The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention and the New Jersey Fire Service will be honoring 21 plus at a ceremony to be held at Toms River Fire Academy Sept 14, 2010 @ 10:00 AM

21 plus is an agency in Toms River township and Ocean County which provides divisified opportunities to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The fire bureau and the New Jersey Fire Service salute their efforts for taking the lead in providing residential sprinkler systems in their homes for the protection of their clients.

Funding for the retrofit was made available from the Division of Developmental, Disabilities .
David Velardo, director of operations , stated, adding sprinkler systems to our homes is just another step in trying to provide the safest enviorment possible for our residents.
21 plus serves some of New Jersey's most vulnerable citizens. When their families go to sleep at night they want to make sure sure the person in a 21 group home is safe and sound. Please join State, County, and Local officials in applauding 21 plus's commitment to life safety on Sept 14,2010 at the Toms River Fire Academy 1672 Church Rd

Every year in the United States we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbeques, and fireworks---- things of which happy memories are made . But sadly,
Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from the use of fireworks. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention recommends the safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professionals hired by the communities.

Each year 30,000 fires in the US are caused by fireworks
7,000 people are injured
7 related fatalities
35 million dollars in property damage

Devices such as sparklers, roman candles,firecrakers are the most common cause of injury to individuals under 15

Many parents who allow children to play with sparklers do not realize the tempratures reach 1500 - 1800 degrees

In New Jersey fire works are illegal

The Bureau wishes all a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend and reminds residents to check your local newspaper for upcoming supervised events

The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention would like to remind residents and local businesses of using common sense when it comes to using mulch to enhance landscaping. Each year during spring and summer months, hundreds of mulch fires are reported across the nation. These fires start out small and are sometimes undetected, but eventually grow into a devestating fire, causing major damage to buildings, homes, and businesses.

Typically, mulch that is piled to deeply, more than a few inches, can build up heat and spontaneously ignite. As the fire starts in the landscaping mulch, it quickly spreads into the schrubbery and than into the home or business. However, the most common cause of mulch fire is human carelessness through inappropriate discarding of smoking materials, including matches.

To help prevent mulch fires, the Fire Bureau recommends the following:
Consider using a colored stone instead of mulch
Use approved receptacles for smoking materials
Be aware of weather conditions, hot spells allow mulch fires to start more easily
Keep mulch beds as moist as possible
Maintain at least 18" of clearance between the mulch bed and combustible materials

As we approach the memorial day week end leading into the summer season many Toms River residents will begin to barbeque outdoors with family and friends, but this could be one of the most hazardous seasons also if we are not safety conscious.
Grill fires account for an average of 10 fatalities each year in the US in addition to over 100 serious injuries and $ 37 million dollars in property damage. The most common cause of these grill fires is mechanical failure, leaks,breaks in the line followed by grills being placed to close to combustibles or left unattended. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention offer the following tips and techniques to ensure you and family enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer season ( We have all been waiting a long time for this winter to end)

Use Barbecue grills safely:

Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles
If you determine your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubbles.Turn off the propane tank and have the grill serviced by a proffessional

Never use or store propane ccylinders indoors or even in the garage.
Always transport and store a cylinder in a secure and upright position so it will not fall, shift ,or roll

What does propane smell like?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunks spray, or a dead animal. Propane manufactures add this smell to alert customers to potential leaks ( simular to the additive in natural gas)
Keep children away from the grill while cooking
Never leave the grill unattended

And most of all have a safe and enjoyable summer season

Candles cause an estimated 15,000 fires in residential homes, 150 fatalities, and approximately 1300 injuries each year. Additionally, 540 million dollars in property damage

Over 1/2 of those candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material. As we celebrate this holiday season , the Bureau of Fire Prevention reminds residents to observe safety guidelines when using candles

If you are going to use candles (battery operated candles make a great substitute) ensure they are in a sturdy metal,glass, or ceramic holders where they cannot be easily knocked over

Keep candles out of reach of children and pets

NEVER leave the house with candles burning or unattended

By using good comman sense and maintaining our early warning devices we can all enjoy what promises to be a great weekend