Lower Cape Chief’s Association Issues Fire Safety Tips

CAPE MAY– The Lower Cape Chief’s Association is representative of all career and volunteer fire departments in Lower Township, Cape May City, Cape May Point, West Cape May and the United States Coast Guard Base Cape May. The Association was formed to help in the strategic planning of effective and efficient responses to local emergencies and disasters, through a cooperative establishment of mutual aide plans, training and educational development between the fire companies.
The Association in its efforts to provide awareness to the general public about fire safety is issuing these brief statistics and fire safety tips:
Based on the US Fire Administration 2008 Report:
A fire department responds to a fire in the United States every 22.0 seconds.
86% of fire departments are volunteer or mostly volunteer and protect 39% of the population. In the Association’s case it is at least to 80% of the population.
There were 3,320 civilians that lost their lives as a result of fire.
Fire killed more Americans that all natural disasters combined.
84 percent of civilian fire deaths occurred in residences.
Fire Prevention Saves Lives:
Call 911. Making that call immediately is imperative to getting the best response to your emergency. Remember, the majority of your fire departments are volunteers which may require additional response time.
Get out of your home or office. Prepare an emergency escape plan, establishing predetermined escape routes and meeting places outside of your home or office. Practice the plan with your family and or co-workers.
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home or office in accordance with your local fire code. Test your detectors once a month checking for the proper alarming sound and signal light. There are smoke detectors available for the hearing impaired.
Maintain a safe home or office. Install properly mounted fire extinguishers. Maintain safe and properly working heaters, fireplaces, windows, doors and appliances. Keep flammables away from heating and cooking sources. Do not store flammables such as gas in your home. Check for electrical hazards such as frayed electrical cords or over used extension cords. Use all electrical products in accordance with the Under Writers Laboratories (UL) label.
No Parking Fire Zone. Do not park in the “Fire Zones” which are generally located in front of businesses or your on town’s main streets. Locate the closest fire hydrant to your home or office; then make your family, neighbors and co-workers aware of the importance of not parking in front of them. Gaining access to the emergency site and to the water supply are two primary needs when fighting fires. When either one is blocked, the ability of the firefighter to minimize the loss of life or property is greatly diminished.
Ask Questions. If you have a concern or question regarding fire safety in your home or office you should contact your local Fire Official and or Fire Department.