Bolivar Fire Department

Fire Prevention

Remember, prevention is your best defense against fires.

All about Fire Hydrants

A fire hydrant (also known as a fire plug) is an active fire prevention measure, and a source of water provided in most areas. This water service enables fire fighters to assist in extinguishing a fire.

 

The concept of fire hydrants date at least                                back to the 1600’s. This was a time when fire fighters responding to a call would dig                                    down to the town’s water mains and hastily bore a hole to secure water to fight fires via                            bucket brigades or, later via hand pumped fire engines. The holes were then plugged                               with stoppers which over time came to be knows as fire plugs.

 

The development of the first above ground fire hydrant in the USA tracks back to Philadelphia in 1803.

 

Obviously, sufficient water supply for fire suppression is a very critical component to the overall suppression capability of a community. Getting water is a need for Fire Prevention.

Children and Fire Safety

Children playing with matches or lighters is a leading cause of home fires. Children have a Natural curiosity about fire and are tempted to play with anything that causes fire. Our fire department offers programs for juveniles who set fires. If your child is setting fires, you sho0uld contact us before the situation gets out of hand and your child gets hurt.

 

Even though they have a natural curiosity about fire, they may become frightened and confused in a fire and hide rather than escape to safety; especially if they started the fire. They often hide in closets or under beds where they feel safe.

 

Therefore, it is crucial for your child’s safety that you hold fire drills in the home twice a yea to let them practice the right thing to do in an emergency.

Home Fire Safety Tips

School is currently in session. While your children are at school and you are at work, your home is alone with no one in it to make sure nothing happens. It only takes a few moments for a fire to start.

 

To help make sure your home is safe from fire, be sure to double check and make sure everything listen below is taken care of before you leave your home.

 

1. Make sure your thermostat is turned down.

2. Make sure your electric space heaters are off.

3. Make sure your burners on your stove are off and nothing is close to the pilot.

4. Make sure all of your lights are off.

5. Make sure any electric cords are tucked away and out of sight so if you have a pet, your pet does not get into them and chew them up.

6. Make sure that all fans and air conditioners are off, or down to the lowest setting.

7. Make sure your cellar is water free below the level of hot water heaters and furnaces. If you need to, call 911 for a cellar pumping. The fire department would rather pump a cellar than see someone lose their home.

8. Make sure all hair dryers and curling irons are unplugged and cooled down before you  leave.

Chimney Fire Safety

Chimneys are one of the most common locations of residential structure fires in New York State. The chimney safety Institute of America reports that creosote accumulation is the leasing cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable.

 

An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep your home sage from chimney fires, follow these guidelines.

Maintenance– Good maintenance is a very important step in preventing chimney fires.

                 -Have your chimney checked every year by a qualified chimney professional.

                 -Burn only well seasoned hardwoods.

                 -Install a chimney cap

                 -Install a carbon monoxide detector.

                 -Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.

                 -Following a violent storm, earthquake, flood, or lightening strike, have your chimney                  Inspected for damage– inside and out.

 

Prevention– Remember prevention is your best defense against fire. If you have a wood or coal stove, be sure that it is installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the stove and chimney connector. Place an approved stove board under the unit to protect the floor from heat and hot coals which might drop out.

 

Be Prepared– Know what to do in case of a fire. If you suspect a chimney fire, evacuate your home and call 911