January 14, 2009: Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winner
For Release January 14, 2009
Wilton Fire Department
Office of the Fire Marshal
Contact: (203) 834-6249
At an awards ceremony today, the Wilton Fire Department congratulated the local winners of the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Cameron Bell and Bobby Reif took first place in the 4th and 5th grades respectively. Runners up were Eliza Ward for the 4th grade and Trevor Lilly for the 5th. Fire Marshal David Kohn presented awards certificates and savings bonds to the winners. The savings bonds, $100 for first place, and $50 for runners up were donated by the Wilton Fire Fighters, Local 2233.
The contest theme was “FIRE PREVENTION – EVERYONE/EVERYDAY”. Its purpose is to promote child and adult awareness of fire prevention responsibilities. Last year, approximately 30,000 entries were submitted throughout the state.
The annual statewide competition for fourth and fifth graders, began October 1, and is run by elementary school teachers in cooperation with the contest sponsors: The Connecticut Fire Marshals’ Association, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Connecticut Fire Chiefs’ Association, State Board of Education and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry).
All winning posters on the local level will be submitted to the county-wide competition, the winners of which are considered for first place in the state.
December 15, 2008: Holiday Decorations Safety
For release the week of December 15th
Wilton Fire Department
Office of the Fire Marshal
Contact: (203) 834-6249
1. Before natural trees are set up, the trunk should be sawed off above the original cut, set in a stand and tap water added. This initial fresh cut opens up the sap channels in the tree so that it can take up water. Keep your tree stand water level above the cut in the trunk to prevent the tree from forming a sap seal. A sap sealed tree trunk will not draw water which is needed for it to remain fresh.
2. All trees should be held upright in sturdy stands having a base that is sufficiently broad enough to effectively support the tree. Guy wires may be needed to steady oversized trees.
3. Natural trees having root balls should be moistened daily and cut natural trees should be placed in containers of water sufficient to provide at least a one day supply. A container holding at least 1 quart per inch in stem diameter is recommended.
4. Natural trees should remain indoors only for as long a period of time as they are fresh. Cut trees are thirsty! Depending on tree size, they may use from two pints to one and one half gallons or more per day. So make sure to check the water level daily and supply fresh water as needed. Remove any tree that shows evidence of drying or severe shedding.
5. All trees and decorations should be located a safe distance from sources of heat such as heaters, fireplaces, stoves, television sets, candles and the like. Never decorate your tree with candles!
6. Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common cause of holiday-related accidents. Worn-out electrical cords and plugs should be replaced. Avoid too many plugs in one outlet. Use multi-outlet power strips when running many applications or decorative light screens.
7. All sources of electric lighting, both direct and indirect, should be in good condition and consist of equipment that has been tested and labeled or listed for the specific purpose by a recognized testing laboratory. All lighting should be turned off or better yet, disconnected, when the area is unattended. This is especially important in residential occupancies when the occupants are asleep.
September 22, 2008: Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest
For Release the Week of September 22nd
Wilton Fire Department
Office of the Fire Marshal
Contact: (203) 834-6249
Local Fire Marshal David Kohn announced today the 25th Anniversary of the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest.
The contest theme is “FIRE PREVENTION – EVERYONE/EVERYDAY”. Its purpose is to promote child and adult awareness of fire prevention responsibilities.
The annual statewide competition for fourth and fifth graders, beginning October 1, 2008, is run by elementary school teachers in cooperation with the contest sponsors: The Connecticut Fire Marshals’ Association, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Connecticut Fire Chiefs’ Association, State Board of Education and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry).
All winning posters on the county level will be exhibited in various areas around the State, including the State Capitol during the month of October. From these, a state winner will be chosen to promote fire prevention throughout the State.
Fire Marshal Kohn will be soliciting the assistance of the community for areas to exhibit all posters submitted in the contest so that community members will be more aware of the importance of fire prevention at all times.
August 21, 2008: College Fire Safety
Each Year, more than 13,000 Fires Occur in Residence Halls and Greek Housing
The Wilton Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind new and returning college students to be fire safe. Each year more than 13,000 fires occur around the country in residence halls and Greek housing. An untold number occur in off-campus housing. The following are some very important tips from the Nation Fire Protection Association:…
Read more: College Fire Safety Tips
Photo: A fire at a University of Wisconsin fraternity house on May 13, 2008, left three firefighters with minor injuries and the house destroyed, though no residents were hurt. The Badger Herald
June 16, 2008: Fire Alarms
Several times a day, the Wilton Fire Department responds to residential automatic alarms in town. Often fire alarms are set off by burnt food on the stove, a smoky fireplace, steam from the shower, etc. Other times the alarm is set off by less mundane factors.
As recently as a week ago, the Wilton Fire Department responded to an automatic alarm on East Meadow Rd.…[
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March 28, 2008: Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winner
The Wilton Fire Department would like to congratulate Anneke Stern for her winning submission to Connecticut Fire Safety Poster Contest. Anneke took first place as a local winner in Wilton during December and went on to win the county level competition.…
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February 18, 2008: Travel Safety: Know Your Hotel
With winter travel season upon us and school breaks just around the corner, the Wilton Fire Department would like to remind residents to familiarize themselves with hotel and restaurant fire safety when they are away from home…
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December 17, 2007: Be Prepared for Winter Storms
Now that winter is here we need to be prepared. Prepare for winter storms with an emergency kit. Label the kit “Emergency”.…
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December 10, 2007: Outdoor Decorations
The Wilton Fire Department hopes that as you decorate your home for the holidays you will bear in mind the following basic safety tips…
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