With the temperature rising and humidity bringing the heat index to
sweltering highs, the Red Cross urges caution and offers safety tips
to keep this summer healthy and fun.
Here are a few precautions you can take to avoid dangers
during this summer’s extreme temperatures, which have already begun.

Stay Indoors – Avoid extreme temperature changes. If air-conditioning
is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Keep
electric fans and air-conditioning running! If you must go out, wear
lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s energy.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must perform outdoor work,
do it during the coolest part of the day, 4-7 a.m. or in the
evening.

Drink lots of fluids – Even if you do not feel thirsty, keep drinking
fluids – water or juice – to help your body’s thermostat stay cool.
The more you sweat, the more fluid you lose. Avoid alcoholic
beverages (including beer) which dehydrate the body. Eat small,
frequent meals, avoiding foods that are high in protein and increase
metabolic heat.

Protect yourself from the sun – Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or
greater. Wear wide brimmed hats to protect your face and head.

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke: Know the difference – Heat exhaustion
is a mild form of shock marked by heavy sweating, weakness, cold and
clammy skin, fainting and vomiting. Those suffering should get out of
the sun and rest in a cool place, loosen clothing and apply cool wet
cloths while taking frequent sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek
medical attention. Untreated heat exhaustion can quickly become heat
stroke.

Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke shuts down the body’s cooling system – It
requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if untreated.
Victims get a severe throbbing and have difficulty breathing. They
lose the ability to sweat, become weak, dizzy and confused, and may
lose consciousness. Body temperature can rise so high that brain
damage and death may occur in less than 10 minutes. Call 911
immediately, remove clothing and lower the victim’s body temperature
with a cool sponge bath or a fan. If conscious, sip water. If
vomiting, lie on side to avoid aspiration.

Learn CPR and First Aid – Taking precautions and knowing what to do
during an emergency can make a difference. Call 1-800-42-CROSS to
sign up for CPR and First Aid classes at the American Red Cross.

Remember Your Pets – Keep pets indoors and refill water bottles
frequently.

By Tom Foley, Times Guest Columnist.

On May 30, 2008 companies were dispatched for the building fire at 307 Marplewoods Drive, Marple Township. Units arrived and quickly reported heavy smoke pushing from the eaves on three sides of the row type two story town homes. Crews made forced entry into several units searching for the source. Fire was found in the walls of the 2nd floor bathroom

Bon Air firefighter, Army Officer, and all around American Hero, Pat Creed, recently published his first book entitled "Firefight: Inside The Battle To Save The Pentagon on 9-11." Prompted by few in-depth historical accounts of the ordinary men and women that braved the inferno at the Pentagon to rescue friends and co-workers, save the nation's military headquarters, and defend their country, Creed has chronicled the unwavering heroism that abounded the tragedy at the Pentagon. Don't miss Pat and co-author Rick Newman discuss the book on NPR WHYY 90.9 Thurday, May 22 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. To learn more about the book, please visit the book's website at www.FirefightTheBook.com or click the link below.

On 5-9-08 just before 10 a.m. Company 58, Rescue 56, Rescue 38, Medic 108 and Ambulance 56-7 were dispatched to Glendale and Burmont Roads for an auto accident with entrapment. Command arrived on scene and confirmed entrapment. Units stabilized the vehicle, removed its roof, driver's side door, and "B" pillar in order to extricate the victim. The patient was transported to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania via 56-7. Units cleared at approximately 11 a.m.

Just after 4:30 p.m., companies were dispatched to 525 West Chester Pike for the working building fire at the Haverford Township Regional Court Building (Falcon Center). FM-1 arrived on location and reported heavy smoke and fire showing. Crews from LLanerch and Brookline made a quick knock on the fire while crews from Bon Air checked the interior for extension and assisted with ventilation. The fire was contained to the exterior of the building. Units from Oakmont and Manoa also assisted on scene.

In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames. Important · Practice escape plans every month. · Plan two ways out of each room. · Immediately leave your home when a fire occurs. · Never open doors that are hot to the touch. · Designate a meeting location away from your home. · Once you're out, stay out! Practice Escaping from Every Room in the Home Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. Immediately Leave the Home When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you. Never Open Doors that Are Hot to the Touch When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route. Designate a Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department. Once Out, Stay Out Remember to escape first and then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely. Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.

On Saturday, March 15th, The Bon Air Fire Company celebrated ninety years of volunteer service at our annual awards banquet. After Chief Kramer and President Bob Donohue presented various awards, the party got started. As usual, the Bon Air Crazy Monkey made an entertaining appearance and the field of awards was expanded by the addition of the First Annual Sparkie Awards. Thanks to all those who helped to plan the event, and to all the guests who attended.

Cigarettes are the number one cause of fatal home fires in the United States, averaging 900 deaths per year over the past ten years. Cigarette fires also kill people who do not smoke. Fire safety experts recommend the following steps for smokers to reduce their risk of fire: * If you smoke, smoke outside. * Choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires. * Close a matchbook before striking and hold it away from your body. Set your cigarette lighter on "low" flame. * Use deep, sturdy ashtrays placed on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like an end table. * Don't leave cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. Put out all smoking materials before you walk away. * Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out by dowsing in water or sand. * If smokers have visited, check under furniture and cushions for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight. * Don't smoke if you are sleepy, have been drinking, or taken medicine or other drugs. * Never smoke in bed. Replace mattresses made prior to the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. * Don't smoke in a home where oxygen is used. * Develop and practice a fire escape plan. In case of a fire, crawl or stay low to the ground, beneath the smoke, and use the escape plan you have worked out. Get out and stay out. * Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened. Courtesy of Firesafety.gov

Click the play button.

Throughout the football season, the firehouse has been a center for armchair quarterbacks and the Super Bowl was no exception. Although he couldn't pick a team to root for, Nick Pelka did sponsor a lavish Super Bowl party for crew members and friends. Thanks Nick for organizing the get together.

On December 26, just after noon, Rescue 58 was dispatched to Lansdowne and Bond Avenues in Drexel Hill to assist Company 26 (Highland Park) on the hazardous materials incident. Rescue 58 was requested for its Airbank, which refills firefighters' breathing apparatus. The crew of Rescue 58 filled more than 30 air bottles. Upper Darby units did a great job containing the scene, and removing all hazards.

Despite the inclement weather, Santa took a break from his Holiday prep to make time for the Bon Air community. On Saturday, December 15th, Santa came for a special breakfast in the fire hall. On Sunday, December 16th, Santa was spotted canvasing the Bon Air Fire District atop Engine 4. He later made a cameo appearance during the Annual Bon Air Christmas Party to deliver gifts to some special kids. Thanks to all those who helped spread Holiday Cheer with us this year. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Bon Air!

On 12-10-07, units were dispatched to Crespy Lane for the report of a building fire. Crews arrived on scene to find a single family dwelling with fire showing from the second floor. Crews from engine 53-2 performed the interior fire attack with 1.5 " 200' handline and make a quick stop. Crews from Snorkel 53 laddered the building and ventilated. Pipeline 58 (Bon Air)assisted with fire attack

At about 6:30 this evening, members of the Bon Air Fire Company stood by at St. Dot's annual Turkey Bowl Bon Fire at Steel Field. Approximately one hundred people were on hand to support the St. Dorothy J.V. and Varsity football teams, as they prepared to cap the season against St. Bernadette on Thursday.

Congrats to firefighter Dave Donohue and his wife Stacey on the birth of their son, Brennan Robert. Brennan was born Saturday, November 17. He weighed 7lbs, 14oz.