There isn't a day that goes by that you don't hear or see an emergency vehicle—sirens and flashing lights rushing to help someone in dire need. This group, of front-line professionals, police & fire provides round-the-clock protection and life-saving services for our families and communities. In order for these professionals to continue to do their job, we must be responsible in doing our part to ensure their safety when responding to an emergency. Each year in the U.S., while responding to or returning from incidents, there are approximately 16,000 collisions involving fire department emergency vehicles resulting in more than 1,000 firefighter injuries and almost 50 deaths according to the National Fire Protection Association. So far this year, January through April, there have been 45 firefighter fatalities in which 20 percent of those fatalities were involved in a motor vehicle collision while responding to an emergency. Some drivers panic and are unsure of what to do when they see and hear an emergency vehicle, while others do not adhere to the rules of the road. Iowa is one of 40 states with a "Move Over" law requiring drivers to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle or slow down for all emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road. This law was created to save lives. Violation of the law carries a fine and/or jail time. When you hear a siren and/or see flashing lights: • Stay calm. • Look for emergency vehicles; also check your rear and side views. • Pull to the right and come to a complete stop. • When traveling on a high-speed road or if there is no room to stop, slow down. • If unable to move to the right edge of the road, adjust your lane position to leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass. • When traveling on an undivided highway, all traffic must pull over. • If you are in the left lane, merge into the right lane as traffic moves over. • If you cannot move to the right because of another vehicle or obstacle, just stop. Your action will let the driver of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing and allow the driver to anticipate where to drive. • When an emergency vehicle approaches you from behind while you are stopped at an intersection, stay where you are unless you can pull to the right. Don't drive through a red light or stop sign. • On a four-lane highway or street without barriers, both sides of traffic pull to the right. • Be careful when driving by or around a motor vehicle accident or any situation where emergency vehicles are parked and the firefighters are working. • Drivers should stay at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.

• Nearly 50 percent of all flash flood fatalities nationwide involve vehicles. Saving your life can be as easy as turning your car around when you see water on the road. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. • Even in relatively shallow water, tires can act as flotation devices, lifting up big vehicles and sending them downstream. It takes only two feet of water to float a 3,000-pound car. • Beware that water covering roadways may hide washed-out bridges or gouged-out roadbeds. If you attempt to drive across, you may not be driving on a road. • In rainy weather, be alert and stay tuned to local radio or TV. • If you are in a low-lying area when flooding is occurring, get to higher ground quickly. And be sure to avoid canyons and washes that can channel swift water. • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or streams on foot. It can take as little as six inches of water to knock an adult off his or her feet. Furthermore, water may be flowing more rapidly than it appears. • Never allow children to play near ditches and storm drains. • During stormy weather, do not camp or park vehicles along streams or washes. • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to see flood dangers.

• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank     and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 if a burn warrants serious medical attention.