Happy 4th of July

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🎆 Happy 4th of July from the New Holland Fire Department! 🇺🇸

​Happy Independence Day, New Holland! 🎉

​Whether you are firing up the grill, heading out to a parade, or getting ready for a professional fireworks show, all of us at the New Holland Fire Department want to wish you and your families a fantastic and fun-filled holiday.

​Days like today are a great reminder of how proud we are to serve and protect such a wonderful community. 🚒❤️

​🛑 A Quick Safety Refresher

​While we want everyone to have an amazing time celebrating, our top priority is always your safety. If you plan on setting off consumer fireworks at home today, please remember our Big Three Rules:

• ​Never relight a dud. 🚫🔥
• ​Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby. 🧯💦
• ​Only light one firework at a time. 🏃💨

​(Check out our [recent post on full Firework Safety Guidelines] for more details on keeping your family safe!)

​🐶 Don't Forget the Furry Friends! 🐱

​While we love the bright flashes and loud booms, our pets usually don't. More pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

​Please remember to keep your pets safely secured indoors in a quiet, comfortable room during the evening hours. Make sure their collars are on and their ID tags are up to date just in case they get spooked and slip out.

​🎇 Enjoy the Show!

​We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating our nation's independence with your friends, family, and neighbors. Eat some great food, make some wonderful memories, and leave the big explosions to the professionals if you can! 🍔🌭

​Stay safe, New Holland!

​🚨 As always, we are on call 24/7. If you experience a firework emergency or a fire breaks out, do not wait—call 911 immediately. 🚨

Firework Safety

🎆 Keeping Our Community Safe: Firework Safety Tips 🎆

​As we get closer to the summer celebrations, the excitement is building here in New Holland! 🎉 While we all love a great party, the New Holland Fire Department wants to make sure our community stays safe, happy, and injury-free.

​Every year, fireworks lead to thousands of painful injuries and preventable fires. The good news? A little bit of planning and common sense can keep your family safe. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

​Here is what you need to know before you light up the night! ✨

​🛑 The "Big Three" Rules of Firework Safety

​If you remember nothing else from this post, keep these three golden rules in mind:

• ​A Misfire is a Dead Stop: Never, under any circumstances, try to re-light or pick up a "dud" firework that didn't go off. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water. 🚫🔥
• ​Water on Standby: Always keep a garden hose or a large bucket of water nearby. You want to be able to extinguish a small flare-up instantly, and you need a place to dump spent fireworks. 🧯💦
• ​One at a Time: Only light one firework at a time, and quickly move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting the fuse. 🏃💨

​🦺 Sparklers: Cuter, But Just as Dangerous

​It’s easy to think of sparklers as harmless fun for the kids, but they actually account for a massive percentage of injuries every year.

​Did you know? Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,200°F (648°C). That is hot enough to melt glass and cause severe, deep burns in a split second! 🌡️⚠️

​If you let children use sparklers, make sure they are closely supervised, standing far apart, and dropping the hot metal rods straight into a bucket of water the moment they finish burning. 🪣

​📋 Your Pre-Show Safety Checklist

​Before you start your neighborhood show, walk through this quick checklist to ensure your setup is safe:

1. ​Clear the Area: Make sure you are setting up on a flat, hard, non-flammable surface (like a concrete driveway) far away from dry grass, houses, overhanging trees, and vehicles. 🏡🌳
2. ​Protect the Kids: Designate a "spectator zone" that is a safe distance away from the launch pad. Children should never be allowed to ignite fireworks. 👦👧
3. ​Soak 'Em Down: Once a firework is finished, don't just toss it in the trash can. Submerge all used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them away to prevent a garbage fire. 🗑️💧
4. ​Think of the Pets: The loud bangs and bright flashes can be incredibly terrifying for our furry friends. Keep your pets indoors in a secure, quiet room to prevent them from panicking and running away. 🐶🐱

​🎟️ Leave the Big Shows to the Pros

​The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to gather your lawn chairs and head out to a professional public display. Let the trained experts handle the explosives while you kick back and enjoy the view! 🎆🙌

​From all of us at the New Holland Fire Department, have a fantastic, proud, and safe summer celebration! 🚒❤️

​🚨 If you experience a firework emergency or a fire breaks out, do not wait—call 911 immediately. 🚨

Be Alarmed smoke detector program for New Holland residents

Be Alarmed: Free Smoke Detectors and Installation for New Holland Residents

​When it comes to a home fire, every second counts. A working smoke detector gives you and your family the early warning needed to escape safely. Yet, across our community, many homes still rely on outdated alarms or lack them entirely.

