Fire Department News

By Tom Galeota

Thank you to all the folks who braved the cold rain to attend the Department’s Big Steak Dinner on October 22. Both seatings were a sell-out. The proceeds will supplement the Town funding for firefighting and emergency medical equipment and supplies that keep your Department moving forward. We look forward to the next dinner in April especially since it will help welcome in the spring.

Thank you to the 400 students and teachers that listened to our fire prevention education presentations. During October several members of the Department visited the Hans Christian Anderson Montessori School, Bolton Cooperative Nursery School, Bolton Early Learning Center, Children’s Cooperative Nursery School and the Bolton Center School. The focus was on basic fire safety including not being scared when a firefighter, wearing all the protective gear, comes to rescue you. Each presentation culminated with each child actually getting to hold the nozzle and spray water from the fire hose.

Department members furthering their education include Dale Bonn, Jason Preuss and Don Martin. Dale is currently a student in the Firefighter I program while Jason and Don are in Firefighter II. Both programs include 168 hours of training and are taught at the Eastern Connecticut Firemen’s Training School. Also, EMT Kim Harrison is currently enrolled in the paramedic program.

Tips of the Month

Every year more than 2400 children in the United States are victims of “back over” accidents. Many of these accidents are attributed to something called the “bye-bye” syndrome. A child wanting to say good-bye to a parent or visitor will sometimes run to the backing vehicle not realizing the danger. SUV’s are high on the list of vehicles involved in these accidents because of their limited rear sight visibility. Fortunately, this type of accident is almost completely avoidable. Knowing where children are, backing very slowly, giving full attention to the backing maneuver, looking while backing and even having a “spotter” when you can to help you back, will minimize the risks.

Candles are wonderful as long as the fire stays on the wick. They can be safely enjoyed as long as a few precautions are taken. But this wouldn’t be a tip of the month without a few statistics, so here goes. Candles cause 5% of all home fires. In 2002 approximately 18,000 home fires were attributed to candles resulting in 130 deaths and 1,350 injuries. 40% started in the bedroom. Home candle fires have tripled since 1990. December has twice as many candle fires as the average month. Half the fires are due to combustibles being too close to the candle. What day holds the dubious distinction of the most candle fires? Christmas. Coming in tied for second place are Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. So here’s what the experts recommend;

- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep

- Keep candles away from things that can catch fire like curtains, clothes, books, towels, etc.

- During power outages avoid carrying a lit candle. Use a flashlight.

- Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they reach 2 inches from the holder. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last one-half inch of wax melts.

- Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t burn and will catch the melting wax.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the holidays!