The Asbury Park Fire Department Urges Residents to Shovel Snow Away From Fire Hydrants

The Asbury Park Fire Department is urging residents to clear snow away from fire hydrants so that they are visible from the road and accessible to firefighters in the event of emergency.

Residents are also reminded to exercise caution when shoveling snow. Shovel snow into the yard rather than the street, to facilitate plowing. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the body. Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

Property owners are responsible for clearing their public sidewalks, driveways and entrances within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. All residents are strongly encouraged to be good neighbors by clearing the sidewalks in front of their homes, as well as assisting those who may not be physically able to do so.

It’s COLD Outside! Please Heat Home Safely!

DECEMBER 28, 2017ASBURY PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT

It’s COLD Outside! Cold weather is in town for the next several days and nights! Wind chills could put temperatures into the single digit range on some evenings!

All of us will be seeking ways to keep our homes warm over the next few days. Please make sure you do so safely. Take a moment to watch a brief video below from our partners in safety at the National Fire Protection Association.

Christmas Tree Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2000 to 2004, Christmas tree fires caused an average of 14 civilian deaths, 21 civilian injuries, and $16.8 million in property damage per year. On average, one in every 22 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death. Additionally, electrical malfunctions, candles, heaters, and children playing with fire started many of these preventable tragic fires.

Steps to reduce the chance of fires from real and artificial trees:

      When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green with needles that are hard to pull from the branches. The trunk butt of a fresh tree should be sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

        Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.

     When purchasing a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

        Place your tree away from heat sources and escape exits.

   Decorate your Christmas tree (real or artificial) only with flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations.

    Make sure your tree stand is wide-based and sturdy. This will reduce the chances of the tree   toppling over.

     Remember to water the tree daily. Do not let a live tree dry out. Always use a tree stand with a water reservoir and keep the reservoir filled.

       Never use candles on or near the tree.

      Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

        Never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Christmas Light Safety

        Purchase only UL approved lights.

        Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, and replace old lights if necessary.

        Never use lights as decorations with an empty socket.

        Lights should not touch combustible materials.

     Before using lights outdoors, check the label to be sure the lights have been certified for outdoor use.

        Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.

        Consider using mini lights. These are the safest because they produce less heat.

Decorations:

        Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

     Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

     In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling these small pieces.

        Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. These may tempt a child to eat them.

        Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair."

    Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

APFD Safety Message Developed: 12/2014 

Thanksgiving Safety Tips - Cooking and More

The Asbury Park Fire Department offers the following safety tips, to ensure that all citizens and residents will enjoy a safe and festive Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately, fire safety and injury prevention guidelines are often overlooked during the holidays. Everyone needs to keep Safety First and by doing so our citizens, visitors and businesses can avoid tragedy and disruption of their holiday festivities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) issued a special report recently examining the characteristics of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. The report, Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings, was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center.

The report is based on 2006 to 2008 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). According to the report, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 5 deaths, 25 injuries, and $21 million in property loss. The leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is, by far, cooking. Additionally, smoke alarms were not present in 20 percent of Thanksgiving Day fires that occurred in occupied residential buildings.

If your Thanksgiving plans include a Turkey Fryer, this is  another tip sheet by itself,click here for Turkey Fryer Safety Tips.

While these safety and cooking tips may not make Thanksgiving dinner taste any better--they will help to avoid potential disaster;

• Keep your family and overnight guests safe with a working smoke alarm on every level of the house, in each bedroom and in the halls adjacent to the bedrooms. Test smoke alarms monthly, and replace batteries at least once a year.

• Overnight guests should be instructed on your home’s fire escape plan and designated meeting place for your family.

• Have a fire extinguisher available not more than 10 feet from the stove, on the exit side of the room.

• A standard Class ABC multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is recommended. Know how to use your fire extinguisher.

• Start holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven.

• Keep the kitchen off limits to young children and adults who are not helping with food preparations. This will lessen the possibility of kitchen mishaps.

• When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. Clothing can catch on fire and jewelry can become entangled with pot handles, causing spills and burns.

• Cook on the back burners when possible, and turn pot handles inward so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove.

• Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove or have someone else watch what is being cooked. Unattended cooking is one of the top causes of home fires and fire-related injuries in Asbury Park.  According to the USFA; cooking is the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings at 69 percent. Nearly all of these cooking fires (97 percent) are small, confined fires with limited damage.

• If you use a deep fryer, please, exercise extreme caution and follow manufacturer instructions.  The report from the USFA found that these cooking devices accounted for about 1% of Thanksgiving Day fires.

• Keep Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen clutter away from sources of direct heat.

• Candles are often part of holiday decorations. The Fire/EMS Department strongly encourages the use of battery powered candles and discourages the use of candles with an open flame.  If you use candles; they should never be left burning when you are away from home, or after going to bed. Candles should be placed where children will not be tempted to play with them, and where guests will not accidentally brush against them. The candleholder should be completely non-combustible and difficult to knock over. The candle should not have combustible decorations around it.

• If smoking is allowed inside, provide guests with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After guests leave check inside, under upholstery, and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
• Overnight guests should be briefed on the home escape plan and designated meeting place outside.

