Fire Prevention Month - October 2021

 

October is Fire Prevention Month (including Fire Prevention Week, October 4 through October 10).  The purpose is to raise fire safety awareness and to make sure your family has planned for the unexpected.

 

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Alarms - One on every level of the home, and one in every bedroom.  Change all of your alarm batteries and test every alarm.  Some alarms have batteries that are self-contained (sealed) and expire...these alarms must then be replaced.

 

Fire Extinguishers - should be accessible on every level of the home, and in areas like the kitchen and the garage.  Assess the fire, if it is too big or uncontrollable, everyone evacuate the home and immediately call 9-1-1.  All family members must understand how to use a fire extinguisher with the PASS technique...

1.  P - pull the pin,
2.  A - aim the nozzle at the base of the fire,
3.  S - Squeeze the lever you just pulled the pin out of,
4.  S - Swipe from side to side to cover all fire area.

 

Kitchen Safety - Always remain in the kitchen when cooking.  Remove any clutter to avoid fire hazards.  Keep all combustibles away from stove tops, ovens, toasters, and crock pots, for example.  Unplug appliances not being used.

 

Have an Escape Plan - Walk through your home with all family members and identify two escape routes from each room.  Clear any blocked doors or windows.  Consider escape ladders for two-story homes.  Include plans for the accountability of all household members including the elderly, those with disabilities, small children & infants, and pets.  Assign a safe outdoor meeting place at a safe distance from your home.  Practice your plan often.  Be prepared if a true emergency arises and you have to call 9-1-1.

 

For more information:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education 

 

 

A special "Pancake Breakfast Benefit" will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM to benefit Allie, the daughter of Becca & Brad.  The breakfast is at the East Hill Volunteer FD, 266 Jerusalem Hill Road, Elmira NY.  The station is up Jerusalem Hill 1.2 miles from the I-86 Water Street exit.  We are just past Hill Top Inn on the right.

 

Allie went in the hospital to have her tonsils removed.  Complications developed after the surgery, and Allie was moved to pediatric critical care to be treated for brain stem bleeds.  A tracheostomy was performed, and a feeding tube added as she is unable to breathe or swallow on her own.  It is a heartbreaking situation.  It is going on three weeks now that Becca & Brad are at the hospital with Allie.

 

This fund raiser is organized by the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department to help Allie and her family.  Aside from our regular Pancake Breakfast menu to raise money for Allie, we will have several raffles and if anyone would like to donate new items, gift cards, or monetary to be added to the raffle/fund raiser, that would greatly be appreciated.

 

Additional parking is available at Hill Top Inn and transportation between Hill Top Inn and the East Hill FD will be provided by Don Kalec of 5-Star Limousine.

 

To get items added to the raffle/fund raiser, or monetary donations, please contact Darren at 607-207-7434, or Carissa at 607-207-4528.  Thank you.

 

We hope to see you on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM

 

 

 

November 19, 2018

 

Let's Get Ready For Winter!

 

Even though Chemung County already has some snow accumulation, winter season is almost here.  Here are a few things to check if you haven't already...

 

• Check your Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.  Are new batteries installed?
• Make sure your chimney is clean
• Have your heating system checked and tuned up
• Seal up any door and window cracks
• Unplug and cover any window air conditioners to avoid cold air drafts
• Make sure exterior faucets are drained
• Stock up on extra food, bottled water and medications in case of severe weather
• If the power goes out and you have a generator and plan to use it, please follow all safety and warnings in your owners manual
• Is your car ready for winter?  Have your battery checked for enough cold weather capacity.  Also check the tires for enough tread depth and correct air pressure, check the wiper blades, engine oil & transmission fluid & brake fluid, radiator antifreeze...will it withstand -30°F?  Check the windshield washer fluid level and have a snow brush & ice scraper.  Its also a good idea to have a blanket, shovel, rock salt or kitty litter, jumper cables, LED flashlight & spare batteries, and a road safety marker.  Some non-perishable food may come in handy too!

 

How prepared are you?

