Have a Safe Holiday Season

  December 1, 2008- Approximately fifty-nine percent of Christmas tree fires happen in December. In these fires, one out of every fifteen people die. That's why it is important to keep your tree watered.
  The above video is a demonstration conducted by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).  On the left side of the frame is a dry Christmas tree. On the right side is a tree that has been watered regularly. You can see the difference between the two almost immediately after the fire begins.
 

Driving Conditions
   

Busy Month in October

  November 1, 2008- This past October has been arguably, one of the busiest months in the history of our department.
   We ran 30 fire calls for the month including a house fire on Ringwood Rd. The monthly average for the last 2 years has been 22 runs per month.
  The completion of our building's expansion and getting the fire station back into some sort of normalcy has been an ongoing project for this past month. There are still a few odds and ends to do but the addition to the building has been a great improvement. It will no doubt get much more use for years to come.
  The expansion project by itself was a mountain of work for the personnel in our department. On top of that, October is our month to recertify on our Scott air packs. According to Assistant Chief Mike Hall, between the members or both Freeville and Dryden 32 volunteers were re-certified for another year.
  Also in October we finished up our hose testing. All the fire hose on the trucks and inside the station has to be tested ever year at a high pressure to make sure it won't fail when it's needed.
  Finally there were numerous public events this past month. Fire Prevention Week, the Annual Open House, McDonald's Safety Day, and Halloween. Combine just the public events together and for just one person you get over 50 hrs of service!
  As members of our department we should look back with pride at what has been accomplished this past month... We thank our family and friends who have sacrificed the absence of their loved ones, so that they may help better the community... Lastly, our community should be thankful for such dedication of its volunteers and if you see a member, thank them for their service to the Dryden community.
 

Turkey Fryer Safety
   
   Deep-fried turkey has been popular in the south but is quickly grown in popularity over the last decade. While deep-fried turkey may be tastier, the Underwriters Laboratories are concerned that safety is being sacrificed for good taste. With the increased popularity of deep-frying turkey comes an increase of fires reported with the turkey fryer usage.

The Danger's:
     1.) Many units are easy to tip over.
     2.) Spilling the hot oil from within the cooking pot can result in severe burns.
     3.) If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the    
          turkey is placed into the cooking pot. The oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire 
          to engulf the entire unit.
     4.) Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause it to spillover. This may cause 
          a fire.
     5.) With no thermostat controls, these units have the potential to overheat the oil to the
          point of combustion.
     6.) The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and handles get very hot, posing a severe burn
          hazard.

If you absolutely need a turkey fryer, follow these safety tips:
     1.) Always use the fryer outdoors and a safe distance from any buildings or structures
          that may burn including any decks or garages.
     2.) Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping and any
          materials that can burn are far enough away.
     3.) Never leave the fryer unattended. Most do not have temperature controls. If you don't
          watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
     4.) Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, the oil inside
          the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, for many hours after use.
     5.) To avoid oil any spills, do not overfill the fryer.
     6.) Use only well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching the pot or lid handles.
     7.) If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
     8.) Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and
          water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an
          explosion hazard.

The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher.
If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.

National Fire Prevention Week

  October 1, 2008- Since 1922 the National Fire Protection Agency or NFPA has sponsored a campaign each October to promote fire safety. October was chosen because of the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. Last years campaign was "Practice Your Escape Plan" because only 23% of US households had an escape plan and practiced it.
  This year Fire Prevention Week is October 5th-11th and the theme for this year is "Prevent Home Fires". In 2006 US Fire Departments responded to over 400,000. home fires and more than 2,500 people were killed as a result of these fires. The two biggest cause of these fires were cooking and heating. Do you check you home for fire hazards?
  During Fire prevention Week members from the Dryden Fire Department will be reaching out to area schools in the Town and Village of Dryden to promote Fire Safety. Each day of the week we will be over at the Dryden Elementary School and speaking with all the children from each grade level. We will also be visiting 6 other schools and speaking with there students as well. As volunteers many personnel have taken time off from there everyday jobs to help out during this important week, to those volunteers... Thank You.
 

                 Project Conclusion & Open House
   Summer has started to fade away, now replaced with cooler nights and falling leaves. With the arrival of Autumn comes the conclusion to our building expansion project.
  Much has been accomplished in the last two months. Though there are still a few odds and ends to wrap up, the project went smoothly and efficiently. Hats off to every member of the Building Expansion Committee for a job well done.
   In another development, through efforts by our organization and that of New York State Senator Jim Seward. The Dryden Fire Department has been awarded a state grant for our Building Expansion Project in the amount of $100,000.00. This award would not have been possible if not for the support from State Senator Seward and members within our organization. The senator came by a few weeks earlier to inform us of the grant award.
  There will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for our new addition on October 12th during our annual Open House. This years open house will have many fun & exciting family activities. The scheduled events are: 
 

  Throughout the day we will be running a Chicken Barbeque, the State Police will bring the Seatbelt Convincer, Tompkins County Sheriff Department will be providing the Children's Car Seat Check, we will be providing bucket rides in our ladder truck, spray water from a fire engine, learn valuable safety tips, Sparky the Fire Dog, and much much more!

