Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District

Protecting Neighbors

Christmas Tree Safety 2018

Thanksgiving is over, and as the fall decorations are packed away for another year, the Christmas decorations are coming out.

If you’re planning on visiting one of our local Christmas tree farms or lots to find the perfect live tree for your house, there are a few things we hope you’ll keep in mind this season.

Christmas Tree Safety Facts

  • One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
  • Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
  • A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.

Picking the tree

  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

  • Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

To download a copy of these tips to share with family and friends, click HERE.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research

2019 College Scholarship Opportunity

The Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District is offering up to two college scholarships valued at $1000.00 each.

High school seniors earning a high school diploma, attending college in the fall of 2019, currently residing in within the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District, and posting a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a weighted 4.0 grading scale are eligible to apply.

The application form with qualifications and instructions is available for download HERE.

The application period is open now, and all applications must be received no later than January 11, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

Applications will be reviewed by the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator board, and recipients will be notified on February 8, 2019.

Commission Meeting — November 26, 2018

The regular monthly meeting of the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District Commission will be Monday, November 26, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District Headquarters located at 200 N. Trade Avenue, Landrum, SC 29356.

Except for executive session allowed under state law, all meetings of the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District Commission are open to the public.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
LANDRUM AREA FIRE & RESCUE DISTRICT COMMISSION
November 26, 2018 6:00 p.m.
Location: The LAFRD Station
200 N. Trade Ave
Landrum, SC 29356

  • Invocation
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Notification of Meeting Postings in Accordance with State Law
  • Approval of October Minutes
  • Public Comments* ‐‐ Items on the Agenda (30 Minute Total Limit on Public Comment)
  • Old Business
    • Bridge Benefits
    • Scholarship Update
    • School Emergency Management Support
    • Removal/Replacement of Window Awnings
  • Treasurer’s Report
    • October Financials
  • Fire Chief’s Report
    • New Business
    • Verizon update
    • Upcoming December Meeting Cancellation/Rescheduling
    • IT Update
  • Executive Session pursuant to Section 30-4-70(a)(5) for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body. – Station 2 **

**Upon returning to open session, the Commission may take action on matters discussed in executive session.

  • Public Comments* ‐‐ Items Not on the Agenda (30 Minute Total Limit on Public Balance of Time Unused from First Comment Period.)
  • Commissioners’ Comments
  • Adjourn

(Notices and Agendas Posted Online on November 20, 2018 at 6:42 p.m.)

 

Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely

With the holiday season beginning with Thanksgiving, kitchens all around the area will be buzzing with activity, and family and friends of all ages will be getting in on the action.

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving.
  • In 2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, the peak day for such fires.
  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
  • Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

Fire safety in the kitchen during this time of year is important, so as we all begin preparing our holiday schedules and organizing those big family events, we want to give you a few simple tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from fire.

Safety Tips

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

To download a copy of these tips to share with family and friends, click HERE.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Analysis & Research Division

 

October 2018 — The Month in Review

The Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District responded to a total of 42 calls for assistance during the month of October 2018.

Incident Categories
Auto Accidents 3
Fire/Smoke Alarms 1
Medical Calls 25
Other 10
Trash/Woods/Grass Fire 0
Structure Fires — Business 1
Structure Fires — Residential 1
Lines Down/Arcing 0
Vehicle Fires 1
TOTAL 42

We Believe…

Public safety should be government’s top priority.

The residents and businesses in our area deserve peace of mind knowing that help is always a phone call away.

Where We Are…

Landrum Area Fire & Rescue District
200 N. Trade Ave
Landrum, SC 29356
(864) 457-3101

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL 911