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Essential Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Workplace and Employees
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
Photo by Pexels
Written by Thomas Walker, community contributor
As a business owner, it’s your job to see that your assets, customers, and employees are as
safe as possible. While you no doubt take safety measures, such as locking the doors at night
and maintaining video surveillance, there are other ways that you give peace of mind to those
who matter the most. By prioritizing fire safety, you not only show your people that you care, but you
can also mitigate your risks. Today, North Madison Volunteer Fire Company offers some helpful
tips on fire safety in the workplace.
Why Fire Safety Matters
Fire knows no boundaries, and it can destroy everything you’ve worked so hard to build. And,
given that there are so many different ways fires can break out – these include chemical,
cooking oils, and faulty electrical outlets and appliances – it only makes sense to keep fire
safety at the forefront of all you do. For business owners, having a fire safety plan in place offers
many benefits, such as:
● Reduced fire risk
● Enhanced safety
● Asset and property protection
● Fewer disruptions to business operations
● Reputation protection
Most importantly, reducing your risk of fires can save lives.
Building A Fire Safety Plan
Creating a safer workplace begins by performing a fire risk assessment, which the London Fire
Brigade explains starts with identifying potential hazards, knowing who’s at risk, removing these
hazards, recording your findings, and performing routine safety evaluations at set intervals
throughout the year.
Common Workplace Hazards
In addition to chemicals, kitchen accidents, and unmaintained electrical components, many
workplaces are at risk due to arson, the presence of paper and other flammable materials, and
poor cleaning practices. Although these are not the only areas a business must pay attention to,
they are a good start.
Reducing The Risk Of Arson
Arson is a crime that involves the intentional use of fire to cause damage. Businesses are at risk
of being targeted by disgruntled former employees, people out to do mischief, and even as
retaliation for a domestic conflict. You can reduce your risk by removing combustible materials
from your exterior, properly storing flammables and chemicals, and keeping your exterior well lit
throughout the night.
Digitizing Documents To Eliminate Paper
If you’re still keeping paper documents, a simple way to eliminate this fire hazard is to digitize
files. The best option for this is to utilize a scanning tool to create PDFs and then save your
documents across the cloud. Keeping an online backup may also help you stay compliant with
industry rules and regulations. Plus, you’ll have easy access no matter where you are, so you
can keep a finger on the pulse of your business even when you’re not there.
Hidden Areas To Clean
The cleanliness of your facility also plays a role in fire safety. Make sure to keep your
landscaping cleared out, as leaves and other types of debris can block exterior air vents and act
as kindling for exterior fires. If you keep rags used to clean machinery, wash them frequently.
Reader’s Digest explains that cotton and some oil-based stains may react to cause
spontaneous combustion.
Other Tips
● Have a set evacuation route
● Keep well-maintained fire mitigation equipment, such as fire extinguishers
● Train your staff on emergency procedures
● Ensure that exits are clear
● Create an equipment maintenance plan
● Allow smoking only in designated areas
Workplace fires cause hundreds of fatalities and cost businesses more than $2.3 billion every
year, according to Frontline Data Solutions. As a small business owner, you can’t afford to
ignore fire safety in the workplace. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, such as reducing paper
documents and keeping your facility clean, you can reduce your risk of both accidental and
intentional fires to add another layer of protection over your business and its people.
North Madison Volunteer Fire Company is proud to serve our community. Call (203) 245-
2772.
Tips for Any Natural Disaster
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General, Safety Tips
Tips for Any Natural Disaster
A natural disaster is the last thing any of us expect, but at some point in our lives, all of us will have to deal with one. By preparing for emergencies, you can rest easier knowing that you and your family have a plan and the supplies you need to survive the effects of something like wildfires, storms or flooding. Although every region has its own natural disaster hazards, the following tips from the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company can help you prepare for a number of different scenarios.
Research your area
The first step to being well-prepared is to learn more about the hazards in your area, so that you can tailor your plan and supplies to a specific type of natural disaster. For example, if your home is near a heavily forested area, keep wildfires in mind as a potential risk and plan accordingly. Those who live in the Eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast may want to prepare for the possibility of hurricanes or flooding, while Midwestern residents would be more concerned with the threat of tornadoes. Consider using a disaster app and signing up for emergency alerts. Once you know more about potential hazards in your area, talk to your insurance company to gain a clear picture of what type of coverage is available to you.
Pack an emergency kit
While your disaster “go bag” will be tailored to the risks in your specific area, there are several items that are important to pack for any natural disaster. Start with the essentials – such as three days’ worth of (nonperishable) food and water, a water filter, a flashlight, a two-way radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and multipurpose tools.
If you’re a senior taking medication or have a chronic illness, you will have a few additional considerations in packing your emergency kit. Include any prescription medications that you are taking, your list of emergency contacts, copies of your medicare or medicaid insurance information, as well as written information about your health issues and treatment. Consider storing these important documents in a fire-resistant folder or safe. If you live in a tornado-prone area, be sure that this safe and your supply kit is stored in the lower level or basement of your home.
