Fire Prevention:
Buckle up!
Do we really need to say more!?
Well, we will! You know, I recently toured Penn State University. Along the nearby roads, read signs that say: "Buckle Up, Next Million Miles".
If you won't do it for yourself, do it for those whom you love and love you!
For more information, please visit:
Buckle Up America!
Enough Said!
Candles:
Please, we respond to a number of fires involving lit candles.
Do not ever go to bed nor leave the house with candles still lit.
For more information, please visit:
Candles and Fire Safety
Carbon Monoxide (CO):
Please visit this
site
for complete information regarding the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America!
Please do not hesitate to call the fire department if your CO detector is activated.
Cell Phones:
Please know, that when you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone, your call is routed to a New Jersey State Police 9-1-1 facility. They are currently unable to know automatically, unlike a normal telephone, where you are.
When you use your cell phone in Galloway Township, once you connect to the New Jersey State Police 9-1-1 operator, you must tell them that you are in Atlantic County, Galloway Township.
And please don't talk on your cell phone while driving!
Chimneys:
Please inspect and clean your chimney annually.
For more information, please visit:
The Chimney Safety Institute of America
Clothes Dryers:
Over the years, residents of Galloway Township have suffered a number of, sometimes devastating, fires caused by their dryers. The GTFD highly recommends the following:
Do not ever leave your dryer on when you are not home.
Clean your lint trap each and every time before using your dryer.
Ensure that your dryer vents to the outside of your house. Do not vent it to your crawl space.
Ensure that your dryer vent tube is checked for lint and cleaned periodically.
Digging?
Contact New Jersey's "One Call" system at
1-800-272-1000
for a free markout of underground gas, water, sewer, cable, telephone and electric utility lines before any outdoor construction or digging.
Making this call before you dig will help prevent property damage and potential injuries. Plus, it's the law in New Jersey.
Drinking and Driving!
NO! NEVER! NOT EVEN ONCE!
Escape Plan:
Develop and practice a home escape plan. Know what to do before fire breaks out.
Exits:
When you are in a public place, make sure you and your family know the location of at least 2 fire exits.
Fire extinguishers:
The GTFD highly recommends that homeowners purchase and install fire extinguishers. They should also take the time to learn how to properly use and maintain them. Here are some tips for usage:
- Use a portable fire extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; the fire department has been called or is being called; and the room is not filled with smoke.
- To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word
PASS
:
-
P
ull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
-
A
im low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
-
S
queeze the lever slowly and evenly.
-
S
weep the nozzle from side-to-side.
- For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle.
- Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory. - Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.
- Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
- Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working. - If a fire breaks out, your first step is to call the fire department and get everyone out of the house. If the fire is not spreading and is confined to a small area, use the appropriate type extinguisher for the fire. Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher's limits.
- Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use -- even if you haven't used all the extinguishing agent.
- When using a portable extinguisher, keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire. - Check the manufacturer's instructions for operating guidelines, including proper distance between the extinguisher and fire. Always aim at the base of the fire.
Fireplaces:
Please inspect and clean your fireplace annually.
Gas (Natural or Propane) Grills:
Please inspect and clean your gas grill per the manufacturers instructions.
Gas grills should be placed no closer than 8 feet from a structure.
Heating system:
Have your heating system inspected and serviced annually.
Insurance (Homeowner's and Renter's):
Stuff
Smoke Detectors:
The GTFD highly recommends the following:
Install smoke detectors on every level of your house, especially in or near bedrooms.
Clean (gently vacuum) all smoke detectors at least monthly.
Test all smoke detectors at least monthly.
Replace batteries annually (when we return to Standard Time).
Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.
Space heaters:
Do not ever go to bed with space heaters on.
