Lieutentant Derek Doucette Moves On
Posted Wednesday, May 25, 2005
by 28C1

After 13 years of service to the Town of Lee, Lieutenant Derek Doucette is moving to North Carolina. Derek's move allows him to follow a lifelong dream of working as a member of a NASCAR Nextel Cup team. During his tenure Derek earned a reputation of being an excellent firefighter, hard worker and teacher. His metal working skills were extremely beneficial to the department. He volunteered his time to fabricate many items used in the new Public Safety Complex, as well as the department's apparatus. When Derek wasn't at the station or working in his race shop with former Fire Chief Dick Doucette, he spent time with his wife Michelle and son Trevor. All members of the department will miss Derek's dedication to the town, his vast knowledge and sense of humor. Good luck Lieutenant Doucette!

Burning Permits Required
Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005
by 28C1

According to State of New Hampshire law outlined in RSA 227-L:I&II burn permits are required for just about all outside fires. Thanks to the addition of two full-time firefighter/emergency medical technicians the process for obtaining a permit in the Town of Lee is much easier. Lieutenant Jim Davis and Firefighter Scott Nemet are at the station Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM. Give either of them a call at 659-5411. Along with helping you conduct a safe outside burn, they will ensure you understand the rules governing outside fires.

Time to Check Smoke Detectors
Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005
by 28C1

When was the last time you changed the battery in your smoke detector? If you can't remember then chances are it's time to put in a fresh battery. This weekend marks a return to Standard Time. A good rule of thumb is to change the battery when you turn back your clock. "Working smoke detectors double your chance of escaping a house fire," states Lee Fire Chief Joe Lombardo. "Several recent fire tragedies around New England are directly attributable to smoke detectors that were not working properly. Safety is everyone's responsibility and changing smoke detector batteries regularly is a key component to safeguarding loved ones," added Lombardo.

Explorers Wanted
Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005
by 28C1

EXPLORERS WANTED:
If you're between the ages of 14 and 21, completed the 8th grade, and would like to help your community while learning about an exciting career in the fire service, this is your perfect opportunity. Lee Fire and Rescue is looking for young men and women to join its Explorer Program. This program is geared towards training you in a wide range of areas including character development, community service, teamwork and firefighting. Lee Fire and Rescue Explorers are trained to the same State of New Hampshire standards as their adult counterparts. After completing a probationary period, which includes completion of the Explorer Manual, Explorers are eligible to assist on fire and rescue calls. If you're looking to make a difference in the community visit http://www.leefire.org/explorer.htm for more information.

Prevent Child Poisonings
Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005
by 28C1

WASHINGTON, D.C. - About 78,000 children under five years old visited U.S.
hospital emergency rooms due to unintentional poisonings in 2003 - about one
every seven minutes, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
reported today. Most of these poisonings included products commonly found
in the home. The data were released today by CPSC, the National Poison
Prevention Week Council, and the American Association of Poison Control
Centers (AAPCC) at a news conference to kick-off National Poison Prevention
Week. CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton said that more than 9 of every 10
suspected poison exposures occur at home with readily-available household
products. About 30 children die from poisonings each year, down from 450 in
the 1960s.

"While our nation has made great progress in reducing poison-related
fatalities, we must build on our commitment to protect children from
unintentional poisonings," urged Stratton.

Parents can do their part, he noted, by keeping harmful products and
medicines out of children's reach, storing items in their original
containers, and properly using child-resistant packaging.

According to AAPCC, poison centers nationwide received more than one
million calls about poison exposures involving children five years and
younger in 2003. Among the potentially toxic household products involved
with calls to the poison centers were:

Personal care products, including baby oil and mouthwash containing
ethanol;
Cleaning substances, including drain openers and oven cleaners;
Over-the-counter pain relievers - including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and
aspirin - and cough and cold medicines;
Hydrocarbons, such as lamp oil and furniture polish; and
Adult-strength vitamins and supplements containing iron.

Rose Ann Soloway, chair of the Poison Prevention Week Council, noted that
when repackaged at home in non-child-resistant containers, medicines and
potentially hazardous household products become even more accessible and
dangerous for young children. "Grandparents who keep their prescription
drugs in non-child-resistant pill boxes should be especially aware of this
risk," said Soloway. "Child-resistant packaging doesn't work if it's not
used properly."

Many poisoning incidents occur while the products are in use and a parent or
caregiver steps away or is distracted for a moment. Children can get hold
of a product and swallow it during the short time it takes to answer a phone
call or doorbell.

"The alarming number of poison center calls and emergency department visits
proves that children act fast, and so do poisons," said Kathy Wruk,
president of AAPCC. "Parents must act fast as well. If your child swallows
or handles a potentially dangerous product, immediately call the poison
center hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be answered by experts at
your local poison center."

To get a free packet of poison prevention publications, write to "Poison
Prevention Packet," CPSC, Washington, DC 20207, or visit
www.poisonprevention.org. For additional information about poison
prevention and poison centers, visit www.1-800-222-1222.info.