Make a plan
Having a well-packed emergency kit isn’t enough on its own. You’ll need to know what to do to protect your family if disaster strikes. Start by learning the evacuation zones for natural disasters that are specific to your area and then create an evacuation plan. Pick two meeting spots – one near your home and one outside your neighborhood. Once you’ve done this, map out an evacuation route, as well as an alternative route. Share this plan with your immediate family and relatives.
It can also help to make a communication plan, which you would use in the event that any family members are separated. Consider choosing an additional trusted person outside the potentially affected area who can act as a point of contact in case you lose communication with a family member. Memorize the phone number and address of your contact person, so that you can still reach them if you don’t have access to your cell phone.
Last but not least, make a plan to repair any issues that are affecting your house or property. For example, if you have a dying tree in your yard, hire professionals to remove it, thus preventing any potential damage to your home during a storm. It’s also a good idea to keep your gutters in good repair. Search for “gutter cleaners near me” online or ask a friend!
While the threat of a natural disaster is probably the last thing that you want to think about, preparation is your best defense. A bit of planning ahead can go a long way to ensure the safety of you and your family. By learning more about your region’s natural disaster risks, packing a kit of essentials, and formulating a plan, you can rest easy knowing that you’re ready for anything.
In collaboration with Thomas Walker
Read moreSanta Fundraiser 2020, Twelve days of Christmas BONUS Message!
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
We hope you enjoyed our 2020 fundraising video series. We intend to resume our Santa fundraiser program in December 2021. Stay Safe during this Holiday Season!
*Please note, due to the Madison Public School email security settings, it does not allow access to this content. Please utilize a different account.*
Santa Fundraiser 2020, Night Before Christmas Video Series 5 of 5
by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events, General
*Please note, due to the Madison Public School email security settings, it does not allow access to this content. Please utilize a different account.*
Santa Fundraiser 2020, Reindeer Video Series 4 of 5
by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events, General
Dear North Madison Neighbors,
*Please note, due to the Madison Public School email security settings, it does not allow access to this content. Please utilize a different account.*
Santa Fundraiser 2020, Elves, Elves, Elves! Video Series 3 of 5
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
Dear North Madison Neighbors,
*Please note, due to the Madison Public School email security settings, it does not allow access to this content. Please utilize a different account.*
Santa Fundraiser 2020, A special message from Santa. Video Series 2 of 5
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
North Madison Residents,
As we get closer to Christmas, we are getting updates from Santa. He is quite busy these days but wanted to share with us some of his special secrets about the North Pole. Enjoy this video. May it help get us all in the Christmas spirit!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BcPn_i3r5zIheyYPd6FE33kmL7Ez_Nox/view?usp=sharing
Santa Video Series 2 of 5
*Please note, due to the Madison Public School email security settings, it does not allow access to this content. Please utilize a different account.*
Read moreNorth Madison Vol. Fire Company 2020 Firefighter of the Year
by LT/PIO Justin Cappetta in General
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company would like to announce and congratulate Past Chief John Brady as our 2020 Firefighter of the year also know as “the spirt of the company award” recipient. Past Chief John Brady joined the company back in April 1985. With about 35 years of service he is a well respected member of Nomad often lending a hand around the firehouse, as well as helping take the lead of firehouse projects or even being our resident handy man at the station. He has been historically a strong responder for many years. During his ongoing tenure at North Madison, he has served the role of Firefighter, 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief of Department from 1996 to 2002 on the operations side of the the company. He has also served as President and Treasurer of the company, where now he serves as a senior Firefighter Driver/Operator, and is still well involved with many committees at Nomad and currently serves as our firefighter pension liaison to the town of Madison. Aside from the fire department John sits on the Madison Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and also serves as a board member for the Madison Ambulance Association. John is always there to lend his support, wether its assisting with our annual fund drive, food drive, or Operation Santa Claus fundraiser, to responding to emergency calls anytime day or night. For that on behalf of the officers and members of the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company we congratulate John on being named 2020 spirit of the company award winner. We are proud to have Past Chief John Brady as a member of the department, and thank him for the many years of service and time that he has given to the department as well as the community of Madison.
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Recent Mailer: Printing Error
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
Recently you may have received a mailer to your home similar to the one photographed below.
We regret to inform you that our printing company that assists with our mailing made an error and placed our News/Fund Drive letter into an envelope with return address label and return envelope addressed to Madison Hose Company #1.
Both departments utilize mailer‘s addressed only to our respective response districts. If you have received this envelope with our letter please note that the mailing address should be as follows:
North Madison Vol Fire Company
ATTN: Fund Drive
864 Opening Hill Road
Madison, CT 06443
We apologize for this confusion
Read moreChange Your Clock, Change Your Battery: Giveaway!
by DC Gabe Balsamo in General
Dear Residents,
The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company would like to remind you when you change your clocks it’s time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Day Lights Savings ends on Sunday November 1st at 2:00 am where we “fall behind” an hour. During this time, it is important to change the batteries in all of your smoke detectors as well as CO detectors. If your detectors are hard wired, please check them as many are battery back-up and the detector relies on battery if power is lost. The NMVFC is also hosting a drive up battery give a way on Saturday October 31st, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Batteries will also be available for pick up on Tuesday November 3rd, 2020 and Tuesday November 10th, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. (4 Batteries per household will be given out)
-PIO LT Justin Cappetta
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