Tuesday, April 17, 2012  Please take a moment to read below. This is why having properly installed, WORKING smoke alarms is so vital. IT CAN SAVE LIVES!!!

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said that fires have killed 14 people this year in the city. 90-percent of the households involved didn't have working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms may not prevent the damage to the home, but they will allow those inside time to escape the smoke and flames.
2 days, 2 fires and 6 dead and the one common thread in both was there were no working smoke alarms. "Frustrating. You could see it on the firefighters' faces. They looked high and low trying to find a smoke alarm, just remnants of a smoke alarm, [but found] no smoke alarms," Commissioner Ayers said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a working smoke alarm reduces risk of death by residential fire by 50%. Still, only about 3/4 of US households report having one that functions.

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Saturday, April 7, 2012  Spring is upon us and with that so begins the season of backyard BBQ's!! We want you to have a fun and SAFE Spring and Summer so take a moment to read over this important information!

Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Each year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container. To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:

 Propane (Gas) Grill Safety Tips******

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

 Using the Grill******  

Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and until after use until grill is cooled.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.

Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking

Always shut off valve to propane tanks when not in use.

 If Your Grill Catches on Fire******  

If the fire is in the grill portion seems "out of control" simply turn off the burners.

If the fire involves one of the hoses, and you can safely reach the propane tank valve, shut the tank valve off.

If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911)

If there is any type of fire that threatens either personal safety or endangers property, call the fire department (911)

 Charcoal Grill Safety Tips****** 

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) when it is burned. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 30 people die and 100 are injured as a result of CO fumes from charcoal grills and hibachis used inside.

Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents, or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.

Never apply charcoal lighter fluid after charcoal has been lit. The fire may return into the fluid container and explode.

Keep all children and pets away from grill while in operation and until after use when grill is cooled.

Keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

Use proper utensils that will allow you to be a safe distance from grill while cooking.

Do NOT wear loose clothing while cooking

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Thursday, January 26, 2012 

Define and advocate the need for a cultural change within the fire service relating to safety; incorporating leadership, management, supervision, accountability and personal responsibility.

Enhance the personal and organizational accountability for health and safety throughout the fire service.

Focus greater attention on the integration of risk management with incident management at all levels, including strategic, tactical, and planning responsibilities.

All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices.

Develop and implement national standards for training, qualifications, and certification (including regular recertification) that are equally applicable to all firefighters based on the duties they are expected to perform.

Develop and implement national medical and physical fitness standards that are equally applicable to all firefighters, based on the duties they are expected to perform.

Create a national research agenda and data collection system that relates to the initiatives.

Utilize available technology wherever it can produce higher levels of health and safety.

Thoroughly investigate all firefighter fatalities, injuries, and near misses.

Grant programs should support the implementation of safe practices and/or mandate safe practices as an eligibility requirement.

National standards for emergency response policies and procedures should be developed and championed.

National protocols for response to violent incidents should be developed and championed.

Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support.

Public education must receive more resources and be championed as a critical fire and life safety program.

Advocacy must be strengthened for the enforcement of codes and the installation of home fire sprinklers.

Safety must be a primary consideration in the design of apparatus and equipment.

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10 Fire Safety Rules for Kids 
1.) Don't play with matches and lighters. If you see matches or a lighter where you can reach them, don't touch them. Go tell a grown up right away.

2.) Ask your parents to install smoke detectors on every floor and in the sleeping areas of your home. Smoke detectors can save lives. Ask your parents to show you where each one is located.

3.) Remind your parents to test your smoke detectors every month. Make sure everyone in your family is familiar with its piercing sound. Teach them that this sound means danger, and they must escape quickly.

4.) When your parents change the time on your clocks for Daylight Savings, ask them to change your smoke alarm batteries. Give it fresh batteries and your smoke alarm will stay awake and watch for fire while you are sleeping.

5.) In case of fire: DON'T HIDE, GO OUTSIDE! Fires are scary, but you should NEVER hide in closets or under beds when there is a fire.

6.) To escape during a fire; Fall & Crawl. It is easier to breath in a fire if you stay low while getting out.Use the back of your hand to test if a door is hot before you open it. If it is hot, try to use another way out.

7.) If your clothes are on fire; Stop, Drop, and Roll until the fire is out. Shout for help, but don't run. Running makes fire burn faster.

8.) Have an escape plan and practice it with your family. Find two ways out of every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke. Practice escaping by both routes to be sure windows are not stuck and screens can be taken out quickly.

9.) Choose a meeting place outside, such as a big tree or the end of the driveway, so you will know that everyone has gotten out safely. NEVER go back into a burning building for any reason. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They have the clothing and equipment to safely rescue people.

10.) Know your local emergency number. Put stickers and magnets with emergency numbers on your refridgerator and every telephone in the house. If there is a fire at your house, choose one family member to leave your meeting place and call the fire department from a neighbors phone.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2007  The trailer was won with a 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention Grant. This valuable tool is used to provide an interactive experience with children and adults alike. The trailer will be displayed at our annual Fire Prevention Open House on Friday October 5th at 7pm.

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