A Message from the Brookhaven Borough Fire Marshal
My goal is to help ensure that every Brookhaven Borough resident stays safe and is protected from the tragedy of fire and other preventable hazards.
Your attention to fire safety and emergency preparedness helps protect your home, your family, your neighbors, and our entire community. Please review the following seasonal fire safety reminders to help keep everyone safe.
Thank you for doing your part to keep Brookhaven Borough safe!
1. No Leaf Burning Reminder
As fall leaves begin to drop, please remember that LEAF BURNING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN BROOKHAVEN BOROUGH.
Leaf burning creates hazardous smoke, releases harmful pollutants, and increases the risk of accidental fires. Instead, please:
- Bag or compost leaves according to the borough’s yard waste collection schedule.
- Keep leaf piles away from curbs, storm drains, and fire hydrants.
Thank you for helping keep our air clean and our neighborhoods safe.
2. Home Heating Safety
As cooler weather approaches, make sure your heating system is safe and ready for use.
Before turning on your heater:
- Have your heating system professionally cleaned and serviced.
- Replace air filters to ensure proper airflow.
- Have your chimney inspected to ensure it is clean and free of cracks or obstructions.
- Install and test carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and smoke alarms.
A malfunctioning heating system can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up inside your home or workplace. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly.
If an emergency occurs:
- Call 911 immediately if there is a fire, a smoke alarm or fire alarm activation, or any other fire-related emergency.
- If you smell natural gas, leave the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
- Call 911 for any electrical emergency involving an immediate threat to life or safety.
MINUTES MAKE A DIFFERENCE – CALL FIRST! CALL FAST!
3. Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
Deep-fried turkey can be delicious, but turkey fryers can be extremely dangerous when not used properly.
Before you fry:
- Always use your turkey fryer outdoors on a flat, stable, noncombustible surface, at least 10 feet away from buildings, houses, decks, and vehicles.
- Never use a turkey fryer inside a garage, on a wooden deck, or on a composite deck.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before slowly lowering it into the hot oil. Water and hot oil do not mix!
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fryer.
- Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Keep a suitable fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
Never use water to extinguish an oil or grease fire. If a fire occurs, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to move the fryer or fight a large or spreading fire.
4. Fire Pit Safety Tips
Fire pits can be a wonderful way to enjoy cool evenings, but they must be used responsibly.
- Check borough regulations before using a fire pit.
- Use a fire pit designed for its intended purpose and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
- Keep fires small and manageable, and maintain a safe distance from buildings, structures, trees, bushes, and other combustible materials. Follow applicable local requirements and manufacturer recommendations for minimum clearances.
- Never use gasoline or other accelerants to start or revive a fire.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
- Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, or appropriate fire extinguisher nearby.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area. Carefully stir the ashes and add water until the fire and ashes are completely cool.
LET’S KEEP OUR GATHERINGS SAFE, WARM, AND ENJOYABLE FOR EVERYONE!
