Fire Prevention Night

Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country at over 100 years. During Fire Prevention Week, firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.  According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.  Year after year cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for almost half of all U.S. home fires.  

This year, the Voorhees Township Fire Department’s Annual Fire Prevention Awareness Night will be part of the Halloween & Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 1-4pm at the Town Center. All are invited to learn fire safety and enjoy the free fun-filled day of entertainment and learning.


Activities will include demonstrations from our firefighters, games, bounce houses, and Fire Prevention Education.  Children can try the fire safety obstacle course and the safety trailer (smokehouse). Fire apparatus will be present for kids of all ages to explore. There will also be giveaways from local businesses and our Voorhees Township Fire Department.

The Voorhees Township Fire Department strongly encourages every home to have a fire escape plan and offers the following 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 the sealed 10- year battery type or hardwired with a battery backup and tested at least twice a year (change your clocks, change your batteries).
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home for family members to gather in the event of a fire.
• 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 once at night.
• Watch what you heat.  Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking.  Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.  Always keep a lid nearby when cooking.  If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

For more information, see the Voorhees Township Fire Department Website vtfd66.org, their Facebook page or visit helpdesk@vtfd66.org or call (856) 783- 6630 extension 7503.

** The Voorhees Police Department is working with the Camden County Partnership for Children on a 2023 Winter Coat Drive.  Donations (gently used coats, hats and gloves) will be collected in the Police Station Lobby at 1180 White Horse Road until Dec. 1.  For more information, contact Lt. Hawkins at dhawkins@vtpd.com or Sgt. Eric Camm at ecamm@vtpd.com

** Live Jazz Night featuring the Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tannenbaum is on Friday, Sept. 29 at 6:30pm at the Voorhees Town Center courtyard. Bring your chairs and blankets and wrap up the summer with this classic jazz trio – organ, guitar and drums. The Beer Garden and food trucks will open at 5:30pm.  Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. For more information about this free event, visit voorheesnj.com or call the Show Hot Line at 856-882-SHOW.

**The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting a Voorhees Community Yard Sale on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10am to 2pm in the Voorhees Town Center parking lot.  All residents are welcome to participate. Cost is $25 for two parking spaces. To sign up and for more information, contact Bob Scapicchio at  my67pony@aol.com or Susan Bromley at sbromley14@gmail.com

** The Voorhees Arts Commission presents the “Healing Art for a Hero’s Heart” free community event on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Voorhees Town Center Mall Food Court. Paint holiday greeting cards for deployed soldiers, meet special guests from the Tri-State Canine Response Team and enjoy Sal Vito’s delicious hoagies.  For more information, contact Amy Bash at amymarks1@yahoo.com or call 856-979-9585. 

** The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee invites you to its Annual International Day celebration of cultural diversity in our community on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1pm at Eastern Regional High School. For more information, contact the event chair Gwen DeVera at (856)751-1364.

** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation will hold its 21stAnnual Birthday Bash on Friday, Oct. 20 from 6:30-10:30pm at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin.  As always, this fundraiser is for the noble mission of supporting hospitalized teens.  It is always an epic night of music, dancing, great food, cocktails and memories of Alicia.  For more information and to buy tickets/sponsorships, visit victoriousfoundation.org