Posted on by Kim LaViolette

Lessor Navarino Fire Department News

The Navarino-Lessor Fire Department has recently updated one of the UTVs in our fleet of apparatus. A generous donation from the Packerland Series PUBDS was used to purchase a new Can-Am Defender Pro. We have also purchased a pump and a K3 Fire 100 gal water tank that is designed to fit the back of the Can-Am, as well as a 28’ aluminum trailer to haul our UTVs. We sold the Polaris Ace UTV (that the new Can-Am is replacing) and the UTV trailer we had. Those sale proceeds along with money raised during 2023 Navarino Days covered the remaining cost of the new equipment.

 

HELP! We’re looking for a few good men and/or ladies! If you are interested in joining our fire department, willing to get some great training, and gain a new ‘fire family’, contact any of our firefighters for information on what it’s all about. We’d be more than happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have, Help protect the community you live in!

 

Here are just a few reminders for fire safety during these chilly months in Wisconsin:

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment.
  • Do not use your oven to heat your home.
  • Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected and cleaned every year (…an oldie, but goodie).
  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.
  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach.

 

Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • For the best protection, choose interconnected smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound.
  • Test alarms at least once a month using the test button.
  • Replace smoke alarms if they are over 10 years old.

 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

  • Install CO alarms outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. This includes the basement and attic.
  • Do not place alarms near fireplaces or fuel-burning appliances.
  • Replace CO alarms between 5-10 years or as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Do you know someone with sensory or physical disabilities? There are special alarms and devices to ensure everyone can be alerted in case of fire or high CO levels. 

  • When the smoke alarm sounds, strobe lights flash to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing of a possible fire when they are awake.
  • When they are asleep, a pillow or bed shaker should be used to wake and alert them to fire conditions so they can escape. This device is activated by the sound of a standard smoke alarm. People who are deaf may find that the shaker paired with a high-intensity strobe light is helpful to wake them.
  • Smoke and CO alarms can be installed that use a low frequency sound. These will work better to wake a sleeping person who has mild to severe hearing loss.
  • These special devices and alarms can also signal when the battery is low.

 

Research the different products and select the ones that fit the needs of the people in your home. These can be easily installed without a professional. Products can be found in home improvement stores, online, and on manufacturer websites. Pick devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, which is often disclosed on the product’s packaging.

 

“Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries!” — Daylight Saving Time ends on November 5 this year, and this is a great time to make sure all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding smoke and CO alarms, please feel free to contact any firefighter.

 

We just want to give a reminder to keep your driveways clear of vegetation, snow, and ice throughout the coming months. Some of our trucks are quite large and if we are unable to navigate the driveway to your property, it could cost precious time. Please help us ahead of time and keep your driveways clear!

 

To all of the farmers/producers and hunters:  May you have a very safe and productive harvest and successful hunt!

STAY SAFE!