Montville Fire Prevention Bureau, District 1

11/24/2022

We would like to wish everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

06/17/2022

Temperatures are rising as we approach summer. Hot days, like today, make us appreciate comforts like air conditioners and cold treats from our refrigerators and freezers. Be sure to maintain these appliances, so that they can work efficiently. If filters or vents are obstructed, the electric motors, compressors, and other components can overheat and start a fire. When these appliances are under a heavy load due to warm temperatures, they can draw significant electrical current that can lead to the failure of weak electrical components. Be sure that these high-drawing appliances are only plugged directly into outlets that are properly rated for these energy demands.

05/06/2022

The Montville Volunteer Fire Department has recently responded to a few incidents that involved mulch. Mulch is an organic product made up of ground-up wood. It breaks down like all other organic materials and it can produce some heat. In dry conditions, like we experienced recently, that can lead to smoldering or even outright flames. The real serious issue with this, is that there is usually an abundance of mulch that can fuel a fire and its close proximity to structures. It is easy for fire in a mulch bed surrounding a building to extend to the structure and put property and lives at risk. Be sure to keep mulch beds moistened and be sure to keep clearance around landscape lighting, air conditioning units, gas meters, and other ignition sources. It is also critical to properly dispose of smoking materials; an errant cigarette butt or cigar ashes can cause a fire if carelessly dropped into mulch. This is not only important at your home but outside of restaurants, businesses, or even while enjoying parks.

You can do your part to prevent fires!

04/28/2022

🚩 🚩 🚩
The current windy weather conditions have produced conditions of increased fire risk. The dry leaves and vegetation are easily consumed and the wind can intensify and spread the flames quickly. A red flag warning has been issued. There should be no open flames used and care should be exercised while using grills and other heat producing devices. Any loose embers in these conditions could lead to a fire that could threaten your home or neighbors. Do your part to prevent fires!

04/15/2022

Here is a great idea from the U.S. Fire Administration !

https://www.facebook.com/100064866813748/posts/352572360248322/

Planning an Easter egg hunt? Why not combine it with a home fire drill?

Here's how:
🧺 Start with the home fire drill.
🧺 Place the Easter baskets at the meeting spot outside.
🧺 After everyone gets to the meeting spot, start your egg hunt!

04/05/2022

Here are some Safety Tips to Help your Family Stay Safe while Spring Cleaning!

Be sure to store and dispose of any chemicals in a safe manner. Never mix chemicals and be sure to label any spray bottles or containers they are stored in to avoid accidents. We have a variety of chemicals around our homes or garages; Cleaning products, paints, bug sprays, w**d killers, pool chemicals and many other compounds that we regularly use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer instructions for use and ensure they are kept away from children.

04/01/2022

PRODUCT RECALL ALERT:

Certain models of Universal Security Instruments combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are being recalled due to failure to alert occupants of hazardous Carbon Monoxide levels. Please look at the link below to the Consumer Product Safety Commission for more information.

Consumers should immediately contact Universal Security Instruments for a free replacement alarm. Consumers should keep using the recalled alarms until they install replacement alarms.

03/30/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100064866813748/posts/342493384589553/

It may be spring 🍃, but winter just refuses to leave❄️.

If you are thinking of using a portable heater to take the chill out of the air, remember to heat safely.

✔️ Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
✔️ Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your heater.
✔️ Turn off your space heater if you leave your home.

03/25/2022

It is important for everyone to have a plan for how they will respond to emergencies. It is especially important for older adults and people with disabilities. It is important to make sure that alerting systems are in place to notify people of emergencies, with special considerations for the hearing impaired. People with reduced cognitive ability or physical impairments may need assistance to evacuate. It is also important to ensure that any mobility aids, hearing aids, or even glasses are accessible and easily located during an emergency. It may even be appropriate to store a bag near the door, that can be quickly grabbed while exiting, with essential medication or other needs. It is a good idea to make a plan now, before you wish you had a plan during an emergency.

03/18/2022

Since 1951, Sparky has been tirelessly promoting fire safety. We would like to wish Sparky a very Happy Birthday!

03/17/2022

https://www.facebook.com/599395216751614/posts/5315481395142949/

Even though everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, Don't rely on the "Luck of the Irish" to get home safely tonight. Don't Drink and Drive!

03/13/2022

Now that it's time to Change your Clocks, it's a good time to Change Replaceable Batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Be sure to follow all manufacturer recommended maintenance instructions. This is also a good time to make sure your detectors are clean, free of dust, and within the manufacturer recommended lifespan, usually under 10 years old. This can also be a good time to follow-up with your alarm company to make sure your emergency contact information is up to date and if your monitored system needs any maintenance.