Smoke detector batteries
 Daylight saving's time ended in the wee hours of March 9 this year. By now, surely you've gotten all your time-keeping devices updated. Perhaps your VCR or DVD player is still flashing 12:00? When you changed all those clocks, did you remember to replace the batteries in your home smoke detector, and your Carbon Monoxide detector?

 These two inexpensive devices are responsible for saving hundreds of lives and millions of dollars of property every year in our nation, and around the world. All the alarm manufacturers recommend replacing the batteries at least yearly, and doing so during the Daylight Savings Time change is an easy way to remember to do it. 

 If you are concerned about replacing a battery that hasn't been completely used, the battery removed from the alarm could be reused in a toy or personal electronic device, such as a CD player or camera. For your family's safety, it's worth $2.00 for a fresh, new battery!

Did you know?
 • According to the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control web site, each day, an average of three kids die in home fires - 1,100 children each year. About 3,600 children are injured in house fires each year. Ninety percent of child fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
 • Although smoke alarms are in 92 percent of American homes, nearly one-third don't work because of old or missing batteries.
 • A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half. 
 • The "Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery" campaign encourages you to arm yourself against home fires by taking some basic home fire safety precautions, including installing fresh batteries in smoke alarms. 
 There are two types of smoke detectors; one that works by an ionization process, and one that uses a photo electric sensor. Since one is better at detecting smoky fires, and the other at detecting clear-burning, hotter, fast-moving fires, the National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have some of each, or a dual sensor type, at least on each floor of the home. 
 For more information on how to choose and use smoke detectors, stop into Station 1 and pick up a copy of our brochure on home fire safety.
 The Fire Department will provide a free smoke detector to the parents of any newborns in the district.    

Training
 On Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, nine members of the Department attended an Ice Water Rescue Class. Michael McClenon, Anthony Quaranta II, Thomas Runyon, Chris Wilson, Shaun Foland, Ray Morgan, Jason Allen, Will Roden and Michael Roden spent a chilly two days learning how to effectively aid people trapped on ice, and in cold water. Thanks to all for your hard work.
Member Recognition
      The Apalachin Fire Department would like to invite the public to a very special event. On Wednesday,  April 9, a ceremony will be held at 7 pm at Station 1 on Penn. Ave., to recognize Bob Squier for 50 years of membership. It is a rare and wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the years of service Bob has given to our community. Please come join us in saying "Thank you!"
 If you are interested in exploring your own opportunities to serve your community while learning new skills, getting a bit of exercise, and getting to know a great group of people, you can either stop by Station 1 on Penn Ave weekdays, or Wednesday nights between 7:00 and 9:00 pm to pick up an application.
 Perhaps you'd like to know more about membership first? Please call either Sammi Garrett, 625-5576, or Don Conning, 625-4881, and we would be happy to answer any questions we can. 

Moving Forward
 In March, the Ambulance Squad took delivery of a LifePak 12 cardiac monitor and defibrillator. The new equipment will be used to expand the Advanced Life Support capacity of the EMS First Response vehicle. 
 The Fire District has awarded the contract for two new ambulances to replace the current 131 and 132, and these new units will be delivered later this year. As the population ages and EMS providers are able to provide more care before the patient even reaches the hospital, the vehicles required to transport patient and crews also need to evolve. 
 Perhaps you would like to volunteer in your community, enjoy helping people, but aren't interested in running into burning buildings? If so, you should check out Emergency Medical Services.  We offer training for those interested in becoming Emergency Medical Technicians. Qualified drivers are always needed to assist the EMTs, and they receive CPR instruction. Best of all is the great feeling you get from knowing how to handle a medical emergency!