General

5/10/16 – Monongalia County residents turned out during election day to support the county fire levy by a resounding 18,025 to 6,015 vote. As fellow citizens within the community we recognize that each dollar spent must be carefully examined during these difficult economic times. Thankfully the citizens of Monongalia County recognize the need and value of each volunteer fire department as we strive to serve and protect the citizens and visitors of Monongalia County. The funds apportioned to each department will be used judiciously to help comply with NFPA guidelines, to repair/replace aging apparatus, purchase new life saving equipment, replace worn and/or aging personal protective equipment and to maintain the facilities of our departments. On behalf of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department and all the departments of Monongalia County, we, your citizen volunteers, appreciate your continued support as we stand ready to serve those in need.

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Cars can catch fire for many reasons. While mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause cars can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, you must respond IMMEDIATELY. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so below are things you can do to help prevent fires from occurring in your car.

1. Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks or your car is not running properly, get it checked immediately. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.
2. If you must transport gasoline in cans, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.
3.  Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment. Secure these containers in the trunk or bed of the vehicle and transport them for the least time and distance required.
4. Never park a car where flammables materials can come into contact with hot car components (such as the exhaust system).
5. Be able to recognize ‘red flags’ that can contribute to car fires such as cracked/loose wiring, fuses that blow despite replacement, loose/leaking hoses, and rapid changes in fluid/engine temperature and pressures.
6. Always drive safely to help avoid accidents.

If you suspect that your car is catching fire:

1. IMMEDIATELY pull over when safe to do so.
2. Once the car is stopped: place the car in park, set the emergency brake and turn off the engine.
3. Evacuate yourself and everyone in the car as quickly and safely as possible. Move away from the car and the road.
4. Once outside and away from the car: GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Do not return to the car FOR ANY REASON.
5. Call 9-1-1 and await emergency assistance.

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Congratulations are in order for our own Captain (and officer) Ryan Gillespie for successfully completing the West Virginia State Police Academy. Congrats Ryan! We are all very proud of you!

May 10th is fast approaching! Be sure to tell everyone you know and also turn out to vote ‘YES’ for the Monongalia County Volunteer Fire Levy. With only 1 full and 1 partial paid fire department in the county the vast majority of citizens in Monongalia County are covered by your friends and neighbors, citizen volunteers, to protect your life and property.  Without the funding associated with the levy our departments will not be able to replace and/or repair our aging equipment and in the most dire of circumstances will have to reduce services or dissolve the department entirely. In the case of your local department closing your home insurance coverage is in jeopardy of being dropped or significantly increased due to being seen as an ‘unprotected’ structure. HELP US, HELP YOU on May 10th and vote ‘YES’.

Happy 5th Birthday to Pierce, our favorite full time live in. What would we do without this dog? We all hope you have a great day!!

Smoke detectors save lives. A September 2015 report released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discovered that from 2009-2013, 38% of fire-related deaths were attributed to the lack of smoke detectors in the home. Additionally, the study also indicated that an additional 21% of fire-related deaths occurred because smoke detectors were present in the home, but were not operating correctly.

On April 23rd, the Star City Volunteer Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will be providing free smoke detectors and installation to any residence within our response area.

Fire experts agree that on average you only have between 2-3 minutes to evacuate your residence during a structure fire before it is too late to escape. According to the American Red Cross seven people are killed and thirty-six people seriously injured per day as a result of a fire in a place of residence. Luckily, there are ‘easy’ steps that can be taken to dramatically increase the likelihood that you and your family can escape/survive should your place of residence be involved in a fire.

Smoke detectors

1. Install smoke detectors on each level of your residence and outside of all sleeping areas.
2. Check the batteries of each detector once a month and change the batteries twice a year (when you change your clocks for daylight savings time).
3. If your smoke detector alarms: Follow your evacuation plan, get out and STAY OUT until investigated by your local fire department.

Exit Drills In The Home

1. Make a home escape plan and practice it. You can survive if you know what to do when you hear the smoke alarm.

Plan Your Escape

1. Draw a floor plan of your home.
2. Show two ways out of each room.
3. Agree on an outside meeting place in front of your home where everyone will gather after they’ve escaped.
4. Practice! Hold home fire drills. Make them realistic by pretending some exits are blocked by smoke or fire.
5. Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
6. A fire is not a race. Leave quickly but DO NOT RUN!

Be Prepared

1. Can everyone in your home unlock and open windows?
2. If your windows have security bars, are they equipped with inside quick release devices?
3. Can children reach and open all door and window locks?

If you live in an apartment building…

1. Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.
2. If you hear a fire alarm, leave immediately.
3. Use the stairs – never use elevators during a fire.
4. Know the location of all building exits and fire alarms.
5. If exits are locked or blocked, report the problem to your building’s management.

Escape Tips

1. Close doors behind you as you escape to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
2. If you have to escape through smoke, crawl, keeping your head no more than one to two feet above the floor, where air will be the cleanest.
3. Test door knobs and spaces around the door with the back of your hand. If the door is warm, try another escape route. If it is cool, open it slowly. Slam it shut if smoke pours through.

Get Out and Stay Out: Once you escape a fire, DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE FOR ANY REASON!

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2016’s first quarter stats are in! Top 10 responders for the 1st quarter are:

1. Firefighter/Duty Crew Officer Jared Lamb: 121
2. Firefighter Jake Peretin: 113
3. Firefighter Zach Karn: 85
4. Lieutenant Justin Knotts: 82
5. Lieutenant Sam Hannah: 73
6. Chief Kris Osecky: 73
7. Firefighter/Duty Crew Officer Brian Sites: 68
8. Firefighter/EMT Megan Simmons: 61
9. Captain Ethan Bailey: 51
10. Firefighter/EMT Dennis Chaney: 50

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April 2016 has been designated “National Autism Awareness Month”. Below you will find fire safety tips from our Brothers at FDNY about teaching those friends/family with Autism fire safety and prevention.

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It is with heavy hearts that the members of Star City Volunteer Department announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Jarvis. Mr. Jarvis was a life member of the department with over 30 years of service. While an active member he served as a Captain and Treasurer and was President of the Monongalia County Fire Association. In honor and remembrance of our friend, member and brother the station flag has been placed at half staff and a helmet hung on the face of the station. Our sincere and deepest sympathies go out to the Jarvis family in their time of loss.

Rest easy brother…