September is National Preparedness Month

The Cherry Hill Fire Department wants all residents to know that September is “National Preparedness Month”, and we applaud the effort of the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign in encouraging Americans to take an active role in personal and community disaster preparedness.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps that each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies. With a motto that inspires us to 'Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved' National Preparedness Month reminds us that: In a Disaster, Knowledge is Power!

The internet has a wealth of information regarding disaster preparedness. During National Preparedness Month, we ask that you visit the following websites that very completely outline simple steps any family can take to prepare for an emergency:

• American Red Cross - Get Prepared


• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response


• CERT - Community Emergency Response Teams


• Citizen Guide To Disaster Preparedness


• DisasterHelp.gov


• FEMA For Kids


• Preparedness Today - What You Need To Do!


• Ready.gov


• ReallyReady.org

During a disaster, internet and telephone access may be disrupted. Now is the time to print important information and place a copy with your disaster supplies. In A Disaster: Knowledge Is Power!

Throughout September 2007, the CHFD encourages all to help yourself and your loved ones survive, as we remind you that helpful information is always available at our website at http://www.cherryhillfire.org/.

One Car Crash on NJ Turnpike Traps Two Victims

On Saturday, September 16, at 12:45 PM firefighters were dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike for a report of a car accident. Firefighters arrived on the location and found single SUV that had run off the roadway and had rolled onto its side and that the two occupants were trapped inside of their vehicle. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to remove both victims and then Cherry Hill Emergency Medical Technicians, assisted by Fire and EMS units from Runnemede, removed and transported both the driver and passenger to Cooper Hospital in Camden.

CHFD Hazardous Material Unit Responds To New Jersey Turnpike

On September 9, 2007 at approx. 6:20 PM CHFD was dispatched was dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike at Exit 3 for a tractor trailer overturned. CHFD responded with an engine and a hazardous material unit. Upon arrival crews found a tractor trailer on its side with the driver already out of the vehicle. The truck was leaking large quantities of diesel fuel, oil, transmission fluid and refrigerant from reefer unit on trailer. The Trailer was loaded with onions that did not cause a problem or come out of the trailer. Crews had to contain the fluids from entering storm sewers and proceeded to drill holes in the trucks fuel tanks and manually pump off the remaining diesel fuel (approx. 150 gallons) so the truck could be safely up righted. Crews remained on the scene until approx. 9:15 PM until the truck was up righted. No injuries were reported.

September 11th In Memoriam

September 11, 2001 is a day most will always remember. Whether in New York City, or thousands of miles away, we all remember where we were and what we were doing the instant the news reached us. For the men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, we also remember what it did to galvanize our resolve and commitment to our "All Hazards Approach" and providing our region with an emergency response, ready 24 hours a day, to meet any challenge before us.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize that six years has gone by since so many victims lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, and so many of our colleagues paid the ultimate sacrifice when they rushed into both World Trade Center towers to do what any of us would do. Just last month, we lost two more firefighters in the Deutsche Bank building fire damaged in the September 11 attack, painfully bringing the entire incident back into our minds. Equally, we recognize the continued commitment, dedication and ultimate sacrifices to public safety we witness every day by Firefighters, EMTs, Police and all emergency workers around the world, and especially here in America. The nine Charleston Fire Department firefighters (6/29/07), and two Boston firefighters (8/29/07), who recently lost their lives remind us to always be vigilant and safe in what we do.

We hope that you will take a minute to remember the efforts of those at Ground Zero six years ago, and know that the Cherry Hill Fire Department recognizes those efforts every day as we prepare and train, ensuring we are ready to respond to your emergency.