FROM THE CHIEF'S DESK

Now that the days are starting to get HOT again, there are a few things to remember:

1.         Make sure that your homes AC system is working the correct way.

 

2.         Now is the time to clear the debris away from your home.  A small brush fire can spread rapidly and run into the home.

 

3.         Make sure that your smoke alarm is working and clean, and that the batteries are fresh.  If you do not have one, please go and buy one.  If you are not able to do that, please call us at the firehouse.

 

4.         If your home is close to a fire hydrant, please make sure to take some time to keep the area around the hydrant clear.

 

5.         Make sure that your batteries in your flash light are fresh and working correctly. Also keep a radio close by to listen to any weather emergencies that might arise from a thunder storm.  With temperatures reaching into 100, brown outs and black outs may occur.  Also make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean drinking water.  Hydration is key in the heat.

 

Barbeque Grill Safety

Each year about 600 fires/explosions occur with gas grills, causing injuries. Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited for the season or after the grill's gas container is refilled and reattached.

Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, review these safety tips:

  • Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
  • Make sure your grill’s propane tank has three-prong gas valve handle. As of April 1, 2002, the three-prong design replaces a five-prong handle as the safety standard.
  • Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
  • Always keep propane gas containers upright.
  • Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
  • Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.
  • Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.
  • Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.
  • Never bring the propane tank into the house.
  • When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from siding and eaves.
  • Keep children and pets far away from grills.

 

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips

Keep in mind that charcoal when burned in grills produces carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being burned indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

  • 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.

 

 

Any time you smell something that does not smell or seem right, please call 911 and report the problem.  The people in Tuckerton should never feel bad about calling us for something, even if it is nothing.

Anyone having any questions, please call the station or E-mail us.  Please leave us your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, and a SHORT MESSAGE.  We will get back to you as soon as is possible.  Please see the Contact Us page for our numbers.