Stay Safe Now That Spring Is Here

 

Keeping Our Community Safe: Spring Fire Safety in New Holland

As the weather warms up and we all head outdoors to enjoy the spring season, the New Holland Fire Department wants to ensure our neighbors stay safe. Spring is a time for cleaning, yard work, and firing up the grill, but it also brings unique fire hazards that are easy to overlook.

Here are a few essential tips to keep your home and family protected this season:

1. Clear the Clutter (and the Fuel)

Spring cleaning isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about safety.

  • Yard Debris: Clear dead leaves, dry grass, and branches from around your home’s foundation and under decks. These can act as kindling for stray embers.

  • The Garage: Safely dispose of old oily rags, half-empty paint cans, or stacked cardboard that could become fuel for a fire.

2. Grill with Caution

Before you host your first cookout of the year, give your grill a safety check.

  • Clean the Grease: Built-up grease is a leading cause of grill fires. Scrub the grates and the tray below.

  • Check for Leaks: For gas grills, apply a soapy water solution to the hose. If you see bubbles when the gas is turned on, you have a leak that needs fixing before use.

  • Safe Distance: Always keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, siding, and overhanging branches.

3. Check Your Detectors

When you adjusted your clocks recently, did you check your alarms?

  • Test Monthly: Press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home.

  • Replace Old Units: Smoke detectors generally need to be replaced every 10 years, even if they still seem to work.

A Quick Reminder for Our Residents: Our "Be Alarmed" smoke detector program is still active! If you are a resident of New Holland and need assistance with smoke detector installation or simply need new units for your home, please reach out to the department. We are here to help make sure every home in our district is protected.

Stay safe, New Holland! If you have questions about fire safety or would like to learn more about our community programs, feel free to contact us or stop by the station.

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