​To ensure every household in our district is protected, the New Holland Fire Department proudly participates in the "Be Alarmed!" smoke detector installation program.

​What is the "Be Alarmed!" Program?

​"Be Alarmed!" is a fire safety initiative aimed at reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities by ensuring proper residential smoke detector coverage. Through this program, members of our volunteer fire department will:

• ​Come directly to your home by appointment to install brand-new, high-quality smoke detectors.
• ​Ensure they are properly positioned for maximum protection.
• ​Provide valuable, personalized fire safety education and help you outline a home escape plan.

​Best of all, this program is 100% free of charge for all residents living within our fire protection district.

​Why Update Your Alarms Now?

• ​They Expire: Smoke detectors don't last forever. Even if you test the button and it sounds, the internal sensors break down over time. All smoke detectors should be replaced completely every 10 years.
• ​Modern Protection: The detectors provided through this program feature sealed, 10-year lithium batteries. That means you get a decade of continuous protection without ever having to worry about chirping batteries or remembering to change them twice a year.

​Don't wait for an emergency to find out if your family is protected. Let us help you make your home fire-safe.

​How to Request Your Free Alarms

​Scheduling your free installation is quick and easy. Reach out to the department today to set up an appointment or to ask any questions you might have:

• ​Phone: (217) 445-2341

• ​Station Address: 100 W Lincoln St, New Holland, IL 62671
• ​Email: firehouse@newhollandfire.com

​If you are experiencing a fire or medical emergency, always dial 911 immediately.  

Spring-into-Summer Safety

Spring-into-Summer Safety: Protecting Your New Holland Home from Hidden Electrical Hazards

​As May winds down here in Logan County, we are all shifting our focus from spring cleaning to gearing up for a classic Illinois summer. The weather is warming up, the fields are active, and our home appliances are starting to work overtime.

​While we often focus on outdoor hazards like grilling or yard work this time of year, the New Holland Fire Department wants to bring attention to a critical safety topic that keeps our crews busy year-round: home electrical safety.

​Before you plug in those box fans, fire up the air conditioning units, or extension-cord your way through a backyard project, take a few minutes to run through this safety checklist to protect your family and property.

​1. The Danger of Overloaded Outlets

​With smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and cooling fans, our modern homes demand a lot of power—sometimes more than older electrical systems were designed to handle.

• ​One Large Appliance Per Outlet: Major appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners, and space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never plug them into a power strip or an extension cord.
• ​Listen to Your Home: If you notice flickering lights, warm switch plates, or a faint buzzing sound coming from your walls, these are warning signs that your electrical system is overloaded or deteriorating. Turn off the breaker and consult a licensed electrician immediately.

​2. Extension Cords Are Temporary Solutions

​Extension cords are incredibly convenient for project days, but they are not built to be permanent wiring solutions.

• ​Check the Rating: Ensure your extension cords are rated for the job. Heavy-duty, grounded (three-prong) cords are required for outdoor tools and high-wattage equipment.
• ​Don't Trap the Heat: Never run extension cords under rugs, carpets, or through doorways. Walking over them damages the protective insulation, and trapping them under fabrics prevents heat from escaping, creating a major fire risk.
• ​Inspect Before Use: Toss out any cords that are frayed, cracked, or missing the grounding prong.

​3. Keep Your AC Units Breathing Clean

​As the humidity rises, air conditioners become our best friends. However, neglected units can easily overheat.

• ​Clear the Clearances: Make sure there are at least 3 feet of clear space around your outdoor AC condenser unit. Tall grass, weeds, and stacked firewood can restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat.
• ​Check Window Unit Seals: If you use window AC units, ensure they are installed securely, plugged directly into a dedicated outlet, and that the power cord isn't pinched by the window frame.

​📋 NHFD Safety Spotlight: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

​Standard circuit breakers protect your home against overloads and short circuits. However, they don't always detect "arcing"—the dangerous sparking that happens when wires are damaged or loose, which is a leading cause of electrical home fires. Consider having a licensed electrician upgrade your breaker panel with AFCIs, which detect these dangerous conditions and shut down the power before a fire can start.




​As Always, Test Your Alarms!

​No matter the season, functioning smoke detectors remain your home's most vital line of defense. Test your detectors on the first of every month.

​If you are a resident within the New Holland fire district and need assistance checking your smoke alarms, replacing batteries, or need new units installed, please reach out to the department. Through our "Be Alarmed" program, we are dedicated to ensuring every home in our community is fully protected.

​Stay safe and have a great week, New Holland!

