Flourtown Fire Company

Volunteers Serving Springfield Township

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Flourtown Receives New SCBA and Training

On Monday, May 23, 2016 Flourtown Fire began training with its 20+ new SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) from manufacturer MSA. Company representative and The Fire Store dealer, John Major, was on hand to help familiarize the firefighters with the new MSA G1 SCBA units. Each unit consists of a harness, back plate, a 30-minute air bottle and face mask, along with NFPA-required heads up air-monitoring indicators, voice amplifiers, electronic and manual air supply warnings and the ability to connect them to radio and other information sources via bluetooth. But the new safety equipment doesn’t come cheap, to outfit all our apparatus and replace the 15-year old SCBA currently being used cost approximately $100,000. A grant from DHS/FEMA and one from the State are helping cover the costs but the fire company will still need to spend close to $5,000, not easy for a 100% volunteer organization.

Photos by Robert Wilmot, Jr.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide (CO) is a gas. It has no odor. CO gas is poisonous. It can make a person feel sick and can be deadly. In the home, heating and cooking devices that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

CO ALARMS

  • Co Alarms should be installed outside each sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. It is best to use interconnected alarms. When one sounds, all CO alarms in the home sound.
  • Follow the instructions on the package to properly install the CO alarm
  • Test alarms at least once a month
  • Replace CO alarm according to the instructions on the package
  • Know the sounds the CO alarm makes. It will sound if CO is detected. It will make a different sound if the battery is low or if it is time to get a new alarm
  • If the battery is low, replace it.
  • If the CO alarm sounds, you must get fresh air. Move outdoors, by an open window or near an open door. Make sure everyone in the home gets to fresh air. Dial 911 from a fresh air location and remain outside until help arrives

PREVENTING CO POISIONING

  • When warming a vehicle, move it out of the garage. Do not run a fueled engine indoors, even if the garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked. Clear snow away.
  • During and after a snow storm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fire place are clear of snow build-up
  • Clear all debris from dryer, furnace, stove, and fire place are clear of snow build-up
  • A generator should be used outdoors. Use in a well-ventilated location away from windows, doors, and vent openings
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional before cold weather starts to set in
  • Open the damper when using a fire place for adequate ventilation
  • Never use your oven or stove to heat your home

Source: NFPA