FEMA AFG Grant Awarded for Fire Equipment

The Oradell Fire Department announced today that they will receive a 2020 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for nearly $32,000. The grant will help fund the purchase of new fire hose and nozzles, replacing current units, some which are more than 30 years old.

The Oradell Fire Department determined that fire hose and nozzles are one of the most mission-critical components in firefighting, and in need of priority replacement.  The federal funding for this project will help replace antiquated and non-compliant equipment, ultimately improving the safety of firefighters and efficiencies in our mission.

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!

The Oradell Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about  simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

 The Oradell Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Chief Joseph Gothelf. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Oradell Fire Departments wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
  • You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

FEMA AFG Grant Awarded for Communications Equipment

The Oradell Fire Department announced today that they will receive a 2019 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $223,402.38. The grant will help fund new communications equipment, replacing current units that are 18 years old.

The Oradell Fire Department determined that radio communications is the most mission-critical component in need of priority replacement.  The federal funding for this project will help replace antiquated, non-compliant portable and mobile communications equipment.  The goals for this project are to improve the interoperability capabilities of the department and increasing the safety of firefighters and community members.

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

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