Cheltenham: Volunteer Fire Companies

Fireworks Safety

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
Consumer fireworks are not legal in Pennsylvania.
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Barbecue Safety

Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.
Do not overfill the propane tank.
Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.
Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.
Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Campfire Safety

Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.
Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
Never leave campfires unattended.

WINTER AND HOLIDAY SEASON

Winter Tips

Have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned before each winter season. Always use a sturdy fireplace screen. Fireplaces are made to burn clean, dry wood. Never burn ignitable liquids. Avoid burning paper and pine boughs, which may cause embers that could rise up the chimney and ignite the roof. Also, do not burn pressure-treated lumber because it contains harmful chemicals.

Place all types of portable space heaters at least 36 inches away from anything ignitable, including curtains, bedding and furniture. Do not leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and do not leave a room or go to sleep with the unit operating. Any portable heater used should be clearly marked UL listed. Note: Township ordinances prohibit kerosene heaters in apartment buildings and ban propane heaters from any type of building in the township. Store kerosene outside, away from heat, in clearly marked, approved containers.

Purchase only products that have been tested and approved by independent testing laboratories.

Have working smoke detectors installed on every level of the home and in every bedroom, and test their operation monthly.

Keep a UL listed, multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.

Practice escape plans so that all family members are familiar with them in the event of an emergency.

Holiday Tips

When selecting a tree, the needles should be green and should not break. The trunk should be sticky to the touch.

Set up tree in a safe area located away from heat sources. Heat will dry the tree.

Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

As soon as the tree becomes dry, it needs to be discarded promptly. Cheltenham Township’s used Christmas tree collections are available on selected dates from January 12 to 23, 2009.

If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.

Holiday Lighting

Indoor lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking before putting them up.

Turn off or unplug all decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house.

Lights used outdoors should be approved by a testing laboratory for outdoor use and will be marked for outdoor use. (All lights and any electrical cords and appliances, whether indoor or outdoor, should be UL listed)

Run all outdoor cords above ground, keeping them out of puddles and snow.

Do not overload electrical outlets.

Use surge protection power strips rather than relying on many extension cords to connect holiday lights, whether indoor or outdoor lighting is contemplated.

Holiday Decorations

Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations and keep them away from sources of heat and from any source of flame (stoves, heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc.).

If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and located where they cannot be easily knocked down. Do not place candles on top of or next to paper, books, curtains or any other easily ignitable articles. Never leave candles burning where children or pets are not supervised. Never leave the house with candles burning.

Consider giving and installing the gifts that continue to save lives - give smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors are recommended on every level of the home and in every bedroom. For more fire safety information, contact the Cheltenham Fire Marshal at 215-887-6200, ext. 235.


