"Fall Back" on Sunday Morning
With the end of Daylight Saving Time just around the corner (clocks "fall back" at 2am on Sunday, November 1st), will you remember to test your smoke detectors and CO detectors when you change your clocks? On average, families have less than three minutes from the time the first smoke alarm sounds to escape a fire. Working smoke alarms provide the early warning and critical extra seconds needed to escape and cut the risk of dying in home fire structures in half. Regularly test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and remind your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. This simple act takes just a moment, but it is the best defense your family has against the devastating effects of a home fire.
Smoke alarms should be tested once a month and if an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. Also remember to check the expiration date on your smoke detectors. The life expectancy of smoke detectors is 8 to 10 years. If they are more than 8 years old, it's time to replace them. Many new detectors have 10 year batteries and/or are designed to be entirely replaced. For a traditional detector you should replace the batteries regularly, and make sure to retest the detector with the new batteries installed to ensure it was done properly.
Loudoun County's “Put a Finger on It” smoke alarm campaign offers free home safety inspections and smoke alarms to all Loudoun County residents. If your smoke alarms are broken or outdated they will replace them with battery powered alarms at no cost and install additional alarms as necessary. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the hotline at 703-737-8093 or visit www.loudoun.gov/smokealarms.
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All Sterling Fire Stations are drop off points for the ongoing toy drive and the ongoing coat drive.
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The SVFC was honored to be asked to fly the flag today at the funeral of Charlene McPheeters Greener, a 20+ year resident of Falcons Landing Retirement Community, the neighborhood just behind fire station 618.
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Townhouse Fire for Wednesday Volunteers
Late Wednesday Night Engine 611 (LCFR), Truck 611 (SVFC), and Engine 618B (combined LCFR/SVFC) were alerted along with other units from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for a townhouse fire in Sterling. Engine and Truck 611 arrived first, finding smoke from the first floor and garage of a middle of the row townhouse. Crews made entry with E611 advancing to the fire to begin fire attack. T611 interior crew began a search to ensure all occupants were safely out, while the exterior crew deployed ladders, lighting, and secured utilities. E618B arrived and deployed a backup line to protect E611 if necessary. Additional arriving units established command, secured a water supply, searched adjacent homes, and secured additional utilities. The fire was quickly extinguished and the Fire Marshal's office began their investigation. Crews continued to remove smoke and ensured that the fire hadn't spread elsewhere. Canteen 611 responded and, even though the incident was relatively short, was able to assist crews stay hydrated as they worked.
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Probie no more
The SVFC Monday Volunteers are happy to announce the promotion of Recruit Firefighter Keiser to a fully release firefighter. Over the last 18 months she has met all of the Virginia and Loudoun requirements for Firefighter and EMT and, most importantly, she has earned the trust of her crew. She's turned in her red helmet for a yellow one, and can finally wear Congratulations, Firefighter/EMT Keiser!
If this seems like something you'd be interested in, or perhaps you'd prefer to support others on their journey, we have a place for you. Visit joinsterlingfire.org to fill out the form and one of our recruiters will reach out to you.
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