The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” The Plandome Fire Department has enclosed a flyer that should be shared with all family members, providing the details of this year’s important theme.
We encourage you to look around your house for places where fire could start, such as the kitchen, fireplace, and electrical wiring, and take precautions to minimize the risk. Keep objects that may catch fire away from the stovetop; and never leave cooking food unattended. Fireplace ashes should only be disposed of in a covered metal container. All electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician.
Smoke/CO alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Make sure all bedrooms have a working smoke/CO alarm, and check batteries monthly by pressing the test button. If an alarm is chirping, replace the battery. The Plandome Fire Department recommends changing batteries at least twice a year: during Fire Prevention Week, and when clocks move forward in the spring. If your smoke/CO alarm is 10 years old or more, the unit should be replaced.
Make a home escape plan; every family member should devise two ways out of the house, and agree on a meeting place outside of the house in the event of a fire.
For a fire emergency, calling the Plandome Fire Department’s emergency telephone number, 516-742-3300, before dialing 911 can result in a faster response time by PFD. For all non-fire-related emergencies, call 911.
—Chief Paul Becker
Plandome Fire Department
