Is Your Household Really Ready For An Emergency?

Busy Community Fire Departments Provide Home Safety Impetus As Plans For National Fire Prevention Heat Up!

By Carole Stewart

HIT) - Throughout the country small and some not so small communities rely daily on the efforts of volunteer firemen and women to provide emergency services when fire alarms sound, a phenomena that occurred more than 1.3 million times last year, according to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Few organizations take fire statistics more seriously than those who respond after the alarm is sounded. Firefighters and other emergency responders work tirelessly to keep people and structures safe. Among the 1,348,500 fires reported during 2009, many were catastrophic fires resulting in the death of 3,010 civilians and 82 firefighters. The same statistics report 17,050 civilian fire injuries, and $12.5 billion in property damages.

Late summer brush fires, vacation highway accidents, and a full array of household and neighborhood  emergencies keep the departments well-practiced and up to date, even as entire companies of these generous men and women and their families gather at community celebrations to participate in annual fund raising activities. And still, the vigil continues as young firemen-in-waiting head back to school and maintain communications with beepers and cell phones.

Keeping firefighting and safety equipment up to date, and  firefighters and rescue workers trained and ready 24/7, takes a remarkable effort and deserves the untiring  attention and appreciation of homeowners every day—not just during annual subscription drives and summer festivals!

Ladders and Ladder Trucks

In one fast-growing Pennsylvania community, the North Fayette Township Volunteer Fire Department has logged more than a few miles on their newly dedicated 100’ aerial platform truck. The purchase of this major equipment was an effort that spanned a dozen years, and now the fire company has embarked on fund-raising efforts to replace the current station which was built in 1974.

Besides growth in this suburban community; proximity to the Pittsburgh International Airport and a major expressway keep this active volunteer company on their collective toes.

Individually these firefighters and neighborhood participants endeavor to equip their own homes with the most up to date safety equipment and practices as they encourage and educate entire precincts throughout the year.

Annual cooperation from responsible residents and businesses helps to keep both the message and the indivudual families alive and well.

So it is, also with Werner Ladder—the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of ladders, climbing equipment and ladder accessories—less than an hour away from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, as they rev up promotional activities for a popular new escape ladder, a compact unit that fits in the wall under second and third story windows to provide safe exit in seconds.

Smoke alarms, home fire extinguishers, fire escape ladders, and the advent of home sprinkler systems help to save countless lives each year, but the reality is that it takes the addition of a well-defined escape route from every part of the home to deliver family members to safety.

Equally important, smoke alarms depend on a working power source, electric or battery operated, to sound the necessary siren. Fire extinguishers which come in numerous sizes, shapes and contents, must be tested and refilled or replaced regularly to insure that they will work when an emergency occurs. The safety vigil continues; and the need for every family member to learn and prepare is paramount.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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