Town of Amherst Fire Safety Division

Stay Safe This 4th of July

▪️ Attend professional fireworks displays instead of using your own
▪️ If grilling, keep the grill away from structures and never leave it unattended
▪️ Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink
▪️ Stay hydrated in the heat
▪️ Keep pets indoors and calm during fireworks

Have fun and celebrate responsibly! 🎆🎇

Fireworks fire & injury facts

Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.

Source: NFPA Research Division

Stay Safe This 4th of July: Fireworks Safety Tips
🎆 Fireworks are beautiful, but dangerous. Each year, thousands suffer injuries from improper use. Stay safe with these tips:

▪️️️ Leave fireworks to the professionals - attend public displays
▪️ Never let children handle fireworks
▪️ Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby for emergencies
▪️ Never try to relight "dud" fireworks
▪️ Dispose of used fireworks by wetting them down and placing in a metal trash can

Remember: Even sparklers can reach 1,800°F - hot enough to melt gold!
🇺🇸 Celebrate safely and have a happy 4th of July!

Smoke Alarms: Your Home's Silent Guardians

Did you know?

- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including basements
- Place alarms inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas
- For best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound

Maintenance tips:

1. Test your alarms monthly
2. Replace batteries annually (or when the alarm chirps)
3. Replace entire smoke alarms every 10 years

Types of alarms:

- Ionization: Better at detecting flaming fires
- Photoelectric: Better at detecting smoldering fires
- Dual-sensor: Combines both technologies

Remember: A working smoke alarm can be the difference between life and tragedy. Check yours today!

www.amherst.ny.us

Smoke Alarms Save Lives - Is Your Home Protected?

Did you know that working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half? Our Fire Safety Division has investigated 30 fires in our town this year alone. Some of these incidents could have had very different outcomes if smoke alarms had been present and functional.

Key smoke alarm tips:

- Install alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside sleeping areas
- Test alarms monthly
- Replace batteries at least once a year (if you do not have a 10-year sealed battery)
- Replace entire alarms every 10 years

Don't wait - check your smoke alarms today. It could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.

"Cause for Alarm" - NEW OFM Smoke Alarm Video On September 28, 2022, the Office of the Fire Marshal will be releasing a new video on its Twitter account titled “Cause for Alarm”. This video is part of a...

Click, click! It’s grilling season! While you’re getting those perfect grill marks, remember these safety tips:
🔥Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
🔥Place grills well away from the home, deck railings, eaves, and branches.
🔥Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away.
🔥Remove grease or fat buildup regularly.
🔥Never leave your grill unattended.
🔥Open the gas grill lid before lighting.

Since January 1st, careless smoking has caused about half of the fires in the Town of Amherst in which has resulted in serious injury including fatalities in a few cases. We cannot express enough about in home safety when it comes to smoking. Please make sure to properly extinguish every butt and please do not smoke when feeling drowsy. Please follow these tips about smoking and home fire safety.

Stellantis is recalling more than 32,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs from the 2021-2024 model years due to a fire risk. No other Wrangler versions are included in this action.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs Are Recalled Due to Fire Risk - Consumer Reports Stellantis is recalling more than 32,000 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid SUVs from the 2021-2024 model years due to a fire risk. No other Wrangler versions are included in this action.

FIRE SAFETY | Deep-Fried Turkey Edition 🦃
Are you frying your turkey this year? Remember these tips to keep your home and family safe this Thanksgiving!
🦃 Fryers should be placed outdoors on a solid, level surfaced and at a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
🦃 Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage, or an enclosed space.
🦃 Do not overfill the fryer.
🦃 Never leave the fryer unattended.
🦃 Never let children or pets near the fryer during or after use because the oil can remain hot for hours.
🦃 Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts.
🦃 Wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.
🦃 Ensure the turkey is thawed completely before placing it in a fryer.
🦃 Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.
🦃 If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately

Erie county civil service office announced they are accepting applications for Assistant Code Enforcement Officer and Code Enforcement Officer. The Fire Inspectors office is part of the Building Department. If you wish to join the building department please sign up for the civil service test. The announcement is attached for more information.