 

 

 

Winners of the Fall 2017 Raffle

 

The drawing was held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 23, 2017, and we have the following winners...

 

• 1st Prize - 50% of Cash Received, $820 - Russ Hauptman
• 2nd Prize - Wild Game Camera from Hesselson's - Chris Palmer
• 3rd Prize - Gift Certificate from Hill Top Inn - Rich Gunderman
• 4th Prize - Gift Basket from The Christmas House...4th Prize also includes a Gift Certificate from Central Hots - Terry Thompson

 

Congratulations!

 

 

 

Fall 2017 Raffle

 

The Fall 2017 Raffle just started on November 11, 2017.  Tickets are $5.00 each and the drawing will be held on December 23, 2017.  Tickets are available from our volunteers, or stop by the station on Monday Nights between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

 

The Prizes are as follows...

 

• 1st Prize - 50% of Cash Received
• 2nd Prize - Wild Game Camera from Hesselson's
• 3rd Prize - Gift Certificate from Hill Top Inn
• 4th Prize - Gift Basket from The Christmas House...4th Prize also includes a Gift Certificate from Central Hots.

 

We hope you win!

 

 

 

Thank You!

 

Thank you to everyone that attended the return of our Pancake Breakfast held on Saturday, November 11, 2017.  Your support made for a great success and we look forward to future Pancake Breakfasts rolling out of our recently remodeled Kitchen!

 

 

 

 

 

Save The Date - Tuesday, October 31, 2017

 

On Halloween evening, October 31, 2017, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department will hold its 2nd "Trunk or Treat" event.  This is a safe and fun experience for the Children of the community.  Our parking lot will be busy so please drive slowly.  We hope to see you there...and don't forget your costume!

 

 

 

 

Fall of 2016

 

On Halloween evening, October 31, 2016, the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department held its first "Trunk or Treat" event.  This provided a safe and fun experience for the Children of the community.  The event was held in our parking lot, plus food and hot beverages were available inside the Fire Department.  Thank you to all of the volunteers that supported this event with their time, the candy, food and beverage.  A special thank you to Phantom Phrightnights (at Bradley Farms) for the Paint Ball Attraction.  A big thank you to the Parents and Children of the community for stopping by and enjoying the evening...the costumes were awesome!

 

Some pictures of the night's fun at East Hill Fire Department...

 

 

 

 

Serving the Residents of East Hill with Pride

Summer of 2016

Hot Weather...

Now that summer is in full swing, please be careful in the sun and hot weather. Drink water to stay hydrated, and make sure your pets and animals always have water available. Keep a closer watch on children and infants, and keep in contact with the elderly during the hot weather.

Try to limit your exposure to the hottest time of the day between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If you don't feel good due to the heat, tell someone immediately. You might have dehydration and heat illness that may include fatigue, dizziness, faint, headache, or muscle cramps.

So take a break from the Sun...set back in a lawn chair in the shade of a tree and enjoy some water. It won't be long and we will be talking about winter!

For more information, visit: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

Open Burning...

With the increase in temperatures and not much rain lately, please be aware of the higher chance of grass and brush fires. Properly extinguish all cigarettes and use caution with campfires.

For more information, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/58519.html

Happy Autumn

Hello everyone! Autumn is here and snow will be falling soon. We would like to remind our residents to drive safely when the snow does arrive. Our Highway Departments do an outstanding job on our roads but please be careful…use extreme caution when approaching or encountering highway vehicles and crews on the roadways.

With cold weather on the way be sure your heating systems are inspected, cleaned and in good working order. Be sure to have chimney’s cleaned and inspected before use and only burn seasoned wood. Be sure your Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors have new Batteries and properly installed. The members of the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department want everyone to have a safe Winter!

Department News

Can & Bottle Drive

We started a can and bottle fundraising program. To support this, a trailer is placed by the fire station sign located at 266 Jerusalem Hill Road. Anyone wishing to donate may drop off cans and bottles on the trailer at any time. This project is going very well and will be ongoing so please keep them coming. We would like to fill the trailer weekly.

