Fire Prevention Day

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 Day will be part of the HarvestFestival on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11am to 5pm 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 a 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.

**Voorhees Township presents International Day on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1pm-4pm at Eastern Regional High School.  Enjoy a day of cultural immersion with music, dance and food.  For more information, follow the Cultural & Diversity Committee Facebook page.

** The Township’s Annual Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11am to 5pm at the Voorhees Town Center (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 19.)  For information about the event, visit voorheesnj.com.  If you want to submit your application, please email ebarone@voorheesnj.com and ssytnik@voorheesnj.com

** Voorhees Township presents our Winter Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 5 at 6pm in the Town Center.  For more information, visit voorheesnj.com and other Township social media platforms.