While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and [...]
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Taken from the Underwriters Laboratories: Turkey fryers UL considers turkey fryers to be dangerous to use presenting numerous safety hazards to consumers. “We’re worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use,” says John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager of UL. “Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any [...]
Whether you’re wide awake or fast asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly scanning the air. It never sleeps. A smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
From AltoonaMirror.com By Kristy MacKaben One of the deadliest fires in Altoona may not have been quite so tragic if there were working smoke detectors. The March 22 blaze ravaged a second-story apartment on 18th Avenue in Altoona, killing five people and shocking neighbors and firefighters. Inside the apartment, there were no working smoke detectors. Altoona City Fire Inspector Mike Tofano said if there had been, lives may have been saved. “None of the smoke [...]
Taken from the Altoona Mirror By Rich Coleman (rcoleman@altoonamirror.com) The sight of snow in October may have been the final straw for those fiscally minded residents who’ve been holding out on turning on the heat. But if that heating source is an alternate one – like a space heater, pellet stove or wood stove – use caution. Heating is the second leading cause of residential house fires with 25 percent of fatal house fires being [...]
Winter is here! As a reminder, the Altoona Fire Department needs your help this winter. Heavy snow falls can bury the city’s fire hydrants. This can hamper our ability to get water to put out a fire in your neighborhood. If you have a fire hydrant on your block, we ask that you help us by removing the snow from around the fire hydrant.
From FEMA: October 28, 2011 – National Weather Service national map of the probability of snow accumulation over the next two days. Colder weather coming for many Some people thoroughly enjoy colder weather and the white fluffy stuff that often comes with it, while others continually look for a way to escape the cold for warmer temperatures. Regardless of your stance on cold and snow, it’s the time of year when temperatures are dropping as [...]
October 13, 2011 – It’s time again for the creepy decorations, falling leaves, endless costumes, and lit Jack-o-lanterns. As families across the country begin to prepare for what has become an increasingly popular holiday, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding everyone to take a few simple safety precautions in order to ensure a fun, safe, and not too scary Halloween. Halloween Safety Tips Download these NFPA safety tips for Halloween (PDF, 348 [...]
It is with heavy hearts that Williamsport Firefighters, IAFF Local 736, announce the Line of Duty Death of Platoon Chief Jeffery A. Cole. Chief Cole passed away at home October 7, 2011 at 23:30 hours after a brief but courageous battle with job-related cancer. Chief Cole was born January 7, 1959 and was 52 years old.
Fire departments across the U.S. are facing station brownouts, closings, and layoffs. This puts your safety in jeopardy! Here is a list of Pennsylvania fire departments facing cuts:
If your families safety is your number one priority, contact your local politicians and tell them to stop cutting these valuable services from your community!
Altoona's Emergency Alert System
The City of Altoona provides an alert system that will notify you of an emergency that may effect you and your family. It is quick and easy to sign up for, and it is free. Make sure you're informed the next time a disaster strikes!
Visit altoonapa.gov now and get signed up!
Simple Ways To Get Prepared
In an emergency, knowing what to do is your best defense. Start now by learning the risks, making an emergency plan and getting involved to help others.
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