East Herkimer Fire Dept.

• 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

Please take notice that a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the East Herkimer Fire District will take place at 7:00 pm on the evening of Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the East Herkimer Fire Station, 193 Main Road, East Herkimer.  The purpose of the meeting, pursuant to Town Law Section 105, is to present the preliminary 2017 budget to all interested residents and to receive and act on any comments offered regarding said budget.  The preliminary budget is an increase of 3.00% over the 2016 budget.

All concerned citizens of the East Herkimer Fire District (which includes all of the Town of Herkimer outside the Village) are invited to attend this meeting.

When fire strikes, deadly smoke can fill your home within minutes. That’s why we want you to plan and practice home fire drills. 

Watch this 60 second video for life-saving tips on how to make a home fire escape plan.