Come stop by and have fun with us!!
 

National Preparedness Month

  September 1, 2008- For the last five years the month of September has been National Preparedness Month. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security developed the Ready Program to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies by taking a few simple steps. Dryden Firefighter Frank Palmer has been working hard to develop an introduction to promote the Ready Program in our community. The end result is the “Beyond Fire Program.”

  Throughout the month of September we will be promoting the Beyond Fire & Ready Program to the Dryden community. The Dryden Community Cafe will provide an excellent venue for interacting with our community. Members of our organization will be down at the cafe from 6:00PM to 8:30PM, for each of the following nights listed below:  
 

                                             Get Your Smokey On!

   Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear Campaign has been the longest running public serivce campaign in American history. This year Smokey Bear turns 60 years old. Smokey's campaign message remained virtually the same for over 50 years.
   Then in 2001 it was updated to reflect our modern day fire prevention needs. Smokey received his makeover with new TV commercials, radio messages and a new slogan: "Only you can prevent Wildfires."

   Checkout a real-time map of current wildfires raging in the United States. The map is updated everyday and includes the number of acres burned this year.

       Real Time Wildfire Map

     W.B. Strong Fire Company Celebrates 100 Years
   
  August 1, 2008- On July 26th, the Freeville Fire Department held its centennial celebration. The festivities were kicked off by a morning parade down Main St in Freeville. The station itself was opened up to the public with a chicken barbeque held in their apparatus bay. Live musicians played music in the background throughout the course of the day. Honored Member Richard Blackman put together an extensive display of the company's past one hundred years of history.
  All these activities culminated into the grand finale showcasing a nighttime fireworks display. Even mother nature celebrated the event, matching the fireworks with lighting effects of her own.

The members of the Dryden Fire Department wish the Freeville Fire Department another hundred years of prosperity & success in all it's future endeavors.













With the morning parade our department came away with 2 trophies;
"Best Appearing Fire Department" and "Most In Line."  A fun time was had by all.

Thunder Storm Safety

   Approximately 10% of thunderstorms are considered severe.  Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles from any rainfall. Over 400 people are struck by lightning each year in the United States. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon or evening.

Help protect yourself from Lightning:
• Buy ground fault protectors for key electrical equipment.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall down.
• Stay informed listen to a NOAA weather radio to check local forecasts regularly.
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries handy.

If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors and anything that could blow away.
• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance for lightning. Seek safe shelter
  immediately and avoid standing near trees or tall objects. Stop outdoor activities at the first
  clap of thunder and get inside a large building or an enclosed vehicle.
• If you are in open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.
• When inside, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electronic equipment that puts
  you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. Cordless phones and cell phones are safe
  to use. Avoid showering or bathing.
• The threat of lightning continues longer than most people think. Wait at least 30 minutes
  after the last thunder before leaving your shelter.

If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning is about to strike. Squat low to the ground on your heels. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Try to make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground. Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge. Check their breathing, heartbeat, and pulse. Call 911 to get medical care immediately.
 

Building Construction Continues

  July 14, 2008- Phase 1 of Neptune's Building Expansion Project is progressing on schedule. We are almost to the half way mark and after letting the concrete cure, the framing of the structural steel has begun.
  Over the next couple weeks the framing of the steel and roofing material will be completed and very soon the building will take on it's new shape.
 

Outdoor Grilling Safety Tips

  July 1, 2008 - In 2005, United States fire departments responded to an estimated 8,300 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues. These fires caused injury, death, and over $135 million in property damage. It's estimated that 8,610 people were seen at hospital for burns caused by outdoor cooking. The leading cause for these fires was the ignition of combustible materials next to the cooking devices.

Follow these tips to ensure you enjoy your meal.
• Keep your grill away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a three-foot "safe zone"
  around the grill.
• Use long-handled grilling tools to give plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
• Remove fat or grease buildup from trays below the grill to prevent accidental ignition.
• For Charcoal grills, purchase the proper starter fluid and store it away from kids and heat.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• For Propane grills, check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it each year.
  Appling a water/soap solution to the hose will reveal escaping propane by releasing
  bubbles.
• If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is
  no flame. Turn off the propane tank and grill.
• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak does not stop, call 911.
• Propane grills need to have the tank shutoff first to allow excess gas to burn off.

When you've finished cooking, keep an eye on the grill until it has completely cooled. Charcoal can be soaked with water, but use caution to avoid steam and splatters. Only use Propane and Charcoal grills outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed spaces, they pose a significant fire and health risk.