Good Advice from the LAFD Rescue Division

Dear Friend of the LAFD: A recent situation in Sunland with a horse in distress... http://lafd.blogspot.com/2006/04/firefighters-rescue-colt-from-empty.html ...gives us a great opportunity to share some important seasonal safety tips for those who will take to the trails this Spring. With this weekend's mild weather following more than a month of intermittent rain, soft soil remains a potential impairment, and in some cases danger for both horse and rider. We therefore ask... - Be sure your corral, gates and fencing remain in good shape. - Closely examine your tack to assure the safety of horse and rider. - Check your horse trailer for rust and tire rot following storage. - Know the trails you choose to ride on and don't ride alone. - For weeks to come, many trails may not be safe due to mud. - Water crossings can be deceptively dangerous - and deadly. - Beware of hidden storm debris, unstable soil and springtime wildlife. - Be sure that someone always knows where you will be. - Carry provisions and warm clothing in case of a change in weather. - Be mindful of your location and carry a fully charged mobile phone. In the event any animal is impaired, endangered or distressed in the City of Los Angeles, we encourage you to promptly consult a veterinarian or contact the City's Department of Animal Services, which can be reached locally at any hour by calling 888-452-7381 or 3-1-1. In fact, now may be a good time to store these numbers, as well as those of your veterinarian and stable in your cell phone. Please be careful... and have fun! # # # Brian Humphrey Firefighter/Specialist Public Service Officer Los Angeles Fire Department LAFD Home Page:   http://www.lafd.org LAFD News Blog:   http://www.lafd.org/blog.htm