Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 32 calls for emergency services in May:
Medical Emergencies – 15
Fires, Alarms, etc. – 9
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 4
Marine – 1
Other (wires down, etc.) – 3
Vehicle emergencies in May included a car into the woods off Filley Road, a fender-bender in Higganum Center and a fully involved pickup truck fire on Chamberlain Hill Road that was extinguished with tank water off of Engine 1-13.
While officially not summer yet (June 21 according to the calendar), with seasonable weather comes the annual rite that we call spring-cleaning: puttering around the garage, trying to remember where you put the grill, threading and rethreading the weed whacker.
Last month a local man lacerated his thigh with a chainsaw, which serves as a reminder to take extra precautions while working in and around the house.
Indoor Hazards
Ensure all smoke/carbon monoxide alarms are operational by testing them and changing the batteries according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Overloading of extension cords can lead to fires that resulted in serious injury or death. On April 10, one lucky caller on Arkay Drive reported inside smoke conditions that, upon further inspection, resulted from a frayed extension cord in the garage. Please be safe not to overload extension cords or surge protectors with high wattage equipment. Space heaters, coffee makers and refrigerators are just a few examples of items that cannot be connected to extension cords or surge protectors. Only UL-Listed extension cords and surge protectors are authorized.
Outdoor Hazards
Barbecue grills and factory-forged fire pits should be thoroughly cleaned prior to each use. Do all your outdoor grilling a minimum of 20 feet from any facility or house. Inspect propane bottles for any leaks and properly dispose of all ashes created from charcoal or wood (NEVER place ashes is a trash receptacle).
Take time to walk around your home and remove all dead vegetation, leaves and debris. We recommend that you provide at least 10 feet of clearance, but be conscious of your surroundings and adjust your clearance area to keep your facility or home fire safe.
ALWAYS use proper protective equipment in combination with power tools. That includes hand protection (gloves), eye protection (safety goggles), hearing protection (ear plugs), breathing protection (respirator or dust mask) and when using a chainsaw, chaps are a must.
Garage/Shed Safety
As temperatures rise, equipment often used in the garage during winter may become hazards in the spring and summer. Please make sure that all gas-powered lawn equipment is not leaking any fuel and is properly stored. Fuel and paint containers, particularly metal, may have corroded and developed subtle leaks. Place and store all potentially flammable containers in an airy, semi-cool environment that will not expose fuel product or vapors to any sources of heat.
Have fun this summer but remember, it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to protect your most valuable assets: Your loved ones.
Traditions
May is a month of Fire Company traditions, starting with the early morning making of clam chowder and marching in the Memorial Day Parade, followed by Old Timers’ Night, a multi-generational tradition featuring dinner, camaraderie and reminiscing that traces back to 1977.
Training
May drills included hose advancement and a water drafting/pumping and nozzle control drill at Haddam Meadows State Park.
Fire Police Jim Saucier attended a National Fire Academy “Train the Trainer” safety class, developed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Recognition
Lt. Richard “Richie” Zanelli received his 40 Years of Service pin; Chief Sam Baber received his 15 Years of Service pin.
Do You Have What It Takes? More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company and ways you can get involved can be found on our website www.HaddamFire.com, or look for us on Facebook.