Exams open to the public | ERIE COUNTY, NY CAREERS Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.

There is a Town Board approved fireworks display this evening in the Hopkins and Dodge rd area . There are firework displays throughout the year and we want our community to know that these do occur at times. Please know that the Town does review all applications to verify they are following all requirements.

There is a Town Board approved fireworks display this evening. There are firework displays throughout the year and we want our community to know that these do occur at times. Please know that the Town does review all applications to verify they are following all requirements.

Did you know that all 5 Fire Inspectors are certified code enforcement officers that respond to structural damage incidents. Last evening the the Fire inspectors assisted Amherst Police Department - NY and East Amherst Fire Department in removing the hazard, assessing the structural integrity of the building. We also make sure proper enclosure and stabilization was being performed. This is due to the town seeing the need of having a Fire Inspector on call 24 hrs a day 7 days a weeks all year round for incidents like this, unlivable conditions and fire investigation .

[AMHERST POLICE, NY] -- Officer responded to this accident this past week. Fire department responded to assist shoring up the garage.

Electrolux Group Recalls Frigidaire Gas Laundry Centers Due to Fire Hazard

Electrolux Group Recalls Frigidaire Gas Laundry Centers Due to Fire Hazard Consumers should immediately stop using the dryer of the recalled Laundry Centers and contact Electrolux Group for a free inspection, repair and lint removal service. Electrolux Group is contacting known purchasers directly. Consumers can continue to use the washer which is unaffected by the issue.

This morning The Fire inspectors office assisted the Main-Transit Fire Department in the investigation of a fire at a local restaurant. The cause was due to Lithium-ion battery's in a charging station. We cannot stress enough the importance of lithium-ion battery storage. Please store them safely and not near your emergency exit path. Also, make sure all lithium-ion batteries you purchase are UL listed, as many on the internet and websites like Amazon are not.

Here are some other Fire Safety Tips from FDNY
• NEVER overcharge or leave battery charging overnight.
• NEVER charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
• NEVER leave e-bikes or e-scooters unattended while charging.
• NEVER place batteries in the Trash or Recycling bin.

Please use caution in traveling in Williamsville this afternoon on Main st near Forest . Also be patient while Amherst Police handle a police emergency.

The incident on Main Street has been cleared, there will be a press debriefing located at the North Forest Town Pool lot at 85 North Forest Road, North of Main. The briefing will begin at 3:15

[AMHERST POLICE, NY] -- Heavy police presence.

Main Street at North Forest is CLOSED to all traffic due to a police investigation.

There is no danger to the public.

Prevent Youth Firesetting
Children are often curious about fire. While curiosity is normal, there are
things you can do to prevent your child from experimenting with fire.

Teach your child:
> Fire is dangerous.
> Even small fires can spread very quickly.
> Fire is a tool, not a toy, and must only be used by adults.

You can make your home safer by:
o Inspecting it for fire hazards.
o Keeping lighters and matches away from children.
o Supervising children.
o Having working smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside all
sleeping areas.
o Planning and practicing your home fire escape plan.

If you feel that your child is at a higher risk of experimenting with fire, contact the Juvenile Firesetter Hotline at (716) 348-5394

Juvenile Fire Intervention, Reduction, and Education of WNY is comprised of agencies with one goal in mind. Helping the youth and their caregivers in our county with issues related to fire-setting tendencies.

