With Spring about to be sprung and we move forward to Spring and Summer, that only means warmer weather and the FFAM convention on April 12-14, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. I hope everyone has enrolled and will be attending the great classes that are being offered free of charge. A reminder to all departments that will be entering their winning posters. They need to be delivered to the ladies’ auxiliary booth before the opening of the convention or they will not be judged. Also, please read over the rules for the contest to ensure the posters meet the contest requirements and all necessary information is filled out on the label. I hope everyone attends for the fun, fellowship, education, competitions and much deserved awards.
Talking about much deserved awards, some of you reading this may not know but a great friend of mine and the fire service received a much-deserved award in February, my friend Chief Ken Hoover retired from Little Dixie Fire Protection District after more than 40 years of service. Thank you for all you’ve done for the fire service, FFAM, and for me. Thank you for being a friend, mentor, and teacher. Have a great time with your family and enjoy your new life of retirement and let the good times roll.
Change the clocks, replace the batteries
Daylight Saving Time is on Sunday March 10, and as we prepare to “spring forward” one hour, practice fire safety by testing your smoke alarms and changing the batteries.
Working smoke alarms in your home are the most important step you can take to increase your family’s chances of escaping a home fire. Installing smoke alarms with batteries that don’t need to be changed annually is one of the most affordable ways to protect your family. As a friendly reminder on average the life span of a smoke detector is 8-10 years. Families should replace outdated smoke alarms, if possible, with newer models that feature 10-year sealed lithium batteries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in structures without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. To protect your home, follow these smoke alarm safety tips:
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Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including in the basement.
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If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the battery.
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For smoke alarms without the long-life lithium batteries, be sure to replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Date each unit when it is installed and replace it after 10 years or sooner if it does not successfully sound the alarm when the test button is pressed.
FFAM
