CERT Is Looking For More Members

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Seeking new members, Emergency preparedness training beginning Jan 28  contact Parma CERT at 440-465-6559

Decon Suit

FF Lou Davis teaches members a class on Meth Labs.

Christmas Safety Tips

Each year hospitals treat about 8,100 people nationally for injuries, such as falls and cuts, as well as shocks related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees.

When installing indoor or outside lights, be sure the label states they have been factory-tested.

Check each set of lights to make sure there are no frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If any are found, throw the lights away.

Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.

Turn off all lights when you leave or go to bed.

Never use electric lights on a metal tree.

Never run extension cords under carpets or near heaters.

Regarding Christmas trees:

When buying an artificial tree make sure it's fire resistant.

When purchasing a live tree, make sure needles are hard to pull from branches and they don't break when you bend them with your fingers.

The trunk of a fresh tree should be sticky with resin and when tapped on the ground doesn't lose many needles.

When setting up the tree, make sure it is not near a fireplace or heater, or blocking an exit.

Be sure the tree stand is filled with water and watered daily.

Regarding holiday candles:

Never use candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

Always use non-flammable holders and make sure they are in a secure place where children and pets will not knock them over.

Make sure they are away from anything flammable and extinguished before going to bed or leaving the residence.

Regarding general safety:

Keep matches and candles out of reach from children.

Avoid wearing loose clothes when around candles or near an open flame such as when lighting the fireplace.

Have your fireplace cleaned annually.

Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out and practice it.

Make sure you have a smoke detector on every level of the residence and change the batteries twice a year.

Don't use tree decorations that resemble food or small ornaments that a small child can put in their mouth and choke on.

Last day after 30 years

Members gather at Headquarters to wish FF Chris Tibbitts a happy retirement.

House Fire Victim Rescued

Early morning house fire on Pelham Dr. FFs found and rescued a victim from a back bedroom. Fire was quickly extinguished. Victim was transported to Metro Hospital. Fire is under investigation.