In observance of Fire Prevention Week, each year, there is an
Open House at the fire station. Please join us to learn about
our department and more about fire safety.

Also offered each fall are typically safety focused programs
for the public such as:

• Selecting and using portable fire extinguishers
• Safety in public places

We will be posting dates and times once they become available.
Please check back periodically for updates, and for additional
information, about what will be offered contact, the Fire
Department Public Information Officer at (978) 838-2444
or by email: Fire@TownOfBerlin.com

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What to do if you have a
fire in your home...

Here are a few important things that you should do:

• First STAY CALM!!! Do not panic.
• If there is smoke in the room get as low as you can to
  the floor. Being on your hands and knees is very important.
• Find a safe way out of the house. Have a prearranged plan
  of getting out of every room of the house and alternate exits.
  Practice this plan periodically.
• If you are in a closed room, be sure to feel the door with
  the back of your hand before you open it. If the door is hot
  find another wayout of the home. Using a window is okay
  as long as you are on the first floor. If you are on a second
  floor open the window and hang a bed sheet or other bright
  object out of the window to get the attention of the firefighters.
  You can also use a window ladder as a safe way to get out.
  Be sure to go over how to use these ladders as a part of a
  practice of the fire escape plan.
• Go to your designated family meeting place. This place should
  be away from the house at a location that everyone can see and
  know. This place should, if possible, be in the front yard, using
  a mailbox, tree, sign or other place that is easily identifiable.
• Have one member of the family go to a neighbors' house to
  call 911. If you are all alone and no one comes out, go over to the
  neighbors' house and tell them to call 911 and get right back
  to the meeting place so that the family knows you are safe.
• If you have to call the fire department you should tell them the
  following information: your name, address of the fire and if
  anyone is unaccounted for. If you have any pets still in the
  house don't go back in for them. Tell the fire department when
  they get there.
• When the fire department gets to the home tell them if everyone
  is out of the house and you and the family should move to the side
  and allow the fire department to do their job. Tell the firefighter
  where you will be in case they need to speak to you.
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  What do you do if you or your clothes
  are on fire...

If you or your clothes are on fire there are three simple things to do:

1. STOP. Stop where you are.
2. DROP. Drop to the ground.
3. ROLL. Roll around on the ground until the flames are out.
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Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors...

Smoke detectors are a life saving device that should be in every
home. There are many different types of smoke detectors so
make sure you do some research to find the best one for your home.
It is suggested that at the minimum one smoke detector be placed in
every level of your home. However, the more smoke detectors the
better. Smoke detectors should be placed in the following locations:

• Outside every bedroom
• In long hallways
• Dining room
• Living room
• At least one in the basement near the electrical panel
• One in the garage

Detectors do not have to be placed just at these locations. You can
put a detector almost anywhere in the home. But before you do
you have to check the sensitivity of the detector. Placing a very
sensitive detector may go off every time someone is cooking.

Smoke detector batteries should be replaced twice a year. The
best time to do this is when you change the clocks during daylight savings.

You should also test your smoke detectors every other week to
be sure they are in working order.

Smoke detectors are very important, however, there is another
threat to you and your family...Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon
Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. It can be present at any
time and does not have indicators like a fire. For example: when
there is a fire you can see smoke. There is no smoke with carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide can be caused by a car left runningin an enclosed place,
in a fireplace or near a generator.

Signs and symptoms of exposure to Carbon Monoxide are similar to
having the flu and include:

• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomitting

One way to protect yourself from exposure to Carbon Monoxide
is to place a Carbon Monoxide detector in your home. They look
very similar to a smoke detector. In fact many companies make
Carbon Monoxide detectors with a smoke detector combination.

For more information regarding the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide,
click here: Exposing an Invisible Killer (courtesy of the USFA website)

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Matches...

Matches can be very dangerous. If you should find a pack of
matches or a lighter, you should do the following:

• Do not touch them
• Walk away
• Tell an adult

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Chimney and Woodstove Fire Safety...

In 2005, there were 827 fire incidents involving solid fueled
appliances, fireplaces, and chimneys. These fires were responsible
for 1 civilian injury, 8 fire serviceinjuries, 1 fire death and resulted
in $2.3 million in property losses. These incidentsmake up 29% of
all fires linked to heating systems.

Purchasing

• Be sure the stove you are purchasing to burn wood or coal is
  approved by Underwriter's Laboratory or another recognized
  testing laboratory.

Installation

• A building permit must be obtained prior to the installation
  of fireplaces, wood or coal burning stoves and must be
  inspected by the local building inspector prior to their initial
  use as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code.
• Allow at least 36 inches of clearance around the appliance to
  prevent combustibles from coming into contact with a heat
  source.
• Solid fuel heating appliances cannot share a common flue
  with chimney flues utilized by other solid fuel, fossil fuel,
  or gas fired appliances.

Inspections

• Have the chimney and flue inspected by a qualified mason
  prior to use. Cracks in the flue or mortar joints can allow
  flames and heated gases to extend into the structure.

Proper Use

• Most chimney fires occur due to a build-up of creosote,
  a tarry by-product of burning wood. Have your chimney
  flue cleaned before each heating season. Burn only dry,
  well-seasoned, hardwood to reduce creosote accumulation.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire.
• Never leave children unattended near the stove.
• Check that the damper is open before lighting the fire. Failure
  to do so can result in an accumulation of smoke and carbon
  monoxide within the home. Do not close the damper before
  the fire has died out and the embers are cold.
• Use a fireplace screen to prevent flying sparks and embers
  from falling out onto the floor.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide
  detectors to provide protection for your family.

Proper Ash Disposal

• Ashes cleaned out from the stove or fireplace should be
  shoveled into a metal bucket with a metal lid, placed outside,
  on the ground, away from the building, to prevent fires. Do
  not place ashes into a paper bag or cardboard box. Ashes
  and embers can stay hot for days and ignite combustibles.

Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarms

• Carbon monoxide alarms are required now in all homes with
  chimneys or woodstoves. Install one on every habitable level
  and no more than 10 feet from every bedroom door. Smoke
  alarms should be installed on every level of your home, at the
  bottom of every stairwell and outside each sleeping area.
• Test alarms regularly and change the batteries when we change
  the clocks