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