If you smell smoke or are unsure please phone 911. If you need assistance changing the batteries please phone the main station number at 513.459.0875.

513.459.0875

Please phone 513.678.2292 to schedule an inspection for your business.

With the holidays in full swing, it’s important to remember we want to Keep the Wreath Red, a safety program Deerfield Township Fire Rescue will once again promote this year to remind residents that fires are often caused by holiday decorations.

Beginning in December each of our four township fire stations will display a wreath decorated with illuminated red bulbs. If a fire is caused directly by holiday decorations, one red bulb will be changed to a white bulb. Since 2012 all of our wreaths have stayed red. Please help us keep this tradition in the red.

Keep the Wreath Red originated in Illinois by Napervillle Firefighter Paul Boecker during the holiday season of 1954. Each year more fire departments across the country have joined in to make the holidays safer and happier. Deerfield Township Fire Rescue encourages everyone to follow these safety tips during the holidays from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Safety Tips for the Season

Christmas Trees

Type of tree

Consider an artificial tree, which is much safer and cleaner.

Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color, have a strong scent of pine, and do not lose their needles readily.

Keep trees in water-holding stands and keep stands full of water.

Do not rely on chemical sprays to make your tree flame resistant.

Place trees away from heat sources and a safe distance from exits.

Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Discard any lights that have frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets,
loose connections, bare wires or operate intermittently.

Buy and use lights approved by a national testing laboratory.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Don't Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care

Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles

Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Emergency Information

Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult person off his or her feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and seek shelter on higher ground.

Flash flood waters move very quickly and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground.

Just two feet of moving water can float and carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks. You can protect yourself best by being prepared and having time to act.

Before a Flood

• Check with your local floodplain administrator to determine if you live in a flood-prone area.
• Consider installing check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.
• Plan and practice an evacuation route.
• Have disaster supplies on hand.
• Develop an emergency communication plan.
• Flood damage to vehicles is covered by auto insurance when comprehensive coverage is purchased.

During a Flood Watch

• Listen to a radio or television for the latest storm information.
• Fill bathtub, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
• Move valuable household possessions to upper floors or to safe grounds if time permits.
• If you are instructed by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

During a Flood Warning

• If indoors, turn on a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio to get the latest emergency information. If your area is advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there. Avoid walking through any flood waters.
• If you are driving and have come to a flooded area, turn around and go the other way. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to drive through flooded roadways.

During an Evacuation

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Evacuation is much simpler and safer before flood waters block your escape. Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.
• Never attempt to drive or walk through flood waters. Water could be deeper than it appears and floodwater currents can be deceptive. Remember, it only takes two feet of water to carry away most vehicles.
• Listen to Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages on the radio or television for evacuation instructions
• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts may be blocked.

After a Flood

The hours immediately following a flood can be very confusing. When disaster strikes, the county emergency management agency and local government initiate rescue, evacuation and shelter missions and provide emergency assistance to meet the public’s immediate needs.

If the commissioners declare a state of emergency for the county, the local EMA may contact the Ohio EMA for assistance in coordinating state resources and response activities. Based on the extent of the incident, the governor may declare a state of emergency for the affected county(ies). If disaster damages exceed state and local capabilities, the governor may request the president to grant federal disaster assistance through FEMA.

• Before entering a flood-damaged building, check the foundation for cracks and inspect porch roofs and overhangs to be sure they are adequately supported. Ask a building inspector to check the house before you go inside.
• Be alert for gas leaks. Do not strike a match or use open flame when entering a building unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area ventilated.
• Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
• For more information on floods or flood safety, contact your state or local emergency management agency; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water; the National Weather Service; or your local American Red Cross chapter.

For additional information on Ohio flooding and flood insurance, visit the following sites:

• FloodSmart.gov
• Ohio Insurance Institute
• Ohio Department of Insurance
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Floodplain Management
• Federal Emergency Management Agency

Additional Flood Safety Tips

• Evacuate areas that are subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, 
  washes, etc.
• If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around 
  and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roads or low water crossings. Rapidly rising waters may engulf the vehicle and sweep it away.
• If camping, choose camp sites along waterways with care. Remember that storms that are miles away could bring raging water your way.

Flood Terminology

Flood – A condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low-lying areas.

General River Flooding – follows heavy rain, snow melt or their combination. While river flooding typically occurs slowly, allowing more time to take protective measures, extreme flash flooding or a breakup of an ice jam along a river can produce more rapid river rises.

Urban and Small Stream Floods – occurs when heavy rain falls, resulting in flooded streets, underpasses or drainage ditches in urban areas, and creeks in rural areas. Not usually life-threatening on its own, but can be, if motorists drive through a flooded roadway or children play near a storm drain or drainage ditch.

Flash Floods – Rapid and life-threatening floods from heavy rains occurring in a short period of time, usually in hilly or mountainous areas, or produced by the failure of a dam.

Flood/Flash Flood Watch – Usually issued for several hours indicating that conditions are favorable for possible flooding or flash flooding.

Flood/Flash Flood Warning – Issued when flooding or flash flooding is imminent or occurring. This indicates a need to take protective measures.

Carbon Monoxide Do's and Don'ts

Fireplaces

Fireplaces regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned out frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Don't wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from your home and any other nearby buildings. Never empty the ash directly into a trash can. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.

Wood Stoves

Wood stoves cause over 4,000 residential fires every year. Carefully follow the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs, or trash. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.

Electric Space Heaters

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Heaters are not dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or store objects on top of your heater. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

Kerosene Heaters

Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool first and then refuel outside. Never overfill any portable heater. Use the kerosene heater in a well ventilated room.

Welcome Back!

Drivers:

• Ohio law requires all vehicles must stop for school busses displaying red warning lights and stop sign anytime you are driving on a road that is less than four lanes wide.
• Driving on roads that are four or more lanes, only the traffic moving in the same direction as the bus are required to stop. Oncoming traffic does not have to stop, regardless of the existence of a median.
• Train tracks are the exception. You do not have to stop for the bus warning lights when the bus has stopped for train tracks.
• When stopping, maintain at least a 10 foot distance from the bus. Please keep this in mind when the bus turns on the yellow caution flashers.
• When at a stop sign and you are neither approaching nor following, the 10 foot rule applies and you must remain stopped.
• Stopped traffic must remain stopped until the bus has turned off red warning lights and stop sign.

School Bus Safety Tips for Students:

• At the Bus Stop:  Always walk on the sidewalk to the bus stop, never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing traffic.Go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road. Do not run and play while waiting.
• Getting On and Off the Bus:Enter the bus in line with younger students in front. Hold the handrail while going up and down the stairs.When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.
• Riding the Bus:Always speak quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted. Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing so the driver can hear if a train is coming.Never throw things on the bus or out the windows. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Feet should be directly in front of you on the floor and book bags should be kept on your lap. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits.Never play with the emergency exits. Large instruments or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits. If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.Hands should be kept to yourself at all times while riding on the bus. Fighting and picking on others creates a dangerous bus ride.
• Exiting the Bus:If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The driver may not see you come back and they may begin moving the bus. Make sure that drawstrings and other loose objects are secure before getting off the bus so that they do not get caught on the handrail or the door. Respect the "Danger Zone" which surrounds all sides of the bus. The "Danger Zone" is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus. Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the "Danger Zone" and where the driver can see you.Always cross the street in from of the bus. Never go behind the bus. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get into the car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parent or guardian.

Fight Fire with Facts