| As temperatures begin to drop and we head into the fall season, the Chester Volunteer Fire Company would like to remind residents about several simple steps to help keep homes, families, and the community safe.
Have your heating equipment checked. Before relying on your furnace, boiler, or other heating equipment, ensure it has been properly inspected, maintained, and is ready for the season.
Keep fireplaces and chimneys clean. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned as needed. Always use a fireplace screen and never leave a fire unattended.
Give space heaters space. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, bedding, clothing, and anything else that can burn. Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet; never use an extension cord or power strip.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Test alarms throughout your home and replace batteries when necessary. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide critical early warnings when seconds matter.
Keep leaves and yard debris away from your home. Dry leaves and other combustible materials can ignite easily. Keep them away from buildings, outdoor heating equipment, fire pits, and other potential ignition sources.
Enjoy fire pits safely. Keep outdoor fires a safe distance from homes, decks, sheds, vegetation, and other combustible materials. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure the fire is fully extinguished when finished.
Remember: ashes can stay hot long after the fire is out. Dispose of fireplace and fire pit ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container away from your home and anything combustible.
Taking a few minutes for prevention can make a big difference. Help us keep Chester fire safe this fall.
Your community needs volunteers. Maybe it needs you.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, no prior experience is necessary. Training is provided.
Stop by the firehouse Wednesdays between 7 and 9 PM.
Email: cvfcrecruiter@chesterfirenj.org
When Chester calls, we answer!! Be part of it !! |
