Griffith Road Fire Department

We do our best to not inconvenience others while we work, but sometimes it is necessary - for everyone's safety - to avoid the area and allow us to get things under control. Saving lives and preserving property are always our first concern!

Time for a tree also means planning for safe enjoyment of it!

With Thanksgiving behind us, and Christmas quickly approaching, we'd like to share a few Christmas Tree Safety tips!

- Make sure the tree is fresh; the trunk should be sticky to the touch and branches should not easily snap when you bend them.
- Shake the tree and make sure many loose needles do not fall off as a result.
- Before bringing your tree indoors, make a 1/2" to 1" fresh cut on the bottom of trunk and let it stand in a bucket of water outside for 12 hours before bringing indoors and placing in its stand.
- Check the water in the tree stand daily. Make sure the tree isn’t blocking any exits and keep it at least three feet away from heat vents or other heat sources.
- Artificial trees should be labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
- Make sure all decorations are flame-retardant or flame-resistant.
- Do not overload extension cords and electrical outlets.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections.
- Connect no more than 3 strands of mini-string lights together at one time.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
- Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or placed outside the home.

With the expanding use of Lithium ion batteries in the home, this is a good time to remind everyone to look for a national testing accreditation seal (like UL) on the electronic devices you buy and receive for gifts this holiday season. Use the recommended charger from the manufacturer and charge units in a safe place that could not block your exit. We don't want you to be afraid of these devices, but understand the potential danger they pose and plan to protect your safety.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety PSA Watch UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)'s new PSA to learn how to Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety and precautions to protect your loved ones…

Having a little fun doing training with the rescue tools tonight. Working with some good eggs here.

Griffith Road VFD may be the only completely volunteer fire department in Union County, but we are in the majority across the country. The job has the same requirements whether you draw a salary or not. A huge thank you to all those willing to serve just because the job needs to be done.

SPCC Firefighter Training classes coming up in 2024! We encourage all of our members to get their FF I & II certifications and sponsor their training in these evening classes.

In addition to the complete certification course offerings, there will be FIP-3623 Pumps Introduction /Basic Ops in Jan/Feb, FIP-3624 Pumps Hydraulic /Water Supply in Feb/Mar, FIP-3625 Pumps Sprinklers and Standpipes /Maint &Test in Mar/Apr, and FIP 3626 Aerials in May thru July. Ask about details in you are interested in any of these.

While there is currently no burning ban in Union County, we ask property owners to refrain from unnecessary fires due to the fact that we have not seen much rain recently and there is none in the immediate forecast. Low humidity and dry conditions overall remain meaning that even mild winds can carry embers and heat to other properties where a fire can be ignited.

Thanks to all who helped with hose testing today. It was a beautiful crisp morning and we got work done.

Protecting your community should not require your health. The National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer is working to understand and reduce cancer in the fire service. There are many simple things we can do to help protect ourselves such as clean your gear, keep it in a bag, and wear SCBA around smoke.

“Female firefighters constitute almost 4% of the U.S. career fire service (and 8% in the volunteer fire service), but few cancer studies have focused on female firefighters due to the limited sample size and participation rates. The NFR is trying to change that by encouraging all female firefighters across the nation to visit the NFR website and enroll.” - Dr. Lindsay Judah, CFO, CTO

National Firefighter Registry | NIOSH | CDC Numerous studies show that firefighters’ exposure on the fireground, where smoke and hazardous chemicals are released from burning materials, may increase their risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Happy Halloween from the crew at Station 13!

We want you to have a safe and happy Halloween, so bring the costumed kids to our fire station for some safe treats from real firefighters and fun after 6PM until dark..

Some of the guys from station 13 were part of the multi-departmental training for agricultural grain bin extrication and rescue. We appreciate those who sponsored the event and gave us the learning opportunity.

Safely Get Rid of Unused Medicine
On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Union County Sheriff’s Office, along with Safe Kids Union County, will be hosting an Operation Medicine Drop event at Forest Hill Church, 8120 Kensington Dr., Waxhaw.

Operation Medicine Drop is a free drug take-back program that gives those in our community a safe and secure way to dispose of unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medications.

One of our own members lost his house to a fire. Please consider helping him and his fiancé during this tragedy. We are sorry about your loss and thinking of you in this time. We also hope you are back to helping others again soon, Mike.

Haley and Mike’s House Fire Recovery Fund, organized by Kaitlyn Tepper Haley is a wonderful person who has dedicated her life to helping animals as… Kaitlyn Tepper needs your support for Haley and Mike’s House Fire Recovery Fund

Griffith Road VFD is like so many other fire departments across the nation. We do all we can with the staff we have, but there is always room for YOU!

Growing need for volunteer firefighters in North Carolina The holiday season is a busy time for responders.

Members, be aware that Active911 will have a scheduled upgrade happening on Thursday morning between 8 and 9AM. Listen to your radios or pagers and don't rely simply on your smartphone app especially during that time.

Its Fire Prevention Week and we want you to focus on the dangers of home cooking fires. The US can expect to experience over 125,000 fires this year as a result of cooking accidents. No one expects to involved in one of these incidents but they will likely result in over 4,000 injuries across the country and lead to more than 400 deaths.

Practice home cooking safety by:
> Never leaving your stove unattended while cooking.
> Keeping your cooking area free of combustible materials.
> Create a kid-free zone near the stove.
> Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they can't be bumped.
> Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
> Keep cooking equipment clean.
> Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves while around heat sources.

Another training opportunity coming in December!
Electric Vehicles (EV) and the batteries that power many popular devices are a growing concern for firefighters. This session with BMW will be a chance to learn more about the possible threats and techniques to extinguish fires involving these energy storage devices.

Class registration is open! You can also email my personal email. [email protected]

If you want to be a full-time firefighter, Monroe has a recruit class coming soon. If you aren't sure about a career or don't have that much time to give, talk with us, your local volunteer fire department. We are always interested in help and will train (just not all at once!)

We are currently accepting applications for firefighters. High school diploma or GED required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must be of good moral character and be 18 years of age. Starting salary is $47,931 annually. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus. Applicants must complete an entry level Firefighter written test to be considered for employment. Application period closes Oct. 25th @ 5:00pm
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/monroenc/jobs/4225543/firefighter?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

For anyone who needs a TIM class...

Are there any First Responders in the county that need an AHA BLS/CPR renewal this month? If there is interest, we can schedule one at our station.