Volume 4 Number 19
May 11, 2007

Dear Floridian,

As you may know, wildfires have broken out across the state.  Currently, more than 220 wildfires are burning in 89,000 acres in 54 counties.  Some residences have been lost, but fortunately, no Floridians have been injured by the fires.  

The Division of Forestry is the lead agency when the fires are located in the woods.  As the State Fire Marshal, we are working to protect Florida’s homes and businesses from the fires.  Working with local fire departments, we have currently deployed more than 90 fire units (including fire trucks and over 360 fire personnel). 

In order to stay safe, please take the following actions:

  • Stay indoors—limit the inhalation of smoke and ash. If you are not comfortable in your home, seek alternative shelter

  • Be cautious on the highway—there may be smoke on the highways. Turn on your lights, slow down or pull over. Do NOT stop in the middle of the road.

  • Be careful with fire—many counties in Florida have instituted a burn ban. Please pay attention to any open fire source including cigarette butts.

  • Protect your pets- move animals inside if possible and take your pets with you if directed to evacuate by local officials.

  • Protect your home—Remove all brush, mulch and debris within 30 feet of your home and property during high fire conditions.

  • Evacuations-- Please monitor evacuation orders for both your residence and workplace (as they may be different). If your area is placed under evacuation orders due to wildfire, please follow local evacuation procedures. Please keep in mind that evacuation orders may be given under short notice. If you evacuate, please take your pets and insurance paperwork with you. Also, save all receipts while you have evacuated, as you may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance company.

  • Prepare an emergency plan-- You can learn more about preparing an emergency plan at www.floridadisaster.org.
     

Sincerely,

Alex Sink

ARSON AWARENESS WEEK FOCUSES ON COSTLY VEHICLE ARSON
CFO Sink:  “Think You’ll Get Away With It, Think Again”

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink announced a slate of events scheduled this week throughout Florida to bring attention to costs and risks associated with vehicle arson.   The events are part of Arson Awareness Week, which began on Sunday, May 6, and continues through Saturday, May 12.  The theme is “Vehicle Arson:  Who Pays for This Crime?”

The motives for vehicle arson are varied and range from thieves hiding evidence of a crime to owners trying to get out of expensive leases.  Last year in Florida, more than 6,800 passenger vehicles burned causing 20 deaths and 51 injuries, including 12 firefighter injuries. Criminal charges relating to vehicle arson can result in prison sentences ranging from five to 30 years per count. 

“Arson is a violent crime because there is always the risk of someone getting hurt or killed,” said CFO Sink.  “Our intention this week is to get the word out that if you think you’ll get away with it, think again.  Our arson detectives are among the best in the nation and the odds are in our favor.”

As part of Arson Awareness Week, the Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations (BFAI), and the Tallahassee Fire Department staged a mock vehicle arson investigation.  The public watched as a vehicle is set on fire and arson detectives, including a K-9 team, investigated and collected evidence.  The demonstration continued at the state arson laboratory where forensic chemists tested and verified the collected evidence. 
 

Other activities around the state include the Governor and Cabinet signing a resolution declaring this week Arson Awareness Week, a proclamation to be signed by the Osceola County Commission commemorating Arson Awareness Week, public discussions on how to prevent vehicle arson, an essay contest for elementary school students in Broward County, and displays and other activities designed to draw attention to the risks and costs associated with vehicle arson. CONTINUED


 

CFO SINK URGES FLORIDIANS TO BE ALERT FOR EVACUATION ORDERS

With wildfires threatening homes and communities throughout the state, Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Alex Sink urged Floridians to be prepared to heed any orders to evacuate. 

“All Floridians must be on alert for possible wildfires and be ready to evacuate if ordered to do so,” said CFO Sink.  “We must all take steps to be safe and protect our homes and others, by complying with burn bans and being cautious with fire.  I can assure you that we will take aggressive action against anyone who intentionally or carelessly starts a fire.” 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is coordinating fire and rescue operations at the state’s Emergency Operations Center, which has been activated to respond to more than 210 wildfires burning more than 86,000 acres around the state.  In addition to corralling equipment and personnel to fight the fires, CFO Sink said the Department of Financial Services, which houses the State Fire Marshal’s Office, is on standby to help homeowners with insurance questions.  CFO Sink said homeowners affected by the wildfires should take the following steps: CONTINUED

TAMPA BAY UNITED WAY WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AWARD GOES TO CFO SINK

Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink was presented the Tampa Bay United Way’s Women’s Leadership award for her outstanding service in her community and to the United Way.   Upon being presented the award, Tampa Bay United Way President Diana Baker introduced CFO Sink with the following remarks: 

“When her kids need a cheerleader - Alex is there with enthusiasm.

When her husband needs a loyal partner - Alex is there with loving respect.

When her church needs a committed volunteer - Alex is there with selfless resolve.

When her friends just want to have fun - Alex is there with her gift of hospitality. CONTINUED

 

CURRENT, FORMER HEADS OF KIDCARE URGE QUICK SAVE BY LAWMAKERS 

Three days after the Florida Legislature ended its annual session without steps to bolster a program that provides low-cost health insurance for hundreds of thousands of kids, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink urged Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders to shore up the program during an upcoming special session.  

Without quick action, the state's KidCare program will continue to operate as a complicated bureaucratic maze, leaving tens of thousands of children without affordable coverage for doctor office visits, prescription medicines and hospital costs.

"It's essential that we reform the Florida KidCare program this year," said CFO Sink, the current chair of the Healthy Kids Board.  "Sen. Nelson and I are calling upon the governor and legislative leadership to add this important issue to the upcoming special session."  CONTINUED

 

 

State Fire Marshal Alex Sink and the honor guard from the State Fire Marshal's office.

 ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD

On Monday May 7th, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink participated in the Fraternal Order of Police 25th Annual Police Memorial Service outside the Capitol.  At the memorial, the Fraternal Order of Police remembered the 666 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in the State of Florida.

Every year the Fraternal Order of Police publishes the names of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.  This year’s list marked the 25th Anniversary Edition of the Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Ceremony Program.  During 2006, the following police officers were killed in the line of duty: CONTINUED