TOWN
OF ROME
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Dear
Camelot residents,
Warming
up by the fireplace conjures up many fond memories, such as playing in
the snow and decorating the Christmas tree. Where we live in
Wisconsin, we are all too familiar with the warm feeling a nice fire
in a fireplace can bring. But safety must be the order of the day,
since heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires during the
months of December, January and February. Home heating fires in those
months in second only to cooking fires, which is always at the top of
the list. Here are few safety tips in regards to fireplaces for the
cold winter months.
In
the year 2002, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 45, 500
home structure fires in the United States, according to the NFPA
(National Fire Protection Association). These fires caused an
estimated 220 civilian fire deaths, 990 civilian fire injuries and
caused $449 million in direct property damage. Direct property damage
is limited to damage caused by the fire, and does not include expenses
associated with alternate living arrangements, replacement clothing
and food costs.
Fireplaces
and chimneys rank first in the number of fires among types of heating
equipment. Most of these were caused by creosote build-up in chimneys.
When you use your fireplace, you should have it cleaned and inspected
at least once a year by professional.
Portable
and fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, caused a
disproportionate share of the home heating fire deaths. Space haters
were involved in 25% of the home heating fires but 74% of the deaths.
Space heaters need a 3-foot space in front of the unit where
combustible are kept clear. Newer space heaters have
"tip-over" switches, so that if the unit gets knocked over,
it turns off. This is a nice feature if you are considering buying a
new one.
Fireplaces
should use only dry wood, and the screen should be pulled in the
closed position, to keep any sparks or embers away from combustibles.
The 3-foot clearance should also be observed with the fireplace.
Fireplaces
can be a great gathering place in the home. Take a few extra minutes
to ensure a safe atmosphere for your home. You will be glad you did.
Are
you aware of what it takes to be a firefighter/first responder? Are
you interested in becoming one? Are you the type of person that wants
to give back to your community and assist your fellow citizens in
their hour of need? If you don’t know the answer to these questions
and want the answers call me, 325-8030!
We now have 36 members and
are looking to increase our membership to 40. We train on Monday night
at 6:00 pm. We have make up training on Wednesday night at 6:00 pm and
on Saturday at 9:00 am. We will supply you with all your equipment;
send you to Mid State Technical College for your entry-level
firefighter training and EMT basic training. You will be paid $10.00
an hour for training and special details and once certification is
acquired a minimum of $14.00 an hour for emergency calls depending on
your qualifications. But more importantly you will have the
satisfaction of helping your friends and neighbors in their time of
need.
Stop
by and see what we are all about.
But
most of all have a great winter and be safe!
Yours
in Fire Safety,
John
H. Frantz Fire
Chief
