Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS

Working from home? Kids learning from home? Make sure your protecting yourself from overheating electronics! When you're not using your electronics but they need to remain plugged in, place them on a hard service like a table or desk. ... Avoid leaving them on blankets or bedding which can cause an overheat and fire. Learn more with the NFPA Safety Sheet below! https://www.nfpa.org//Safety-/LithiumIonBatterySafety.ashx

Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! The Upper Merion Township Police Department is the other half of our Department of Public Safety. Their hard work and dedication to our community is unmatched. The men and women of the police department demonstrate the meanings of brave and integrity everyday. We are proud to work with them on a daily basis! ... Thank you for your service!

*** ROAD CLOSURE*** Starting January 18th, South Gulph Rd will be closed between Arden Rd and Upper Gulph Rd. This is in the area of the Hanging Rock. This project is estimated to take 321 days. Please follow the posted detours and use alternate routes during this time.

Congratulations to Montgomery County Department of Public Safety Director Tom Sullivan on his retirement! Director Sullivan has been a great supporter for Upper Merion and all of the emergency organizations in the county! We wish him all the best!

New Year, New Laws One of the new laws in 2021 is the revised "Move Over, Slow Down" law which protects responders operating on the highway. Most notably, if you are unable to move a lane over from emergency crews, you must SLOW DOWN TO AT LEAST 20MPH UNDER THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT! ... UMTFEMS operates on multiple highways in the township including Rt 422, PA Turnpike, Rt 202, and I76 so this law will help protect our members and partners.

Fire Prevention month’s focus this year was on kitchen safety. When you’re cooking, always cook with a lid large enough to cover the pot your cooking in. If a grease fire starts, place the lid over the pot or pan. This will eliminate oxygen and put out the fire. NEVER put water on a grease fire! The video below shows water actually causes the fire to increase and spread. This is because water and grease do not mix.

Upper Merion Fire and EMS is a proud partner of the Southeastern Montgomery County Technical Rescue Task Force! Comprised of members from Upper Merion, Lower Merion Fire Department, and Norristown Fire Department, the team trains monthly for various technical rescues such as confined space, collapse, trench rescue, and more. Technical rescues typically require a large amount of personnel and equipment. By coming together, we are able to ensure the best outcome for the patient!

Teamwork is the key to success! Upper Merion has worked with our mutual aid partners over the past year to move to one accountability system. This transition to one system greatly improves firefighter safety and resource management on the fire ground.

Ready for some fun this weekend to close out Fire Prevention Week? Here are some of Sparky’s favorite recipes! It’s a great opportunity to share some family time and teach your kids about safety in the kitchen!

Please see the below update from the Township.

Some footage from the fire on Flint Hill Road. Due to the nature of the materials burning, the Montgomery County Foam Task Force was dispatched. This task force brings specialized foam units and additional engines from around the county. Crews remain on the scene working to fully extinguish the fire.

***Fire Advisory*** Upper Merion Fire and EMS is operating at a large salvage yard fire in the area of Hertzog Blvd and Flint Hill Rd. Please avoid the area if possible. Please note the smoke can be seen and smelled throughout the area.

Do you keep a lid on the counter when you cook? If a fire starts in your pot or pan, simply putting a lid on the pot or pan will put the fire out. If any cooking fire occurs, call 9-1-1 and get your family out of the house.

This video shows how fast kitchen fires can spread. This years Fire Prevention Week Theme is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen"! Some kitchen safety tips: - Never leave unattended cooking on the stove - Keep the stove area clear from clutter... - If a fire starts, Call 9-1-1 and GET OUT! See more

Safety in the kitchen doesn't stop at fires. it is also about keeping your family safe! Burns are a common injury that occur in the kitchen. From touching a hot pan, to getting boiling water dropped onto skin, it is important to keep your children a safe distance in the kitchen. In the event a medical emergency occurs, call 9-1-1! Did you know Upper Merion Fire & EMS recently achieved the "Expert" Level of Pediatric Care in Pennsylvania? This is the top most certification for Pediatrics in the state and Upper Merion is one of only a few EMS squads in the area with the certification!

Tonight is "National Night Out"! Check out the maps to see where the Upper Merion Township Police Department and partners will be visiting! Fire & EMS will have representatives at certain locations as well! See you tonight!

Focus on the Food! How often are you distracted by the TV, your cellphone, or something else when cooking? It is important you pay attention to what is cooking before it burns or a fire starts! Of the all home fires involving a cooking appliance, the leading cause is unattended cooking! Put down the phone and pick up that spoon!

Today is the first day of Fire Prevention Week 2020! This year's theme is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen"! According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 49% of all home fires involve cooking equipment.... According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation declaring a national observance during that week every year since 1925.