july | august 2012
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Register Your Night to Unite Block Party Online
This 4th of July
Start planning your summer block party today. Tuesday, August 7th is Night To Unite, the annual neighborhood get together event that has been around in Blaine for over 25 years. This is an opportunity to spend an evening outside with old neighbors, or welcoming new ones.
The Fourth of July is an exciting time for many Minnesota families. One of the most cherished elements is the presence of fireworks. A trip to the emergency room with an injury that could have lifelong ramifications will quickly end the excitement of the holiday, and cause fireworks to become a hated element. In this time of celebration, ensure the excitement of future celebrations by taking safety precautions at this one.
Register your block party at: www.ci.blaine.mn.us/ index.cfm?id=900623
It’s free to register as a block party host, and the City will provide you with a few items to help the planning go a little smoother. You will receive door hangers, nametags, t-shirts for the organizers and informational forms. This is also the one night of the year in which the police and fire departments are out in full force visiting block parties. You must sign up to receive a visit. McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog will also be out visiting block parties. If you have questions, call Kim Kiley, Crime Prevention Specialist at 763-785-6186 or via email at kkiley@ci.blaine.mn.us.
Citizens Academy Registration Now Open Blaine residents interested in learning more about safety services are encouraged to register for the 10th annual Blaine Citizens Academy. This eight-week course, hosted by the City of Blaine Safety Services Division, is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the structure and operations of the Police, Fire, and Community Standards departments, while participating in a variety of exciting and fast-paced activities, in a safe and fun environment. Classes are held Wednesday evenings, September 5 to October 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The academy meets at a different location each week depending on the activities scheduled. Course topics and handson activities include police use of force, motor vehicle extrication, fire fighting, crime prevention, fire prevention, housing maintenance, code compliance, criminal investigations, fire investigations, drug awareness, clandestine methamphetamine labs, traffic stops, and other emergency response. All residents 18 years and older are invited to apply. Class size is limited and all applicants must pass a criminal history background check. Applications will be accepted until the class fills, so register early. More information is available from Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113 or ahunt@ci.blaine.mn.us
Use Fireworks Safely!
Each year, fireworks permanently injure people of every age. Whether the use of fireworks is a tradition in your home, or a new experience for you and your family, keep in mind the following safety actions. • P urchase fireworks approved for use in Minnesota, and follow all of the safety precautions listed on each device. • K eep yourself and all others in the area at a safe distance and never hold an active firework in your hands. • A lways use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and hose nearby in case of an accident. • K now that sparklers, often used by children, can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius)hot enough to melt gold. • P oint fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves, and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. These are just a few tips to help ensure a successful celebration. For more tips, visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/ firstaid_safe/outdoor/ fireworks.html http://www.nfpa.org/assets/ files/PDF/Public%20Education/ FireworksSafetyTips.pdf http://www.cpsc.gov/info/ fireworks/index.html
Big News! The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire department is starting a recruitment campaign. If you are interested in serving your community as a volunteer firefighter, please visit http://www.sbmfire.com/ jobs.htm to download an application, and for more information about being a volunteer firefighter. Fill out the application and turn it in to the Fire Department administrative office right away. The Fire Department will contact you directly with more details about the hiring process, which should be completed by the end of July.