	Volunteer Fire Companies Fireworks Fire Safety Tips Firefighting Demo
Fire Company Directory For all fire emergencies, call 9-1-1 Cheltenham Fire Company 413 Ryers Avenue, Cheltenham, PA 19012 Elkins Park Fire Company (history) 7818 Montgomery Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Glenside Fire Company 210 W. Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038 LaMott Fire Company (history) 7600 Penrose Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Ogontz Fire Company (history) 8215 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Fireworks in Cheltenham Township (pdf) 2008 Fire Marshal's Report (pdf) Firefighting Demo 2009 Friday, Oct. 9, rain or shine * 7:00 p.m. William Gottschalk Fire Training Area,Tookany Creek Parkway, Cheltenham* Community firefighters demonstrate their skills and techniques during this fire-safety awareness event for National Fire Prevention Week. Meet the volunteers, check out their equipment and ask questions. Information: 215-887-6200, ext. 235. Public Safety Education The Cheltenham Fire Department offers free Public Safety Education presentations. To schedule one for your group, contact the Fire Marshal.	Firefighters’ Incentives Thanks to Grant Thanks to a recent $834,070 grant from FEMA’s SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Program, the Cheltenham Fire Department can offer new incentives to recruit, train and retain volunteer firefighters for Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Glenside, LaMott and Ogontz Fire Companies. Every firefighter is eligible to be compensated for their time and effort relating to the successful completion of certificate training. Firefighters will receive $5 per every certificate-training hour up to a maximum of $600 per year. All firefighters will receive $650,000 worth of Accidental Death and Disability Insurance. The majority of the coverage – $500,000 – applies to fire-related activities, but the remaining $150,000 benefit covers any accidental death or injury, whether or not it is fire related. Each fire company will receive $1,500 per year to provide awards, plaques and trophies to members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service. The Cheltenham Township Fire Department will conduct a print media campaign to recruit new volunteer firefighters and administrative members. Anyone interested in joining the ranks of these special volunteers should call the Fire Marshal at 215-887-6200, ext. 235, or their local fire company, shown below. Background Unsurpassed in courage, dedication and caring, nearly 200 volunteer fire fighters serve in the Township's five fire companies -- Cheltenham, Elkins Park, Glenside, LaMott and Ogontz. These extraordinary individuals risk their lives to protect the lives and property of their neighbors. Every volunteer spends hundreds of hours each year practicing fire fighting techniques and training with sophisticated equipment. In addition, they maintain a 24-hour a day readiness to respond to emergency calls, often sacrificing work, sleep or family events in the line of duty. Fire fighters also strive to prevent fires from happening through education programs. Specially trained fire fighters visit local schools to teach youngsters how to avoid fire dangers. The Fire Expo, held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week each October, offers impressive apparatus demonstrations as well as expert advice on using smoke detectors properly and devising a personal home fire escape plan. The entire community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude and respect to Cheltenham's volunteer fire fighters. For information on joining their proud ranks, contact the Fire Marshal. Fire Safety Tips SUMMER SEASON Fireworks Safety The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks. Consumer fireworks are not legal in Pennsylvania. Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass. Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly. Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks. Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it. Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it. Supervise children around fireworks at all times. Barbecue Safety Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked. Do not overfill the propane tank. Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue. Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode. Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills. Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers. Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced. Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention. Campfire Safety Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves. Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand. Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you're done. Stir it and douse it again with water. Never leave campfires unattended. WINTER AND HOLIDAY SEASON Winter Tips Have fireplaces and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned before each winter season. Always use a sturdy fireplace screen. Fireplaces are made to burn clean, dry wood. Never burn ignitable liquids. Avoid burning paper and pine boughs, which may cause embers that could rise up the chimney and ignite the roof. Also, do not burn pressure-treated lumber because it contains harmful chemicals. Place all types of portable space heaters at least 36 inches away from anything ignitable, including curtains, bedding and furniture. Do not leave children or pets unattended with space heaters, and do not leave a room or go to sleep with the unit operating. Any portable heater used should be clearly marked UL listed. Note: Township ordinances prohibit kerosene heaters in apartment buildings and ban propane heaters from any type of building in the township. Store kerosene outside, away from heat, in clearly marked, approved containers. Purchase only products that have been tested and approved by independent testing laboratories. Have working smoke detectors installed on every level of the home and in every bedroom, and test their operation monthly. Keep a UL listed, multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. Practice escape plans so that all family members are familiar with them in the event of an emergency. Holiday Tips When selecting a tree, the needles should be green and should not break. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Set up tree in a safe area located away from heat sources. Heat will dry the tree. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. As soon as the tree becomes dry, it needs to be discarded promptly. Cheltenham Township’s used Christmas tree collections are available on selected dates from January 12 to 23, 2009. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant. Holiday Lighting Indoor lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking before putting them up. Turn off or unplug all decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house. Lights used outdoors should be approved by a testing laboratory for outdoor use and will be marked for outdoor use. (All lights and any electrical cords and appliances, whether indoor or outdoor, should be UL listed) Run all outdoor cords above ground, keeping them out of puddles and snow. Do not overload electrical outlets. Use surge protection power strips rather than relying on many extension cords to connect holiday lights, whether indoor or outdoor lighting is contemplated. Holiday Decorations Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations and keep them away from sources of heat and from any source of flame (stoves, heaters, fireplaces, candles, etc.). If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and located where they cannot be easily knocked down. Do not place candles on top of or next to paper, books, curtains or any other easily ignitable articles. Never leave candles burning where children or pets are not supervised. Never leave the house with candles burning. Consider giving and installing the gifts that continue to save lives - give smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors are recommended on every level of the home and in every bedroom. For more fire safety information, contact the Cheltenham Fire Marshal at 215-887-6200, ext. 235.

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