Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Just a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  This years theme is: Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Please take a minute to watch the powerful video below from FEMA.  Then make time to sit down with your loved ones to talk about (and develop a plan) how to prepare for a variety of emergencies that could occur right here in Asbury Park.

 

Extremely Dangerous Temperatures Ahead

Extremely Dangerous Temperatures Ahead

Firefighters Urge People to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the Washington area Friday, Saturday and Sunday for heat index values of up to 102 to 107 degrees.  The current heat wave is especially dangerous for the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. The Asbury Park Fire Department is urging  residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors as the forecast calls for record heat and sustained high temperatures in the greater Asbury Park area.

Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels and take a minute to review the tips below.
 
1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.  
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. 

2.  Wear the right stuff. 
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Avoid dark-colored clothes that may absorb heat. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. 

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never (ever) leave children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the car seat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion:

-  Heavy sweating

-  Muscle cramps

-   Pulse rate: fast and weak

-   Breathing: fast and shallow

-  Nausea or vomiting

-  Fatigue

-  Weakness

-  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)

- The absence of sweating

- Rapid pulse

- Difficulty breathing

- Throbbing headache

- Strange behavior and/or hallucinations

- Confusion, agitation and disorientation

- Unconscious                                       

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors. 

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.   
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat. 

Outdoor Grilling Safety

Outdoor Grilling Safety

The onset of warm weather signals the beginning of Barbecue Season!  The Asbury Park Fire Department wants you and your loved ones to enjoy this season SAFELY! Below are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association that he hopes will help:

 

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets far away from grills: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• No grilling allowed on apartment or condo balconies! 
• With charcoal grills, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.  NEVER use gasoline!
• With gas grills, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks.  Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow off propane before capacity is reached. OPDS are easily identified by their triangle-shaped hand wheel.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and have the grill  repaired by a professional, if necessary.
• Remember to keep your grill clean!  Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto grill and catch fire.
• REMEMBER!  Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Beach & Water Safety Tips

Beach & Water Safety Tips

 

Tragic water accidents happen quickly.

The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge.

The Asbury Park Fire Department recommends the following safety tips:

 



• Learn to swim
• Swim near a lifeguard
• Never swim alone
• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
• Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
• If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull
• Alcohol and swimming don't mix
• Protect your head, neck, and spine - don't dive into unfamiliar waters -feet first, first time 
• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
• Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances
• SCUBA dive only if trained and certified - and within the limits of your training
• No glass containers at the beach - broken glass and bare feet don't mix
• No beach bon fires except in designated areas and a permit - fire residue and superheated sand can severely burn bare feet
• Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel
• Stay clear of jetty rocks, they are a major slip hazard

Never turn your back to the ocean -a you may be swept off your feet and into the water by waves that can come without warning.

 

Rip Currents

Rip currents are the most threatening natural hazard along our coast. They pull victims away from

the beach. The United States Lifesaving Association has found that 80% of the rescues effected by ocean lifeguards involve saving those caught in rip currents.

 

 

A rip current is a seaward moving current that circulates water back to sea after it is pushed ashore by waves. Each wave accumulates water on shore creating seaward pressure. This pressure is released in an area with the least amount of resistance which is usually the deepest point along the ocean floor. Rip currents also exist in areas where the strength of the waves are weakened by objects such as rock jetties, piers, natural reefs, and even large groups of bathers. Rip currents often look like muddy rivers flowing away from the shore.

 

Rip currents are sometimes mistakenly called "rip tides" or "undertows." These are misnomers. Rip currents are not directly associated with tides and they do not pull people under.

 

Try to avoid swimming where rip currents are present, but if you become caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until the pull stops and then swim back to shore. If you are unable to return to the beach, tread water and wave for a lifeguard assistance.

 

Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Rip currents often exist along the side of fixed objects in the water.

 

 

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The shore area is

often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic, especially in the summer season.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the Asbury Park Fire Department responds. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR us first, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Asbury Park pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

 

Have You Tested Your Smoke Alarms Recently?

Have You Tested Your Smoke Alarms Recently?

 
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
   

The Asbury Park Fire Department encourages all residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working and to follow these fire safety tips!
   

Home fires injure and kill thousands every year, smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. We encourage everyone to test their smoke alarms, replace any alarms that are 10 years or older and conduct a home fire drill.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chance for survival and provides advance warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a home escape plan into action.

Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety tips:

1.      Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in all sleeping areas.

2.      Retire old smoke alarms and replace with new ones every 10 years. Like any electronic device, smoke alarms wear out over time and need to be replaced. The life expectancy of smoke alarms is 10 years. Smoke alarms work by sensing smoke particles and after 10 years, the smoke sensors lose their sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics and alerting system are working; not that the smoke sensor is working.

3.      Plan and practice home fire drills regularly. Decide in advance who will help family members that may need assistance escaping (young children, older adults or people with disabilities).        

4.      Make sure children recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and how to respond to its signal.

5.      Know your battery type. Sealed smoke alarms equipped with 10-year batteries are becoming more common and the batteries do not need to be replaced if they are sealed into the unit. Check your smoke alarms to see what type of battery it uses. While 10-year, long-life batteries do not need to be replaced annually, the entire smoke alarm unit does need to be replaced every ten years.Hard-wired smoke alarms, not affected by the new law, should have a battery backup and like all smoke alarm units need to be replaced every 10 years.
6.   A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

For questions, contact the Asbury Park Fire Marshal at 732-502-0364
 

Could Your Dryer Cause a Fire? Let's talk fire dryer facts.

Could Your Dryer Cause a Fire? Let's talk fire dryer facts.

When the APFD responds to clothes dryer-related fires, a lack of maintenance, buildup of lint, placing inappropriate items in the dryer and inadequate venting are frequently cited as contributing factors.
Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers. Some important safety tips:

 Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Clean around your dryer to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.

 Don't leave a clothes dryer running if you leave the house or go to bed. 

 Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked. 

 Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct annually. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again. APFD recommends having a qualified service technician clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct annually.

 Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct.Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
 Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. 

There are several warning signs that dangerous lint buildup has occurred in your dryer and venting system, indicating that it needs a thorough cleaning: 

- Clothes take longer to dry or don't dry fully- Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle- Outside of dryer gets very hot- Outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much, indicating low exhaust velocity- Laundry room becomes more humid than usual- Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room
Maintenance Tips:

- Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.

- Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on. 

- Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.

- Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to inspect the dryer and the gas line connection. 

- Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.