Address Sign Fundraising Program

Due to high demand, we are continuing the address sign fundraising program. Anyone wishing a highly visible address sign, please call the fire station with your contact information or leave us a message and we will return your call. The station non-emergency phone number is (607) 734-5535. We can also be reached via e-mail at: easthill22@stny.rr.com

Please note that we are always looking for new members. Neighbors helping neighbors. Join now.

Stay Safe and have a great Fall and Winter

*****************************************

April 2015

Happy Spring Time!

Hello everyone...It’s been a long winter...we are looking forward to the nice weather...with the nice weather comes some new projects we are working on...

New 2232 Pumper

The department purchased a new fire engine this past fall. The previous engine suffered a non-repairable problem with the on-board water tank. We purchased a 1993 E-One engine from the Middlebury PA Volunteer Fire Department. The new truck has more water on board and a bigger pump, plus a pump control panel is on top of the vehicle. If the station doors are open, please stop in and check it out!

Can and Bottle Drive

We will soon start a can and bottle and drive fundraising program. We will place a trailer at the fire station located at 266 Jerusalem Hill Road. Anyone wishing to may drop off cans and bottles on the trailer anytime! We would like to fill the trailer weekly!

Address Sign Fundraising Program - Still Available!

We are continuing the address sign fundraising program as it is going very well. Anyone wishing a sign, please call the fire station with your information...if we are not there, please leave a message, and we will return your call. Our station phone (non-emergency) is (607)-734-5535. We also can be reached via e-mail at: easthill2298@verizon.net

Membership

We are always looking for new members! Neighbors helping neighbors! Join Now!

Stay safe and have a great spring and summer!

November 2014

Help Us Find You In An Emergency!

We are selling highly visible address signs that attach to your mailbox. The signs are Red with highly reflective numbers. The cost is $20.00 each and the signs are available to the general public. Installation is available to residents of the East Hill Fire District at no charge.

Signs can be purchased by providing us the following information...

I would like to purchase _______ Sign(s) at $20.00 Each.

Name ____________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________

Phone Number ( _____ ) _____ - ___________

Vertical _____ Horizontal _____

House Number On Sign(s) ____________________________________________

Installation Needed? Yes ___ No ___

For each sign, please provide the information shown above and then mail a check or money order (no cash) to...

East Hill Fire Department

266 Jerusalem Hill Road

Elmira, NY 14901

or...

East Hill Fire Department

5 Cross Road

Elmira, NY 14901

You can also drop off the information and payment at the East Hill Fire Department on Monday nights between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM (except Holidays).

Any questions, please contact us a (607) 734-5535 or email us at: easthill2298@verizon.net

Like & Share us on Facebook at: East Hill Volunteer Fire Department

February 2014

Clothes Dryer Safety - Gas or Electric

Clothes Dryers require hot air to freely flow from the heating supply, through the clothes tumbling drum, through the removable lint screen and then out the exhaust hose and wall mounted weather vent. It is critical to keep the removable lint screen clean after each use.

As time progresses, the exhaust hose and wall mounted weather vent can internally build up lint. Over time, it is possible to build up enough lint inside the exhaust hose and wall mounted weather vent to cause the temperature inside the dryer tumbling drum to increase more than normal. Under this condition, there is increased possibility of the clothes dryer temperature safety control system to shut down the heating source to help prevent a fire.

As the dryer ages, lint can escape around the tumbling drum seals and into other areas inside the clothes dryer (outside the clothes tumbling drum area). Lint can build up inside the clothes dryer in areas where the homeowner is unable to clean.

Possibly your clothes dryer needs a checkup? There are several appliance repair centers that will inspect, clean and replace any clogged exhaust hoses and/or wall mounted weather vents. Please check the dealer where you bought your clothes dryer, or consult the Yellow Pages (if you still have those), or simply Google: Appliance Repair Chemung County

Remember, for the safety of you and others, if you are not qualified to repair an electric or gas dryer, please do not attempt any repairs. Contact a qualified repairperson to do the work.

