2 9
o c t o b e r 2 0 2 3
Frank F.
Apgar & Sons
Septic Tank
Cleaning
Family Owned Business
Annandale
908.735.5248
www.ApgarSonSeptic.com
Combined, Anthony P. Kearns and Victor A. Rotolo have been serving
the local community for over 60 years. Call Kearns Rotolo today
908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your
half-hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff
are ready to serve your legal needs. Kearns Rotolo Law . 502 US 22
West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.KearnsRotoloLaw.com
p R E pA R AT i o n i s K E y T o F i R E p R E V E n T i o n
October brings to mind football, fresh apple cider, hayrides
and, of course, fire safety. That's because the second week of this
month traditionally has been designated Fire Prevention Week. But
why October?
Back in 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association began
promoting Fire Prevention Week, choosing the second week of October in
commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That blaze erupted on
October 8, burned over 2,000 acres of land, destroyed 17,400 structures,
left 100,000 people homeless and claimed more than 250 lives.
Today, house fires continue to bring devastation. The U.S. Fire
Association reported that in 2021, house fires resulted in 11,400 injuries and
2,840 civilian fatalities, adding that, on average, there is one fire-related
death every three hours in the U.S. The most likely victims – older adults.
Cooking, the theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week (10/8-14), is the
second most common cause of house fires after smoking. Whether
you're cooking indoors or out, these tips can help you avoid having
your food—and everything else—go up in flames:
• Never leave stoves or grills unattended when in use.
• Keep flammable materials away from burners and open flames.
• Make sure griddles, toasters, etc. are cool before storing them.
• Place outdoor grills several feet away from exterior walls.
• Establish a child-safe zone away from stoves, grills,
hot pots and pans.
• Keep unsupervised pets out of the kitchen —
they can jump up and inadvertently turn on the burners.
Of course, accidents can still happen. Small grease fires can be
quickly extinguished by covering the flames with a metal lid or sprinkling
them with salt or baking soda. Never use water, though, as it can cause the
grease to explode and the flames to spread. Leave larger fires to trained
professionals.
If you don't already have a fire safety plan, this month is a good
time to create one. Plan escape routes, set meeting places for family
members, practice fire drills, and stress the importance of saving lives, not
things, in a real fire. After all, when you have your family together
safely, you have everything. – Anthony Kearns
502 U.S. 22
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908∙534∙7900
www.KearnsRotoloLaw.com
Tony Kearns and Vic Rotolo
Working Together to Protect
What's Important to You
"October's poplars are flaming torches
lighting the way to winter."
~ Nova Bair
