Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:38:19 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/ PostNuke Powered Site en-us http://www.parkridgefire.com/images/logo.gif http://www.parkridgefire.com/ admin@parkridgefd.com http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19 The Park Ridge Fire Department recently brushed up on vehicle extrication techniques. The Department made use of a donated cargo van and practiced removing doors and other parts of the van. Members predominately utilized tools other than “Jaws of Life,” which is commonly used to extricate a person from vehicle, to practice their skills in the event the “Jaws” does not function properly. Several of the pictures depict members using a circular saw to cut the various support columns on the vehicle. Members also used hand tools and pneumatic tools to complete the removal of door, windows and ultimately the roof. Pictures of the Drill. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:38:19 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=18 Did you know that the number one cause of home fire deaths is smoking? On average, 1,000 people (smokers and non-smokers) are killed in smoking-related fires every year. Most people are asleep when the fires occur. It’s important that you begin to practice fire safety in your home today! With a few simple steps, smokers and those who live with smokers can protect themselves from smoke-related fires caused by smoking materials like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. For example: • If you smoke, smoke outside. • Whenever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays. • Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. • Check chairs and sofas for cigarette butts. • Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. • If you smoke, fire-safe cigarettes are better. • Be alert! • If You Smoke, Put it Out. All the Way. Every Time. Please forward this important fire safety message to your friends and relatives. It could be the message that saves a life! You can also visit the US Fire Administrations Website for campaign information and view an incredible video that demonstrates just how fast a fire started by smoking materials can spread! Video of a Careless Smoking Fire Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:41:33 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=16 With the arrival of winter weather the Park Ridge Fire Department is asking all residents to shovel any fire hydrants on or near your property. Fire hydrants buried by snow can serious delay firefighting efforts in the event of an emergency. When out shoveling your walks and driveway make sure that the fire hydrant closest to your home has been cleared of snow. Help us, help you. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:47:06 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15 The Office of Fire Prevention & Control is issuing this safety alert due to several incidents that have involved the use of propane cylinders inside of residential structures for heat. With the heating season upon us and the high cost of home heating fuels residents are trying to find ways to reduce costs. One way is through the use of small propane cylinders with an attached radiant heater. Small one pound and twenty pound cylinders have been found inside of destroyed structures in at least three fires reported to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control raising safety concerns for first responders arriving on scene. In at least two fires, firefighters could have been severely injured or killed while operating on the scenes of these incidents due to propane cylinders exploding inside the residences. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:32:35 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14 What does this mean and what does it have to do with fire safety? We all know that Smoke Alarms (Detectors) can save lives when operating properly. There are many types, however most smoke alarms are battery operated or have battery backup features. It is important to test your alarms each month to assure that they are in working order. We also need to be sure the battery has adequate power to operate the alarm. Smoke alarms have a monitoring system for the battery and start chirping when the battery is low. All of this sounds great and fool proof, however several lives were lost due to non-working smoke alarms. Many were found without batteries in them. The Reason? Maybe someone took the battery for a game or radio, or removed the battery to stop the chirping or maybe they were going to replace it and forgot. Because of these findings the program "Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery" was developed. IF everyone follows this program they should never be subject to a non-working smoke detector due to a missing or weak battery. The Action is simple and we are reminded each year at Daylight savings time. Each year we change our clocks. In the spring (March) we move them ahead one hour and in fall (November) we move them back one hour. Each time we do this we need to change the battery in all the smoke alarms. If a specific battery type is recommended then thats the one to use. Whether one is recommended or not, always be sure you are purchasing a fresh battery. Those available at a garage sale or flea market may be old stock. Always check the dates on the battery. NOTE: The life of a smoke detector is 5-10 years. If your detector is 5 years old or older, it should be replaced. Remember, properly working smoke alarms can save lives If you need assistance with a smoke detector please Contact Us Fri, 09 Mar 2007 17:25:30 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11 On February 15, 2007, the Park Ridge Fire Department was dispatched for an engine to respond on a mutual aid assignment to the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, for a fire in a commercial strip mall at 419 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bath & Body Works. While enroute, the Incident Commander, Woodcliff Lake Chief George Fusco, requested that Park Ridge supply a tower ladder to the scene as well. Upon arrival, the crew of PR-1 was given orders from Park Ridge Chief Derienzo to secure a water supply and to force entry into the, “Gap” store to check for fire extension. Once inside the “Gap”, crews found smoke and heat in the rear of the store and were able to complete a search of the store with assistance of crews from the Montvale Fire Department. The tower ladder arrived on the scene and set up on the “A” side (front) of the structure and laddered the structure so that crews could access the roof. Crews prepared to ventilate the building if needed. Photos Courtesy of Bob Puglis Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:13:05 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8 The Park Ridge Fire Department recently purchased a set of Rescue 42 Struts, to compliment our rescue operations. The struts are designed to aid in providing stabilization at the scene of a vehicle crash or other emergencies that require supporting an object the pose a hazard of falling. Captain R. Ludwig researched and purchased the struts and believes that they are much needed addition to our Rescue Truck, “The Struts will provide us the ability to immediately make a vehicle stable and allow crews to begin extracting the occupants.” The members were given two drills to become familiar with struts in controlled environment. First, Captain Ludwig briefed the members on the proper set up and applications for the rescue struts and allowed the members to become familiar with the nomenclature of the devices. On a second night the members were give practical exercises to hone their skills using the struts. See Photos of Drill. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:44:38 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3 Your fire department is composed of 100% volunteer members, including your friends and neighbors that respond to fire and emergency assistance calls 24 hours a day. The department is currently accepting applications for membership from civic and community spirited residents. All you need to qualify is a strong desire to help your community and be willing to respond to calls at a moments notice. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age for regular membership, or 14 to 17 for cadet or junior membership. Join a proud group of people with a long-standing tradition of dedicated service to our community. For further information, stop by the firehouse located behind Borough Hall any Thursday evning at 7:30PM and ask for the Chief, or call 201-391-6993, or send an e-mail to the Chief . Wed, 29 Mar 2006 21:26:01 -0500