You are not alone. Please reach out if you need to report or request help.
https://www3.erie.gov/fire/sites/www3.erie.gov.fire/files/2022-02/jfire_flyer_11.29.2021_0.pdf

www3.erie.gov

This week is Arson Awareness Week.
Youth firesetting is a problem throughout the United States and around the world. Fire misuse behaviors in children may be attributed to issues such as curiosity or experimentation, underlying struggles with impulse control, emotional regulation, social/interpersonal skills, childhood trauma, or other behavioral health conditions. Children observe adults using matches and lighters but may not be taught about important fire safety practices. They may also observe unsafe uses of fire in media, videos, and gaming.

If you notice any fire misuse behaviors in children please fill out this online form at https://www3.erie.gov/fire/form/j-fire
This voluntary program is designed to assess identified youth with fire-setting tendencies. Education, resources, and interventions will be offered to the child and their caregivers based on the determined level of risk.

J-Fire | Fire Safety If you would like someone to contact you with more information about the Juvenile Firesetter Program, please fill out the information and hit submit, someone will get back to you. There is no obligation to move beyond the information process.

Make sure to check your smoke alarms. If you don't have any smoke alarms please get one so you can minimize the risk to you and those that live with you.

This week’s theme is Smoke Alarm Tips. It’s a proven fact, having working smoke alarms in your home can reduce your chances of dying in a fire by at least 50%.

We cannot stress enough the importance of lithium-ion battery storage. Please store them safely and not near your emergency exit path. Also, make sure all lithium-ion batteries you purchase are UL listed, as many on the internet and websites like Amazon are not.

Here are some other Fire Safety Tips from FDNY
• NEVER overcharge or leave battery charging overnight.
• NEVER charge a battery or device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
• NEVER leave e-bikes or e-scooters unattended while charging.
• NEVER place batteries in the Trash or Recycling bin.

A fire investigated by the Town of Amherst Fire Inspectors office and the Amherst Police Department - NY ends with a guilty plea.

https://buffalonews.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/buffalo-man-30-admits-setting-fire-to-amherst-home-with-flare-gun/article_f0a04e7c-d3c7-11ed-bc40-9f18f71a7a68.html?fbclid=IwAR2QGLO98VOEgmAWe5xzR_BuH_BaTPWi6y9zyUxtzzK6IIFrzCvasXI1g_U

Buffalo man, 30, admits setting fire to Amherst home with flare gun Dino A. Bruscia, who goes by the first name Dean, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in Erie County Court to third-degree arson, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Public service announcement from a popular Air Fryer manufacture Cosari has recalled a list of models due to fire hazard with electrical components within unit. Please follow instructions if you have one of the models listed.

COSORI Recalls Certain Models of Air Fryers

There is nothing more important to us than our customers’ safety. Out of an abundance of caution, COSORI is voluntarily recalling certain models of our air fryers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Health Canada, and Profeco.

• CP158-AF
• CP158-AF-R19
• CP158-AF-RXW
• CP158-AF-RXR
• CAF-P581-BUSR
• CAF-P581-AUSR
• CAF-P581-RUSR
• CP137-AF
• CP137-AF-RXB
• CP137-AF-RXR
• CP137-AF-RXW
• CS158-AF
• CS158-AF-RXB
• CS158-AF-R19
• CAF-P581S-BUSR
• CAF-P581S-RUSR
• CAF-P581S-AUSR
• CO137-AF
• CO158-AF
• CO158-AF-RXB
• CP258-AF

The wire connectors in the affected air fryers can overheat, posing fire and burn risks. Consumers should contact Cosori to receive their choice of a free replacement air fryer (or another select COSORI product depending on the model of your air fryer and subject to availability), by registering online at www.recall.cosori.com, or by calling 888-216-5974 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

Please visit www.recall.cosori.com to learn if your unit is part of the recall.

Reminder to always inspect your Extension cords especially with Winter months with different appliances and holiday decorations. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord or power strip, Always check the rating of the extension cord. Many fires have occurred due to improper use of extension cords.

Joe was also a long time employee in the Town of Amherst Building Department in which he dealt with the public in property complaints. His knowledge, charm, and quick witted personality is extremely missed in the Building Department.