The Highland Park Fire Department, a group of 40 volunteers dedicated to ensuring the safety of all Highland Park residents, invites the community to an open house at the Firehouse on Fifth Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The residents can have refreshments, enjoy fun activities, but most importantly say ‘thank you’ to the firefighters for their service to the community. Residents also will be able to inspect the impressive fleet of vehicles that comprise three fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue utility truck, and a water rescue boat. Anyone wishing to become a member of this vital emergency service volunteer team, which was first established in 1899, please contact HP Fire Chief Jay Littman at (732) 672-9879 or visit the website http://hpvfdnj.com/volunteer/. The firefighters will be reinforcing the theme of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9 – Oct. 15) – the importance of keeping your smoke alarm fully charged and replacing the alarm every 10 years. Below is the message from HP Fire Chief Jay Littman.
Does your home have a smoke alarm? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the answer is likely yes: NFPA research shows that most American homes have at least one. But do you know how old your smoke alarms are? If you’re like most people, you’re probably not so sure.
A recent survey conducted by NFPA revealed that only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced. That lack of awareness is a concern for the Highland Park Fire Department and NFPA, because smoke alarms don’t last forever.
“Time and again, I’ve seen the life-saving impact smoke alarms can have in a home fire, but I’ve also seen the tragedy that can result when smoke alarms aren’t working properly,” says Chief Jay Littman of the Highland Park Fire Department. “That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Highland Park residents about the overall importance of smoke alarms, and that they do have a life limit.”
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code®, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every 10 years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk.
As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, NFPA is promoting this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years,” to better educate the public about the critical importance of knowing how old their smoke alarms are and replacing them once they’re 10 years old. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2016.
The Highland Park Fire Department will be visiting local schools and daycares to educate children about fire prevention this week. Also, there will be an open house at the Highland Park Fire Department, 220 S 5th Ave. on Oct. 13, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in support of Fire Prevention Week and this year’s campaign. The event will include fire safety demonstrations, snacks and drinks, a bounce house, a chance to see the fire engines and meet the firefighters of Highland Park. All residents of Highland Park are invited to attend.
To find out how old your smoke alarm is and its expiration date, simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date (not the date of purchase). The Highland Park Fire Department also says smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and that batteries should be replaced once a year or when they begin to chirp, signaling that they’re running low.