Current Announcements

 Good evening everyone! Now that Thanksgiving has passed and we prepare for the December holidays (Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, & Yule) and continued winter weather, there are a few specific fire and life safety topics on which we can focus. Those topics include holiday tree and decoration safety, candles, electrical safety, heating, carbon monoxide, and winter storms. December 2021 had the second highest number of fire-related deaths in New York State last year, as we ended the year with 167 total fire-related deaths. As of today, we have lost at least 141 people to fires across New York State this year… including 8 of them last week alone! Here are some resources to help prevent similar disasters from happening this December:
 
Holiday Safety:
Whether you’re looking for videos, social media cards, or informational pamphlets, follow these links and see the attached brochures for all of your holiday safety information needs!
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays
 
Heating Safety & Carbon Monoxide:
Follow this link and see the attached Carbon Monoxide brochure for heating and carbon monoxide safety information from NFPA and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control.
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Put-A-Freeze-on-Winter-Fires
 
Winter Weather:
As we have already seen in Buffalo and the rest of the Finger Lakes Region, winter weather is upon us, bringing a plethora of safety issues with it. Check out these resources from the National Weather Service, including lesson plans and brochures, for information to help keep your community safe during winter storms!
https://www.weather.gov/education/resources
https://www.weather.gov/education/weather
https://www.weather.gov/owlie/publication_brochures
 
E-Bikes & Scooters:
Whether you already have an e-bike, electric scooter, or hoverboard or think someone in your home might receive one as a gift this holiday season, be sure to stay informed with the latest safety tips for these devices!
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/ebikes

Winter Holidays bring fun, festivities, and increased fire risk.  Educate your community on having a fire safe season using the information and assets on our NFPA Winter Holidays Page featuring tip sheets, downloadable social media assets, videos, and updated data.  

With rising utilities costs, many consumers are concerned about heating their homes and may be taking unnecessary risks to save money.  Read NFPA’s latest Heating Safety Blog with tips and resources to help your community stay warm and prevent fires and carbon monoxide exposure.
 
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Safety Training for First Responders online curriculum is available free from NFPA® thanks to a grant from General Motors.  This self-paced course meets NTSB recommendations and takes learners through a number of modules regarding alternative fuel vehicle safety.  Course completion certificate is provided.  Visit nfpa.org/EV to learn more and register using Code GMEV1 (Massachusetts residents use MASSCEC1)

Free Webinar:  Lithium-Ion Batteries & Energy Storage Systems Series, Part 1: Rising to the Challenge. 
January 9, 2023, 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET
Hosted by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)  this new series will focus on lithium-ion battery response. Register today!
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CURRENT INFORMATION

ARCHIVED INFORMATION
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  Cardiac Care for the Living  (you Tube Video)
- DEC - Controlled Burn Information
- Control Burn Considerations & Recommendations
Information from Center for Disease Control regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Prevention
As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:
·        Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
·        Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
·        Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
·        Stay home when you are sick.
·        Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow.
·        Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
·        Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician.
More Information
If you or a family member start showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, or the hospital emergency room, inform them that you may be a suspect case for COVID-19, and follow their advice.
For more information, consider consulting these additional resources:
1.     Novel Coronavirus (NYS Department of Health)
2.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
3.     Information for Travel (CDC)
4.     FAQ for Travelers (CDC)
5.     Prevention & Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
6.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention
In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms. Updates from these sources can help to keep you and others healthy!