Dryer fires are one of the common causes of house fires. It is good practice to never operate the clothes dryer when you are not at home. For safety, a combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector is recommended for the room where your clothes dryer is located.

50/50 Raffle Drawing & Winners - December 23, 2013

First Place: The 50/50, $800.00 Cash amount Winner is “Dan”

Second Bonus Prize: The Charbroil Stainless Steel Grill Winner is “Shirley”

Thank you to everyone that participated in the raffle donation!

50/50 Raffle - Original Posting November 3, 2013…

The East Hill Volunteer Fire Department is presently offering a 50/50 Raffle.

1st Place: Cash

2nd Bonus Prize: Charbroil Stainless Steel Grill

Each 50/50 Raffle Ticket donation is $5 and tickets are available from any member…or stop by the Fire Department on Monday evenings between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM to buy your Raffle Tickets.

You do not need to be present to win. All we ask is the completion of each numbered ticket stub with your name, address and phone number.

The drawing will be held at the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department the evening of Monday, December 23, 2013 at 7:30 PM. Two tickets will be drawn…the first drawn ticket for 1st Place will not be put back into the draw for the 2nd Place drawing. Please stop in to buy any additional raffle tickets and to witness the drawing.

Best of Luck and Thank You for your support!

Note: A public drawing was held at the East Hill Volunteer Fire Department on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 8:15 PM.

Fall 2013

The weather is already letting us know the season is changing. And with school in full session, we would like to remind everyone to please drive careful, especially as you approach the school busses and the school zones. Also watch for children and adults riding bicycles in the remaining weeks of fall weather.

House / Address Numbers

Our Chief would like to remind everyone about the visibility of your house number. Please make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road. We have noticed lately that some address numbers are poorly visible, or don’t even exist. If your house number isn’t on the mail box during an emergency call, we will need to look in the yard. If your house number isn’t clearly posted in the yard, and it is dark out, we may need to temporarily flash a spot light near your front door or porch area to confirm your address. For this reason, and to ensure efficient emergency response, please make sure your house number (address number) is clearly visible on the mail box or a sign (etc.) in the front yard. Thank you.

September is National Preparedness Month

September is the reminder time to prepare yourself and others for any emergencies. If you must go a couple of days without electricity for example, prepare a plan, build a kit, and get involved. If you already have a kit, open it and verify any supplies that may be approaching out of date, or already out of date. Now is a good time to “rotate your inventory” and replenish with new items. Everyone’s situation is different, so please make sure you plan and make any updates. Remember any seniors in your family, any elderly neighbors, and don’t forget supplies for pets and animals.

More information can be found at: http://community.fema.gov/connect.ti/readynpm/view?objectId=3200688

Chimney Inspection & Cleaning

While we continue to enjoy the fall-like weather, now is an excellent time to clean and inspect your chimney. If you normally perform this task yourself, then you know what has to be done. Please work safely and check your chimney for any problems. Some reminders follow…

If you use a metal chimney, re-check all joints for rust and missing screws. Now is a good time to inspect the weather seal areas around the roofing flange, and ensure the chimney top is securely capped to keep out water.

If you use a mason chimney, check for any seams and joints in need of repair. Mason chimneys can also have roof flashing that needs to be checked. Also verify the top is properly capped to keep birds from flying in.

Regardless of the type of chimney construction you use, if you are in doubt of being able to select the correct materials, clean and inspect your chimney, please call a professional and schedule a cleaning and inspection. Check the Yellow Pages under “Chimney Sweeps” or do a local web search using your favorite search engine (i.e. Google, Yahoo, etc.).

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Chemung County presently has two programs available. For more information and to determine eligibility, please click on the following link…

http://www.communityprogressinc.com/index.php?page=chemung-county

The recommendation is to test detectors once per month (some may require weekly tests) and change batteries once every year. Test all of your detectors now if in doubt. If you haven’t replaced all of your detector batteries in over a year, do it today. The regular time to change all detector batteries is the same day you set your clocks back an hour in the fall season of each year.

