In between calls, first responders keep busy -- especially during the holidays

I once heard a comment, from someone who should know better, that fire fighters seemed to have it easy because “they only work, what, an hour a day”.

            Right.

            That’s like saying all police officers do is drive around all day or that all lifeguards do during the summer is sit outside and get tanned.

            Right.

            First responders, including those in the village, do a lot when they’re not responding to calls.  In addition to professional development and usual maintenance of skills and equipment, police officers and fire fighters spend a lot of time providing community education.

            An obvious busy time of the year is the holiday season.

            The Fire Department’s “Keep the Wreath Red” program, which reminds residents who celebrate Christmas to follow some of the basic safety tips.

• ·                     Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch.
• ·                     Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• ·                     Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
• ·                     Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• ·                     Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet
• ·                     All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• ·                     Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk
• ·                     Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
• ·                     If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.

            Now if you’re not among the residents who celebrate Christmas, don’t get your holiday spirit in a snit or put Rob Sherman in your speed dial.

            Some of these tips, especially those that relate to candles can apply to you.

            Remember, the fire and police departments serve all residents all of the time.

            And it takes a lot more than an hour a day.