National First Responders Day, observed Oct. 28, recognizes police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and 911 dispatchers for their service to their communities.

 

We thank our members and public safety partners for the work they do every day to help keep our community safe. We appreciate their dedication and the support they provide to one another, both during emergencies and in their daily work.

 

We also remember the first responders who have died in the line of duty and the families, friends and colleagues who carry their loss.

As residents prepare for an evening of spooky fun, the Department wishes to provide the community with safety tips.

Parents should check that costumes are safe. Clothing and shoes should fit properly to ensure children do not trip and fabric does not snag on objects. Make sure that costumes are made of flame-resistant materials. Kids should carry flashlights or glowsticks and wear reflective strips on costumes to be visible while trick-or-treating.

Be sure to set expectations before children leave the house for the evening. Know which neighborhoods your trick-or-treaters will be visiting and ensure the group stays together. Reiterate to children that they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.

Adults should drive slowly and cautiously, especially through residential neighborhoods. If attending a party, have a designated driver and never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on preventing fires involving lithium-ion batteries.

These batteries power phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters and many other devices. They can overheat or catch fire if damaged or charged improperly.

Stay safe when using lithium-ion batteries by doing the following:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer.
• Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, such as a table or desk. Keep them off beds and couches.
• Charge devices while you are awake and nearby. Unplug them when fully charged.
• Charge larger items, such as e-bikes, scooters and power tools, outside when possible. Never block an exit while charging.
• Stop using a battery or device if it becomes very hot, swells or develops an unusual smell. If it starts smoking or catches fire, get outside and call 911.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and useful safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association website: https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week

September is recognized as National Preparedness Month by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

 

National Preparedness Month is observed each September in an effort to provide community members with the proper preparedness tools and strategies to deal with emergencies or disasters. 

 

Concord’s emergency shelter is located at the Harvey Wheeler Center on Main Street.

 

The department would like to remind community members of ways to stay prepared: 

 

Know your risk: Be knowledgeable about the area you live in and the natural disasters that could occur there (hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, blizzards, heatwaves, cold snaps, etc.) 

 

Craft an emergency plan: Have a plan of action ready for any kind of disaster. Having a plan ready early and before the disaster helps save time, money, and stress during and after the disaster.

 

Build an emergency kit: Have enough food, water, clothing, and medical supplies to last you for the duration of the disaster. Ensure you have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, in case of a power outage, to receive the latest news and updates from local law enforcement and government on the current situation.

 

For more information, visit ready.gov.