Fire Dept and Explorers

July - August 2022 | Volume 15, Issue 4

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Epping Fire Department

fire truck

Hello to my Epping Speak Up readers!

In this issue we will focus on summer safety, including heat emergencies, fireworks safety, air conditioners, pool safety and places of assembly such as churches and restaurants. We will also talk about burn permits and grill fires.

Summer Safety and Heat Related Emergencies

Summer is finally here and it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Many of you work outside and Vitamin D can be a big perk, but it can also create health risks. Hydration is critically important, especially when you’re working under an intense summer sun. Always hydrate with water. If you opt for sports drinks for hydration, it is best to cut the drink in half with water since they typically contain a lot of sodium and sugar. Take breaks as necessary. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if severe enough. If you employ people, please make sure to have a water jug or cooler for your employees and monitor them, and as well as keep an eye on the weather. Heat exhaustion can go from muscle cramping, nausea and feeling ill to vomiting and unconsciousness. Always move to a shaded area or air-conditioned vehicle and drink lots of fluids. If symptoms worsen, call 911. Sunscreen is also recommended to help protect against sunburn or sun poisoning.

Grill Safety

Cookouts are a great way to celebrate the summer with family and friends. Make sure your grill is away from your house, or garage. Never grill or use a hibachi on a deck. It is against the law to have a grill on a deck in an apartment, condominium or multi-family complexes (NFPA Uniform Fire Code 1, 2009 adopted by the State of NH). Only use approved propane gas tanks and shut them off after the grill cools down.

Fireworks Safety

Be careful when using fireworks and make sure you and your family enjoy them from a distance. Never hold or put fireworks or firecrackers in your pockets. Never play with fireworks inside a building or structure. Always check the area where fireworks were used and wet down the area when done. Be sure to follow local, state and federal laws. Yes, the Town of Epping allows people to buy and use fireworks. Just keep in mind there is a noise ordinance for the Town of Epping as well. You can get more information from Consumer Product Safety Council at https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks.

Pool and Water Safety

Summertime often means enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. My favorite is going to a local beach or our family camp in Ossipee by the lake. Always watch young children and other people as the water is nice, but things can change at a moment’s notice. Teaching your children to swim is essential. Consider enrolling them in swimming lessons. Use approved personal floatation devices (PFD’s) for you and your kids especially while boating. Most drownings could have been prevented if the person had worn a PFD. Keep an eye out and call 911 if you suspect someone is in distress or notify a lifeguard if there’s one onsite.

Air Conditioners

Most people use air conditioners to keep cool at work or home. Some people have the luxury of in-line systems such as mini-splits. Older models or other window-style conditioners must be plugged into an outlet. Fires have occurred when they’ve been plugged into a power strip. Never plug any large appliance such as an air conditioner into a power strip. Many cannot handle the power load, which can lead to overheating and fires. Always make sure your house or residence has smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each floor and bedroom. All detectors should be intergraded so that they alarm when there is smoke or carbon monoxide on any floor.

Safety in Places of Assemblies

Whether you’re at church, a concert venue, movie theater, hotel or the local grocery store, always be aware of all the exits in the building in the event of an emergency. Human nature is to go out the same way people come in. Most places have a minimum of two exits in order to comply with building and fire codes. These days it’s good to know, not only for fires but for other events, such as an active shooter or other incidents. Unfortunately, we now live in a time where we have to think of the unthinkable to survive. We should always train and prepare hoping it never happens. But it could! If you’re with your family, communicate a plan and have a meeting point; the same as if you were home and a fire occurs. Always stay calm and move safely to the nearest exit.

Finally, please remember that burn permits are required and must be obtained in order to burn brush or have a camp or cooking fire. You may get them online by visiting www.nhfirepermit.com or stop by the fire station during the day, 7 days a week from 6 am to 6 pm. You can also find out what class day it is to burn at https://www.nh.gov/nhdfl.

Always know that we are here for you, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day! Remember. Hydrate. Wear sunscreen! Be vigilant! Be safe and enjoy the summer with family and friends!

Respectfully,
Lieutenant Paul St Cyr
Fire Prevention Officer and 9-11 Liaison.

Friends of the Epping Fire and Brick Museum

Stop in any time the doors are open. Check out the 1934 Reo Speedwagon and the 1860 Rumsey Hand Engine as well as some of the displays. Call Captain Cray at 603-396-9436 if you would like to schedule a visit.

The Museum work is paid for by donations. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are in our second year of the slow process of renovating the station, as some of our volunteers are not able to work with us. The committee is working to become a 501 (C3) organization. This will allow us to seek grants which would help us in cleaning the basement and building the Museum. If you would like to donate, please send donations to “Friends of the Epping Fire and Brick Museum.” 37 Pleasant Street, Epping, NH 03042.

Cliff Cray, Member of the Museum committees