Massive fires continue to burn thanks to widespread drought and unusually high temperatures over the past month. Three million acres have gone up in flames since mid-July, and the fire season of 2012 now ranks in first place for the most acreage burned at this point in the year.

This brings the thought of fire to the front of our minds. Thank goodness this isn’t in Minnesota.

The threat of fire is always there. You fall soundly a sleep in your bed at night. Suddenly you’re awoken by the smell of smoke. Do you have a plan on what to do?

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the Austin Fire Department will be at the Senior Center to help guide you through safety procedures for your home. We always think “that couldn’t ever happen to me” but don’t you want to be prepared just in case it ever does?

Get hands-on training using a fire extinguisher. For most people fire extinguishers are invisible red cans on walls, never looked at and rarely considered.

Just how important to society are fire extinguishers? It turns out very important. Often ignored, these life safety devices play a vital role in keeping us safe.

According to the most recent National Fire Protection Association data, in 2008 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,451,500 fires.

These fires resulted in 3,320 civilian fire fatalities, 16,705 civilian fire injuries and an estimated $15,478,000,000 in direct property loss.

Of these fires, 112,000 were responded to in commercial or municipal buildings. Of the over $15 billion in property damage, more than $3.811 billion took place in non-residential structures. This represents an average loss per reported incident in non-residential/commercial structures of over $34,000.

These facts, pure and simple, don’t tell the story of the true value of fire extinguishers to our society.

To sign up for this stop by the front desk or call 433-2370, ext. 0. See you there.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Yoga, 8 a.m.; blood pressure, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; art class, 1 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; safety training (Austin Fire Department), 2 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; Art Class 1, p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; computer class, 2 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

 Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Aug. 13, three tables

1st Carolyn Higgins, 2nd Joyce Fadness, 3rd Pat Swenson, 4th Mary Johnsen, 5th Larry Larson

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Aug. 14, five tables

1st Ray Schmidt, 1st Gail Schmidt, 2nd Larry Crowe, 2nd Arnie Lang, 3rd Bud Higgins, 3rd Jim Fisher, 4th Millie Seiver, 4th Lorraine Lippert

Tuesday “500”

Aug, 14, three tables

1st Beulah Luthe, 2nd Willard Ballantyne, 3rd Eddie Hall, 4th Dorothy Stern

Pinochle

David Solomonson, Loretta Nelson, Quentin Fiala

Friday Bridge

Aug. 17, four tables

1st Jaynard Johnson, 2nd Mary Johnson, 3rd Joyce Fadness, 4th Loretta Nelson, 5th Harriet Oldenburg, 6th Shirley Knowlton

Weekly Cribbage

Aug. 15, 2 3/4 tables

2nd Dorothy Peterson, 3rd Helen Henschen

Weekly “500”

Aug. 17, six tables

1st Mildred Ballantyne, 2nd Gene Rauen, 3rd Willard Ballantyne, 4th Arnold Bergstrom, 5th Lois Anderson

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Meat lasagna

Tuesday: Swiss Steak

Wednesday: Shredded turkey on bun

Thursday: Crab Salad

Friday: Roast beef