Firehouse.com LODD E-Alert: March 11, 2010

Councilwoman Theresa Branilla presided in the mayor’s absence.

Borough Clerk Barbara Lewis said two meetings in October and January were attended by committee members who observed a power point presentation by the utility service who would paint and maintain the water tower.

\”The company would provide an ongoing maintenance program after the initial painting of the tower,\” she said.

The water tower has been standing for 23 years, and has never been painted.

Lewis said it would cost $349,000 or $428,000 just to paint.

\”The ongoing maintenance program would cost approximately $33,000 per year. This would include any problems occurring with the tower and even a new paint job if needed within 10 to 12 years,\” Lewis said.

Since women have joined the ranks of the American Fire Service as career and volunteer members, the quality and richness of our culture and honorable profession has been truly enhanced. Their contributions to our previously male-dominated industry have been transforming and compelling in departments and communities across this nation. It has been my observation first hand, both as a metropolitan fire chief and now as the U.S. Fire Administrator, that the fire service is truly a better service provider today in part because of the many women who have heard this special calling to serve their communities.

Discussions will involve matters related to salt water angling, removing fixed gear from artificial reefs, outdoor related legislation in Trenton, quail habitat restoration, forestry conservation and a profile of the three (3) non-profit organizations that make up the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Presentations will be made by experts in their fields and also a question and answer period with a panel of professionals.

Learn about the missions, goals and objectives of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation and New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects.

Presentations will be made by the trustees, co-founders, professionals, experts and more. They\’ll speak about the contributions of fishing, hunting, forestry and conservation practices to the health of New Jersey\’s ecosystems and their major economic contributions to New Jersey\’s economy and employment. You\’ll hear about pending legislation that affects our ability to enjoy the outdoors. You\’ll have an opportunity to ask questions of the people that have fought and advanced our outdoor freedoms in Trenton and get \”first hand\” answers!

More information will be forthcoming but save the date and time:

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the \”test\” button, if it has one.

Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.

Choose an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarm in tip top condition. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace the batteries if needed, and clean dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered, should be replaced every ten years. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if fire should strike.