years of combined history providing emergency services in the three communities. The new department is staffed by 154 personnel that provide emergency services utilizing 10 engine companies and two ladder trucks from the existing nine fire stations. The consolidation allows SMC Fire to continue providing comprehensive emergency response services to all three cities in a more cost-effective way, while maintaining the high level of service the communities rely upon.
The efforts to explore this collaboration began in 2010 when Foster City and San Mateo agreed to share duties of then Fire Chief Dan Belville. Over the next two years, the two cities expanded their partnership to include other key Command Staff positions. In 2013, under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Keefe, the City of Belmont/Belmont Fire Protection District joined the partnership. At that time, the three cities agreed to share, jointly staff, and relocate the Foster City Ladder Truck to a centralized location that better served the three communities. In 2015, newly appointed Fire Chief John Healy was directed by the three City Managers to study the viability of completing the merger of all fire protection services. The goal was to continue to provide the same high-quality emergency services in a more sustainable model. Staff from the cities and fire departments explored available options and determined a JPA was the most viable option.
The JPA was officially established on November 22, 2017, and on January 13, 2019, SMC Fire commenced operations as an independent fire department.
FALL PREVENTION
1. Make an appointment with your doctor- Find out what medication you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. You can review with your doctor what kind of side effects might increase the risk of falling. Be prepared to talk to your doctor about times where you have fallen or almost fallen. Work with your doctor to make a specific fall-prevention plan.
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2. Keep moving- Before starting any activity consult with your doctor. Ask your doctor if walking, water workouts or tai chi would be good activities for you to enjoy. Exercise can improve strength and balance.
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3. Wear sensible shoes! Wear shoes that fit properly with nonskid soles. An added benefit is that sensible shoes may help reduce joint pain.
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4. Remove home hazards- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways, move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas, secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing — or remove loose rugs from your home, repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away, store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach, immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food, use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower and use a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering.
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5. Light up your living space- Keep your home brightly light. Use night lights in your bedroom and bathroom. Keep a clear path to all light switchers. Keep flashlights easily accessible in case of power outages.
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6. Use assistive devices- There are many different types of assistive devices such as: hand rails for both sides of stairways, nonslip treads for bare-wood steps, a raised toilet seat or one with armrests and a grab bars for the shower or tub.
