East Herkimer Fire Dept.

The famous East Herkimer Fire Department Annual Winter Chicken BBQ is just around the corner.  It will be held on Sunday, February 26th from 12:30-3:00pm. Tickets are now available for a $11.00 donation.

Please contact your local firefighter for tickets

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you there!

Santa stopped by the East Herkimer Fire Department on December 18, 2016 before heading back to the North Pole.

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.  Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
• One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.

This dramatic clip demonstrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree and a properly maintained, well-watered tree.

This holiday season, consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

Source: National Fire Protection Association
Links from the U.S. Fire Administration
 

Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? The number of home fires double on Thanksgiving. So, let’s add a pinch of fire safety to the menu.

Keep these safety tips in mind as you prepare your meal.

Turkey:

If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer. This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football.

If you are frying your turkey,

• Use a fryer with thermostat controls. This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.
• Thaw your turkey completely. Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.
• Don’t overfill the pot with oil. If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fryer.
• Also, always use the fryer outdoors.

Stuffing and Potatoes:

• Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for stuffing. It is best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling. If you are in the kitchen, it is easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.

Vegetables:

• Keep the area around the stove clear of packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.
• Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.
• Be prepared. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.

By following these safety tips, you will have a delicious and fire safe Thanksgiving. Let the firefighters have dinner with their families, not yours.

Source:  U.S. Fire Administration