Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.

• – Don’t put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
• – Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• – Keep the live tree stand filled with water at all times.
• – Use only nonflammable decorations.
• – Don’t link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it’s safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• – Avoid using lit candles; consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles
• – Ensure that Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don’t block an exit way.

For more tips on how to prevent a holiday fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s website at www.usfa.fema.gov

Sincerely,

Mark your calendars because Sunday December 16, Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa and his helpers will be riding through the Oakmont neighborhood on board a whole lot more than a one horse open sleigh! Should anyone have questions or a request for a specific stop call the fire house at 610-446-9837 and ask for Captain Thomas Straub.

Saturday November 17, Oakmont Fire Company held its first Turkey Raffle in over a decade. What began as yet another way to celebrate the company’s 100th Anniversary, turned out to also be a great community gathering! The engine bay was filled with friends, family and neighbors testing their luck in winning a frozen turkey for the family. The company raffled off 40 frozen turkeys, along with 9 complete Thanksgiving meals. The 10th frozen meal was donated to Shannon Straub (Daughter of Captain John Straub) and her girl scout troop to be givin to a family in need.  It was a great event in all, and the community continues to show their support for the fire company. During the morning preparation, several members helped get the station ready for the event with the help of  several future members as seen in the picture below.

Monday November 26, Oakmont Fire Company held a Mayday drill at the Normandy botanical garden. The company worked on several scenarios involving the use of the Rapid Intervention Team. This drill was used to strengthen the knowledge and keep the company prepared in case this unfortunate event occurs.

Come and join Oakmont Fire Company for the turkey raffle.  After years of hiatus we are bringing it back for the 100th anniversary. The event will be held Saturday, November 17^th at the firehouse from 7pm to 9pm. Test your luck and see if you can walk away with a 18 to 20 pound turkey. 25 cents for a ticket and the spin of the wheel is all you need.

Monday October 15, Oakmont Fire Company held a mayday drill in station. Instructors from Safety & Survival Training, LLC came into the station to give a lecture and some hands on training. Members heard from the instructors their first hand experiences with calling for maydays at fire scenes. After the lecture the crew went into the engine bay and did hands on training of when to call for a mayday or an urgent message. Below are some pictures from the drill.

Sunday October 14, Oakmont Fire Company participated in a block party held on Woodcroft. Members of the company brought Engine 38 to the event. Children and adult were able to look around the truck as well as spray the hose from the truck. It was a great time for all.

Saturday October 13 Oakmont participated in a parade held in Yeadon. The company spent several nights preparing Ladder 38 for the parade, and was able to win the 2nd place trophy.  We would like to thank and congratulate all the members that took time out of  their days and nights to get the truck ready.  Also congratulations to the other compnaies in the township who took home trophies.  (Photos from Delaware Valley Fire Photography)

On Saturday, September 29th, eight members of the Oakmont Fire Company,  along with 53 members from Haverford’s other four fire companies, made the trip  up to Norristown to participate in the 133rd Pennsylvania State Fire Convention  Parade. The members of the five fire companies made history, and marched as one  township department. Pride, dedication, and teamwork was evident in the days activities. Members of each company spent countless hours cleaning their apparatus and participating in marching practice to be in tip-top shape come parade day. Congratulations to the Brookline and Llanerch fire companies for first place finishes for their apparatus, and strong work to everyone who participated! Please visit Delaware Valley Fire Photography’s page on Facebook to see more photos.

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On Sunday, September 16, 2012 over 200 of Super Steves’ friends, families, neighbors, co-workers and brother fire-fighters came together for the 1st Annual Super Steve Stroll. This event raised over $6,000 for PENN Medicine’s Mesothelioma and Pleural Program. It was a great day, filled with music from DJ Tommy Tunes, face painting, balloon animals, and raffle baskets. We look forward to the years to come!!