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The Town is Extremely Proud of Our Volunteer Fire Department. It has won many state awards for being the very best. We, as residents,
know the loyalty and dedication these volunteers have toward their neighbors and friends. The fire fighters and
EMTs are highly qualified for any type of situation that arises. They have shown over the years, that to serve
as a first responder or fire fighter is very rewarding.
FIRE SAFE AND SECURE: More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires,
and more than 25,000 are injured. Security bars may help keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also
trap you in a deadly fire!The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), encourages individuals to use the following tips to help reduce the number of fire injuries and
deaths associated with security bars on windows and doors preventing fire escape.
USE QUICK RELEASE DEVICES ON BARRED WINDOWS AND DOORS: Windows and doors with security bars should have
quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. These devices operate from inside
and allow the bars to be opened for emergency escape without compromising the security of your home. The quick
release devices should be easy to open without the use of a key, detailed knowledge or great physical effort. Release
devices vary by region and manufacturer. Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency number for information
on approved release devices available in your area.
CONSIDER RETROFITTING CURRENT SECURITY BARS Security bars on windows and locked doors prevent escape from fire and also impede firefighters'
rescue attempts. If the security bars in your home are permanently fixed or do not have quick release devices,
they should be retrofitted with release devices. Be Aware Of Security Bar Issues When Practicing Fire Escape Routes
Know and practice fire escape plans monthly, and use them to identify and correct obstructions of windows and doors
needed for escape from a deadly fire. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and
that security bars can be properly opened.
It is important that everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate locked or barred
windows and doors. Windows should open easily and be wide enough to allow escape, and locked or barred doors should
operate quickly and easily.
PLAN TWO EXITS OUT OF EACH ROOM: The best escape plans have two ways to get out of
each room. If the primary exit is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might
be a window onto an adjacent roof or an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from
upper story windows.
DESIGNATE A MEETING PLACE OUTSIDE AND TAKE ATTENDANCE: Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street.
For example, meet under a specific tree, at the end of the driveway, or on the front sidewalk to make sure everyone
has gotten out safely. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
ONCE OUT, STAY OUT:
Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number
in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances
of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year.
Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
RURAL FIRE PREVENTION CHECKLIST: A Fact sheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
Self-reliance is the rule for fire safety for many people. If you live in an area where the local fire department
is more than a few minutes away because of travel time or distance, or if you are outside the limits of the nearest
town, be sure you know how to be self-reliant in a fire emergency. The United States Fire Administration (USFA)
encourages you to use this fire safety checklist to help you protect yourself, your home and its surroundings from
fire. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
MAINTAIN HOME HEATING SYSTEMS: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top. Extend the chimney at least three feet above the roof.
Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney. Have A Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Practice fire escape and evacuation plans. Mark the entrance to your property with signs that are clearly visible.
Know which local emergency services are available and have those numbers posted. Provide emergency vehicle access
through roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space. Make Your Home Fire-Resistant
Use fire-resistant and protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid
using wood materials that offer the least fire protection. Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris. Cover all exterior
vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters. Install multipane windows, tempered
safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat. Use fire-resistant draperies for
added window protection. Keep tools for fire protection nearby: 100 foot garden hose, shovel, rake, ladder and
buckets. Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department. Let Your Landscape
Defend Your Property.
Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your home. Create defensible space by thinning trees and
brush within 30 feet around your home. Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches. Landscape
your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. Stack firewood
at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures. Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal
containers outside the home, at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
FOLLOW LOCAL BURNING LAWS:
Do not burn trash or other debris without proper knowledge of local burning laws, techniques and the safest times
of day and year to burn. Before burning debris in a wooded area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain
a burning permit. Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid or covering with holes no larger than 3/4 inches.
Create at least a 10 foot clearing around the incinerator before burning debris.
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