Spring Safety: A Message from New Holland Fire Department

Spring Safety: A Message from New Holland Fire Department

​April 30, 2026

​As the fields around Logan County begin to stir and we transition into the heart of the spring season, the New Holland Fire Department wants to ensure that our neighbors are staying vigilant. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it’s about making sure your home and property are resilient against fire hazards.

​Living in a rural community means we face unique risks this time of year. Here is what you can do today to keep your family and our firefighters safe.

​🚜 Field and Yard Safety

​With planting season in full swing, there is a lot of activity on our local roads and in the fields.

• ​Give Space to Machinery: If you’re driving near town, please be patient with our local farmers moving equipment. Wide turns and slow speeds are necessary for safety—give them the room they need.
• ​Control Your Burn: If you are clearing brush or yard waste, check the wind forecast first. In the open terrain of Central Illinois, a small fire can get out of hand quickly if the wind picks up. Always stay with your fire until it is completely extinguished.

​🏠 Home Maintenance Checklist

• ​Smoke Alarms: We cannot stress this enough—working smoke alarms save lives. If your alarms are chirping or if you haven't tested them lately, take a moment to do so today. If you need assistance with your alarms, please reach out to the department.
• ​Clear the Vents: Check your dryer vents and any external exhaust ports for bird nests or debris. Spring is prime nesting season, and a blocked vent is a major fire risk.
• ​Address Visibility: Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the road. In an emergency, every second counts, and being able to spot your address quickly helps us get to you faster.

​🤝 Join the Team

​Our department relies on the dedication of volunteers from right here in the New Holland area. Whether you are interested in firefighting, assisting with scene safety as fire police, or helping with community outreach, there is a place for you at Station 39.

​We are proud to serve this community and appreciate your continued support in keeping New Holland a safe place to live and work.

​Stay safe out there!

​In case of an emergency, dial 911. For information on volunteering or department updates, follow us on Facebook or stop by the station during our next training night.

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.

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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.

Spring is Here

 

Spring Safety in New Holland: Prepare for the Unexpected

As we enjoy the arrival of spring here in New Holland, we’ve been seeing a mix of cloudy days and mild temperatures. It is a beautiful time of year as everything begins to green up, but as your local Fire Department, we want to remind you that spring in Illinois is as unpredictable as it is beautiful.

This season brings with it an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, high winds, and flash flooding. Because weather conditions can shift rapidly, being prepared is the best way to keep your family and our community safe.

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Know the Difference: Watches vs. Warnings

It is vital to understand the difference between these two terms so you know when to be vigilant and when to take immediate action:

• Severe Weather WATCH: Conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. Stay alert, keep an eye on local news, and be ready to act.

• Severe Weather WARNING: A severe storm or tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take action immediately. Move to your pre-designated safe space.

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Severe Storm & Tornado Safety

When the sirens sound or an alert is issued, there is no time to plan. Have your safety strategy ready today:

• Designate a Safe Room: Identify a basement, storm cellar, or a windowless, interior room on the lowest level of your home.

• Protect Yourself: If a tornado warning is issued, go to your safe room immediately. Use blankets, mattresses, or helmets to protect your head and neck from flying debris.

• Avoid Mobile Homes: If you live in a mobile or manufactured home, have a plan to get to a sturdy, permanent building if a warning is issued. Do not try to outrun a tornado.

• Stay Informed: Keep a battery-operated NOAA weather radio in your home, and ensure your phone is set to receive emergency alerts.

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Flood Safety: "Turn Around, Don't Drown"

Spring rains can quickly overwhelm drainage systems in our area. Please remember these critical safety rules:

• Never drive through flooded roadways. It only takes about 6 inches of moving water to knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches can carry away a small vehicle.

• If you see water covering the road, turn around. The road underneath may be washed out, or the water may be deeper than it looks.

• Move to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area and notice water rising rapidly.

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Preparedness Checklist

The best defense against a storm is a plan made before the clouds turn dark.

1. Assemble a Kit: Keep a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food, water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a whistle to signal for help if you are trapped.

2. Secure Outdoor Items: High winds can turn lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans into dangerous projectiles. Secure or store these items when severe weather is forecast.

3. Check Your Home: Inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts. Ensuring your gutters are clear helps water drain away from your home’s foundation, reducing flood risk.

4. Look Out for Neighbors: When it’s safe to do so after a storm, check on your neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or have mobility issues.

We are proud to serve the New Holland community. By staying informed and planning ahead, we can all enjoy a safer spring season. Stay weather-aware!

— The New Holland Fire Department