Working smoke alarms are required in all residences in Asbury Park.  Consider upgrading to a 10-year tamper proof with hush feature smoke alarm and never change a battery again.  If you can not afford to purchase an alarm you can call our Fire Prevention Division at 732-774-7400.  A firefighter will install a working smoke alarm in your home; free of charge.

The men and women of the Asbury Park Fire Department wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!!!

BEFORE THE STORM - Safe Preparations Should Begin

BEFORE THE STORM - Safe Preparations Should Begin

Over the next several days Hurricane Sandy will approach the mid-Atlantic with the exact landfall location still uncertain.  Wherever the storm comes on shore, the Jersey Shore Region, including Monmouth County, will feel the impact of the storm with high winds and heavy rain early next week.  Power outages and flash flooding are a strong possibility.  Citizens, residents and businesses should be making preparations for the storm now.  Do not panic, the storm is still days away and taking action now will allow plenty of safe preparation time.  The National Weather Service is forecasting we could start seeing some rain and wind as early as Sunday and weather progressively worsening through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Asbury Park citizens, residents and businesses are advised to take appropriate precautions now to stay safe.

BEFORE THE STORM:

• Stay informed by monitoring local news broadcasts about approaching weather.  Sign up to Asbury Park's Code Red Alerting System and receive important news and storm updates on your mobile device.  Follow @AsburyParkFire on Twitter for up to the minute Fire/EMS news and safety advice.  Have all mobile devices fully charged before and during the storm.

• Have your emergency kit prepared, stocked and ready.  For additional information on what should be in your kit go to: www.ready.gov

• Your emergency kit should include a battery operated radio and flashlights.  We do not recommend the use of candles during power outages.

• Ensure your Smoke alarm and CO detector are tested and have fresh batteries.

• Consider purchasing bags of ice that can be stored in your freezer.

• Ensure your cell phones, lap tops and tablets are completely charged.

• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.

• Consider having a quanity of cash on hand in the event that ATM's and banks are out of power.

• Remove any objects in your yard that could become airborne during periods of high winds.  Secure larger items by tying them down.

• Clean and clear your storm drains of any debris that could clog and back up rain water.

• Management companies should safely inspect their rooftops to ensure all gutters and roof top drains are clear and clean up any debris that will clog drains when it rains.  Pooling water on roof tops could cause water damage inside and cause a possible collapse.

• Stay ready to take quick actions in the event of severe weather including remaining indoors and going to the lowest possible level or floor and if possible in a room with no windows. Have your emergency kit ready. 

• Check with your work location on what is the plan and notification for cancellations.

• Set up a communications plan with family members and friends.  Remember that "texting" has been more reliable then cell phone calls and emails during times of high usage and outages.

• If you have a generator - follow manufacturer's instructions on how to use it safely, position it far enough away from your residence to avoid CO finding it's way inside, refuel after cool-down, use approved outdoor heavy-duty extension cords that are free of any rips and tears.

• Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe.  Don't panic, stay calm and prepare.

Presidential Proclamation -- Fire Prevention Week, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every year, fires in and around homes nationwide put thousands of Americans in harm's way. From the loss of a home to the tragic passing of a loved one, the devastation these disasters leave in their wake is heartbreaking. During Fire Prevention Week, we resolve to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.

All of us can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk of fire in our homes. I encourage all Americans to install and maintain smoke alarms, test smoke alarm batteries regularly, and follow safe practices in the kitchen and when using electrical appliances. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. To learn more about these and other simple precautions against home fires, visit www.Ready.gov 

This year, wildfires caused profound damage to communities across our country, and our Nation mourned the loss of life that followed. These events reminded us that wildfires are often unpredictable, which is why it is essential for people in areas at risk to practice proper fire prevention and preparedness. Those who live in regions prone to wildfire can take action by clearing flammable vegetation, preparing an emergency supply kit, and sharing evacuation routes and a communications plan with their family in case of emergency. Individuals who see a wildfire should report it by calling 911, and if advised, evacuate immediately.

As we mark Fire Prevention Week by recommitting to preparedness, we also extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fires this year -- including the brave first responders who fought them. Summoning courage in crisis and bringing discipline and professionalism to the job each and every day, America's firefighters are heroes in every sense. This week, we express our deepest gratitude for their service to our communities and our Nation, and we pay solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our own. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and in their memory, let us rededicate ourselves to preventing tragedy before it strikes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 7 through October 13, 2012, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 7, 2012, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown at half-staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call on all Americans to participate in this observance with appropriate programs and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

copied from Whitehouse.gov

National Preparedness Month – Pledge to Prepare!

National Preparedness Month – Pledge to Prepare!

How many of you know that September is National Preparedness Month?  This year’s theme is “Pledge to Prepare - Awareness to Action.”  Fire safety should be an important part of preparedness planning for you and your loved ones as well!

 

Have you tested your smoke alarms lately?  Do you know how often you should check your alarms?

Do you have a home escape plan in case of fire?  Does it include knowing two ways out in case of fire?  Have you held a fire drill to practice the plan?

Are you aware that once smoke alarms are anywhere from eight to ten years old they should be replaced?

If you did not know even ONE of the above facts or answered NO to one of the others, I would encourage you to take a moment and visit our partners in safety at the US Fire Administration web site to learn more.

What you learn could save your life or that of a loved one!