Some detectors must be replaced after a certain number of years of use, and some detectors may not function at that point in time, even with new batteries. If this occurs, always refer to the “user’s guide” for the details of each detector you have. The “user’s guide” always shows proper installation, cleaning, battery changing and how to discard for replacement.

If a detector alarm goes off, call 911 and move outdoors to your designated meeting spot.

More tips can be found at…

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/fire-and-safety-equipment/smoke-alarms/smoke-alarm-safety-tips

CPR and AED

The members of our Fire Department certify and recertify for CPR and AED on a regular basis. CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency procedure for an unresponsive infant, child or adult to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart. An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable unit that automatically checks the heart rhythm and is able to apply defibrillation.

If someone is unconscious and shows no signs of life, or you think they are experiencing a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

Do you want to take a class? Check out the following link: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

Plan Ahead for Severe Weather

Check out the information at the following web site link: http://www.ready.gov/

The link above takes you to “The Federal Emergency Management Agency” (FEMA) web site. This site is designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and how to respond to natural and man-made emergencies.

Visit the site to learn what to do before, during and after the emergency. Information is provided how to prepare and plan, including how to keep informed (TV, Radio, etc.) for an emergency. Recommendations are made how to build a kit with critical supplies, medications, food, water, how to store it, and when to replace items.

How prepared are you?

Generators

Generators are a valuable asset when remotely working or camping, or domestic power temporarily stops due to bad weather or accidents. Knowing how to safely operate portable generators and how to protect yourself and others is extremely important. Please review the following safety tips…

• Fully read and understand your operators manual
• If in doubt, do not operate
• Before operating your Generator, make sure it is grounded to earth ground as shown in your operators manual
• If you recently purchased a generator, don’t wait until a storm or other event takes out your domestic electrical supply. Do a test run to check out your plan.
• Operate your Generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never operate in the Home, Basement, Crawl Space, Garage, enclosed Barn, enclosed Shed, and so forth. One possible area to run a Generator is under a Shed Roof with all sides (walls) open. Generator operation outdoors also requires keeping the exhaust away from windows, doors and other openings on the House.
• Make sure the Generator is suited for the job. Don’t expect the Generator to output more capability than it is designed for as equipment and extension cords can overheat, become destroyed, and even catch fire.
• Have heavy GFCI extension cords that will handle the load you plan to apply. Obey the rules of wattage or amperage capacity of the Generator and the devices you plan to plug into the Generator. The length of the extension cords will affect voltage drop
o Example: A Single Phase Extension Cord, 100-feet long, 12-AWG Wire Size, 120 Volts AC, will provide about 11 Amps of Load Capacity (about the maximum 3% allowable Voltage Drop). Anything more than 11 Amps using this example will start to create additional heat, equipment damage, and the potential for fire).
o Check out this link to calculate Voltage Drop: http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html?material=copper&wiresize=5.211&voltage=120&phase=ac&noofconductor=1&distance=100&distanceunit=feet&amperes=11&x=55&y=12
o GFCI Extension Cords include ground fault interrupters and must be rated for wet and damp locations.
o Extension cords must be grounded types with no damaged or cut cable jacket and no exposed wires.
• Never fill the Generator when running. Always allow the Generator to cool before adding fuel. It is always safe to have a Fire Extinguisher nearby that is rated for fuel or electric fires. Also store fuel away from the Generator and in approved containers.
• Never attach the Generator electrical power to your home electrical wiring. A device to connect the Generator to your home electrical wiring is known as a Transfer Switch and it is installed by a qualified Electrical Contractor.
• Disclaimer: If in doubt of any Generator installation, hookup and use, always consult with and hire a qualified Electrical Contractor for safe and proper installation.

Other Useful Links

http://www.chemungcounty.com/

http://www.chemungcounty.com/index.asp?pageId=147

Station Rental

The East Hill Volunteer Fire Department is available for Rental if needed for small parties. A “Facility Rental Agreement” is required and must be completed in advance of your event. Certain rules apply as stated on the agreement. In addition to the rental fee, a deposit fee will be refunded after inspection to ensure the station is cleaned as prior to rental.

For more information, please contact us.