Open House For Local Kids, Families Hosted By Mendham Fire Dept.

MENDHAM, NJ — The Ralston Engine Company #1 is hosting an open house in support of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehouse at 322 Mendham Road West.

The Mendham Township Fire Department is also celebrating its 80th anniversary year of service to the western portion of the Township and all Mendham Township residents.

During the community event, the fire department will hold a motor vehicle rescue demonstration, demonstrating the equipment and procedures used to remove patients from an accident scene.

The fire department is collaborating with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week TM (FPW), which will take place from Oct. 9 to 15, 2022.

This year's FPW campaign is titled "Fire Won't Wait, Plan your escape TM" and aims to educate everyone on simple but critical steps they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from house fires.

“Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

It is critical that all residents plan and practice a home fire escape.

Everyone must be prepared ahead of time so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm goes off. Because every home is unique, every home fire escape plan will be unique, according to the fire department.

Members of the Mendham Township Fire Department shared these key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

• Have an outside meeting place at a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

"To find out more about the Ralston Engine Company #1 and opportunities to serve your community and general fire safety information visit us this Saturday," officials said.