Fire Company Holds Fire Prevention Night

In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the held it's annual Fire Prevention Night at its station on Street Road.

This annual event promotes fire safety and what to do if fire strikes, Upper Southampton Fire Marshal and volunteer firefighter Mark Showmaker said.

Fire Chief Glenn McKenney said Fire Prevention Night is a very effective tool to prevent and stop fires.

Several years ago, the fire company responded to a stove fire and when they arrived they found the family had already extinguished the small fire. Later, the family told firefighters their child told them how to stifle the fire -- using a technique the youngster had learned at demonstration at Fire Prevention Night.

The fire company, which has been serving Southampton for 102 years, was expecting between 500 and 1000 visitors for last night's event, the chief said.

Children and adults looked at the companies apparatus and gear, while firefighters went over over fire safety basics, such-as stop-drop-and-roll and how to find an exit.

Members from the county's 911 center brought the county command post bus. Inside they taught kids how to use the 911 phone system.

Firefighers gave out plastic fire helmets, booklets on fire safety and let children put out mock fires using small hoses.

Rescue dogs from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, the FEMA urban search and rescue team for the state, demonstrated their skills for spectators last night.

The Southampton Fire Co. is lucky to have two members that are part of the team, which is made of volunteers from across the state, said McKenney.

Fire Prevention Tips:

• Never leave food unattended on a stove.
• Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as, potholders and towels).
• Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
• Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
• Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials (such as, drapery).
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home, including the basement, and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.
• Use long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons, which allow persons to stop false alarms quickly. If long-life alarms are not available, use regular alarms, and replace the batteries annually.
• Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they work properly.
• Devise a family fire escape plan and practice it every 6 months. In the plan, describe at least two different ways each family member can escape every room, and designate a safe place in front of the home for family members to meet after escaping a fire.
• If possible, install or retrofit fire sprinklers into home.

Sources: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Fire Protection Agency, and CDC.