Weekend of Emotions & Campus Fire Safety

This past weekend was a weekend both of remembrance and cheer for the Quiambaug Fire Company.  On Friday night a group of volunteers headed to Long Island to compete in the Southampton Antique Fire Muster.  A fire muster is a friendly competition among fire departments and this one specializes in antique apparatus.  

Our 1961 International Pumper, and first new fire engine for the company, won First Place in the Lakeside Drafting competition.  We also were the First Place finishers in the old whaleboat race, a tradition at the muster.

With three large trophies, our volunteers returned home on Sunday to join a couple officers in the town’s at the high school.  It was very gratifying to see such a turnout in the stands.  A speech given by the 9/11 Pentagon survivor, Dan Holdridge, hit home to a few members and left an impression on us all.

One of the things Dan asked of the residents of Stonington was to volunteer and give back to the community.  He used an acronym HERO, Help Everyone Regardless of Outcome.  Your local firehouse and ambulance crews are always looking for volunteers if you find yourself struggling with a way to give back.  When most people think of fire departments they think of firefighting, however, there are many other things you can do to help also.  If you don’t know which firehouse serves your area you could always give 1-800-FIRE-LINE a phone call.  The Fire Line is a national, toll-free phone number to help recruit for local fire departments.

Fire/Life Safety Tip of the Week - Campus Fire Safety
With all of the schools starting back this week, it's very appropriate that Governor Malloy, along with 33 other state leaders, have proclaimed September 2011 as Campus Fire Safety Month.  In the past ten years 143 students have died in student housing fires, most of them being off-campus housing.  The questions provided below are recommended by Campus FireWatch for students and parents to ask before picking the right place to live during college.  Most of them are things we typically assume are already in place, though you may be surprised at the responses you receive!

1. Are working smoke alarms installed? (Preferably in each bedroom, interconnected to sound all if any one detects smoke)
2. Are there at least two ways to exit your bedroom and your building?
3. Do the upper floors of the building have at least two interior stairs, or a fire escape?
4. Is a sprinkler system installed and maintained?
5. Are the existing electrical outlets adequate for all of the appliances and equipment that you are bringing – without the need for extension cords?
6. Are there EXIT signs in the building hallways to indicate accessible escape routes?
7. Does the building have a fire alarm system installed and maintained?
8. Has the buildings heating system been inspected recently (in the last year)?
9. Is the building address clearly posted to allow emergency services to find you quickly in the event of an emergency?
10. Does the sprinkler system or fire alarm system send a signal to the local fire department or campus security?