Volunteer Fire Department FAQs
● Don’t panic - escape may depend on clear thinking.
● Get out of the house following the planned escape routes, if possible.
● Do not stop to collect valuables or to get dressed.
● Open doors carefully only after feeling them to see if they are hot. If they are hot, do not open them, follow an alternate escape route.
● Keep close to the floor - smoke and hot gases rise.
● When breathing, take short, shallow breaths.
● If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, cover your face with your hands and ROLL to smother the flames.
● While it is human nature to run if your clothes catch on fire, it's actually the worst thing you can do. Running "fans the flames" and intensifies the fire.
● Keep doors and windows closed unless it is necessary to open them for escape.
● Meet at your pre-established meeting place after leaving your house.
● Call 911 as soon as possible from outside of home. Give address and name.
● Never re-enter a burning building.
● Keep the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and walkways. Grills should be at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under leaves and overhanging branches.
● Never keep spare propane cylinders under or near a grill, or inside the home.
● Do not move propane cylinders in a passenger vehicle.
● Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children and in a locked drawer or cabinet.
● Children should never be allowed to use outdoor cooking equipment.
● Don’t wear loose fitting clothing while cooking.
● Use long BBQ mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames.
● Turn off valves when not in use.
● Remove grease/fat buildup in the trays below the grill. This buildup can catch on fire.
Yes, after assuring safe evacuation, you should call 911. Smoke detectors are sensitive to products of combustion in sizes and amounts often not seen by the human eye. Also, many smoke detectors are now also carbon monoxide detectors, a deadly gas that has no smell and is invisible. Never hesitate to call.
One smoke alarm is not enough for the average home. You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical 3-bedroom home would need at least 4 properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years. Batteries should be replaced every 6 months. We suggest that when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, you change your detector batteries.
A multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher is best for the home. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. We recommended installing an extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage.
According to South Jersey Gas, Natural gas is odorless. A harmless chemical is added to natural gas, which makes it smell like rotten eggs. So, if you smell rotten eggs, you may be smelling natural gas. You should evacuate your house and call 911 immediately.
If you see a low hanging wire that is not causing any hazards, you should contact Sea Isle City’s Dispatch Center at 609-263-4311 and advise them of the issue. If you see a low hanging wire sparking, you should call 911 immediately. Do not approach the wire.
Sea Isle City utilizes a volunteer fire department, and we encourage interested community members to volunteer. Training and equipment is provided at no cost. If you are interested in finding out more information regarding volunteering, please contact the fire department at 609-263-4311, ext. 2248.
