Safety and Education

Fire Prevention Week is a national observance that helps raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. It began in 1920, when President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation. Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been recognized every year during the week of October 9 (Sunday through Saturday).

According to the National Archives and Records Administration, Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health and safety observance in the United States. Every year since 1925, the President has signed a proclamation recognizing this important week of fire safety education.

During Fire Prevention Week, the Hastings Fire Department visits local schools to share information about the importance of fire safety and prevention. The department also hosts its annual Open House, where community members are invited to meet firefighters, explore the fire station and learn more about fire safety in an inclusive and accessible environment.

The Importance of Healthy Blood Pressure

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial because blood pressure (BP) is the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. When this pressure is consistently too high, a condition known as hypertension or the "silent killer", forces your heart to work harder and damages your blood vessels over time.

Untreated high blood pressure significantly increases your risk for serious health issues like heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. Knowing and managing your BP numbers is a vital step in protecting your long-term health.

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Systolic (the top number, pressure when the heart beats) and Diastolic (the bottom number, pressure when the heart rests).

If your blood pressure is consistently in the Elevated or High Blood Pressure categories, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss lifestyle changes or treatment options.

Firefighters will take blood pressure readings free of charge. You can stop by the fire station any weekday 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

There may be times that the firefighters will be out of the station responding to emergency calls. If this is the case, please stop back at a later time.

Grilling Safety Tips from Hastings Fire Department

Let's make this grilling season enjoyable and safe for everyone! The Hastings Fire Department reminds all residents of these key safety tips to prevent accidents and fires.

General Grill Maintenance & Fuel Safety

Handling a Grease Fire

If you experience a grease fire while grilling, remember these steps:

•  Close the cover of the grill immediately.
•  If it is safe to do so, shut off the gas supply.
•  Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water.

Ordinance Restriction for Multi-Family Housing

The City of Hastings has adopted an ordinance restricting the use and storage of barbecue grills in certain multi-family structures to protect residents.

• This ordinance applies to any building containing three or more residential units.
• In these buildings, the use or storage of barbecues, or any open flame, is prohibited on any balcony or patio.
• Grills or open flames must be kept at least 15 feet away from the structure.

For full details, please refer to the official ordinance: Establishment of restrictions on the use of barbecues.

"Keep the Wreath White" Campaign:

The Hastings Fire Department is launching its annual “Keep the Wreath White” campaign, a seasonal reminder to practice fire safety throughout the holidays. The wreath serves as a visual symbol of a fire-safe community, encouraging residents to prevent home fires by using caution with holiday lights, candles, cooking and heating equipment.

How the Campaign Works:

​A large holiday wreath is prominently displayed on the side of the Fire Station, initially lit entirely with white bulbs. For every preventable fire the Hastings Fire Department responds to, one white bulb on the wreath is replaced with a red bulb. The goal for our community is to keep the entire wreath white throughout the holiday season!

Holiday Fire Safety Reminders:

• Stay attentive while cooking and keep flammable items 3 (three) feet from the stove.
• Use battery-operated candles when possible; keep real candles 12 (twelve) inches from anything that burns.
• Check holiday lights and replace damaged strands.
• Water fresh Christmas trees daily and keep them three feet from heat sources.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms on every level.
  
  

The Leading Cause of Home Fires

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of these fires is unattended cooking. It is essential to be alert and never leave your cooking unsupervised.

Before You Cook

• Be Alert: If you are feeling sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stove or stovetop.
• Keep it Clear: Keep anything that can catch fire, including: oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

While You Cook

• Stay Present: If you are frying, grilling or broiling, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Check Regularly: If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling, check the food often. Stay in your home while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you.

Handling a Cooking Fire

If You Have a Fire, Get Out!

• Get Out: If a fire starts, your first priority is to get out immediately.
• Close the Door: When you leave the room, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1: Once you are safely outside, call 9-1-1.
• Fire Extinguisher Use: Only try to fight the fire if it is small, you have a clear path to exit, and you are sure everyone else is safely leaving the home.

Fires on the Stovetop (Grease Fires)

• Smother the Fire: Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother it, and turn off the burner.
• Cool Down: Leave the pan completely covered until it has cooled down entirely.
• DO NOT: Never use water or flour on a grease fire.

Oven Fires

• Turn Off Heat: Turn off the heat source.
• Keep Door Closed: Keep the oven door closed to contain the fire and cut off the oxygen supply.

Safety for Cooking with Oil

Oil is common in most kitchens, but it requires extra care. Follow these tips when frying or sautéing with oils like olive, canola or soybean:

• Stay Put: Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
• Watch for Smoke: Keep an eye on the oil. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil starts to smell, it is too hot. Immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan.
• Heat Slowly: Heat the oil slowly to the required temperature.
• Add Food Gently: Add food gently to avoid splattering hot oil.
• Fire Safety Recap: If an oil fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. If the fire does not go out immediately or you are uncomfortable, get everyone out and call 9-1-1 from outside.

Smoke Alarm Safety: Your Home's First Warning

Working smoke alarms are essential for saving lives. In a fire, smoke spreads fast, and you need every second to escape. Because most fire deaths and injuries happen while people are sleeping, a functional smoke alarm effectively cuts your risk of dying in a home fire in half.

Almost two-thirds of fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Smoke Alarm Best Practices

Follow these simple safety tips to maximize your protection:

Installation

• Install alarms inside and outside of every bedroom and sleeping area.
• Install an alarm on every level of your home.
• Use Interconnected Alarms: When one alarm sounds, they all sound. This is especially important in larger homes.
• For Hearing Disabilities: Install specialized alarms that include visual alerts (strobe lights) or tactile alerts (bed shakers).

Maintenance

• Test Monthly: Push the test button on every smoke alarm once a month to ensure it’s working.
• Replace Alarms: Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preparation

• Plan and Practice: Develop a home escape plan with your family.
• Establish a Meeting Place: Choose a safe, designated spot outside where everyone will meet after escaping.
• Practice Your Plan: Practice the escape drill at least twice a year.