It is our goal and desire to see not only provide Fire and
Smoke Detectors - It is no understatement to say that smoke detectors
save lives. It is often these small and inexpensive
items that serves as a first warning to a real or potential fire.
The importance of these devices should not be underestimated. To help
protect you and your family, install smoke detectors. Make sure there is
at least one on each floor of your house. And for larger houses put
several smoke detectors in several parts of your home. It is also
important that the batteries be charged. You should check the batteries
in your smoke detectors at least once a year. If the low battery chirp
starts sounding, change the batteries immediately.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors - Carbon monoxide is a dangerous,
colorless and odorless gas that is often released by the partial combustion of
many items. It is most noticeably produced by the combustion of gasoline
in automobiles or a malfunctioning furnace. Air
concentrations as low as 1200ppm can be hazardous to life. CO
detectors can be purchased cheaply at many places. This small device can
provide an early warning to a very hazardous and life threatening chemical
buildup.
House Numbers - If you have not already done so consider posting your
house number either on your house or near your mailbox. This will make it
much easier for Fire/EMS personnel to locate your house in the event of an
emergency. House numbers can be easily acquired from local hardware
stores or green township placards and numbers can be purchased at the
Cedarville Fire station.
Fire Extinguishers - Often small fires can be contained and
extinguished with a simple ABC Fire Extinguisher. Consider locating
several extinguishers in locations such as the garage, kitchen and
basement. Remember if you have a fire and can extinguish it with a Fire
Extinguisher you still must call the Fire Department to fill out a report for
your insurance.
Have a Plan - A fire or natural
disaster is a very chaotic event. Having a plan of what to do can be the
difference between chaos and life safety. Several considerations may be
helpful. First, know your exits. Know several ways to get out of
your house if you get trapped. Second, find a place to meet. In the
event of a fire or disaster, plan ahead to meet in one place so that you know
if everyone is accounted for or if someone is trapped. For a fire, find a
place that is a good distance from you home to provide safety for your family
and room for the Fire Department to work.
Fire Place - While the fire place can be an aesthetically pleasing
part of your home remember that it can easily cause a house fire if not treated
properly. Have your chimney cleaned regularly. Soot can accumulate
on the inside of the chimney and can combust. Fires in the chimney can
extend into an attic. Be sure you have a screen on the front of the fire
place to prevent sparks and embers from entering your home and causing a fire.
Heat and Cold - The heat of the summer and the cold of the winter can
cause potential medical problems if not anticipated and dealt with
properly. In the winter, be sure that you are warm enough when you go
into the cold weather. Hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly if
you are not careful. During the heat of the summer the best way to
prevent heat related illnesses is to stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of
fluids.
Look Both Ways - Whether you are walking, on a bike or driving a car,
the importance of looking both ways at intersections cannot be
overemphasized. Accidents frequently occur because someone forgot to look
and didn't see an oncoming vehicle.
Winter Roads - Pay special attention to your driving during the
winter months. Roads that appear normal may be slippery and covered with
"Black Ice." Never assume that you have to reach the speed
limit when road conditions are poor. Allow yourself extra room to stop by
beginning to break earlier. Apply slow and gentle pressure to your
breaks.
Buckle Up - The importance of buckling your seat belt cannot be emphasized. Most motor vehicle crashes occur on commonly driven routes and happen when least expected. Even in low speed accidents, passengers who do not wear their seatbelt can be seriously hurt. We strongly encourage you to buckle up because seatbelts save lives.