Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department

Wednesday Night Bingo

John Mahalchak — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:14:21 +0000

Looking for something to do in the snow? Stop down the HVFD tonight at 7:00 for our annual Wednesday Night Bingo. Our parking lot is plowed and salted and waiting for cars. If you would like more information, feel free to call the station at (412) 276-5955.

Thank You!

John Mahalchak — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:02:54 +0000

During the winter storm this past weekend, the HVFD answered 12 calls for service and put in over 300 man hours cutting down trees, securing power lines, and ensuring the safety of borough residents. We would like to take the opportunity to thank all residents for their vigilance and patience during the severe weather. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact us non-emergently at 412.276.5955; in an emergency, always call 9-1-1.

HVFD Prepares for Winter Storm

John Mahalchak — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:35:55 +0000

In coordination with the Heidelberg Emergency Management Coordinator, the HVFD is preparing to deal with the effects from a severe winter storm. Personnel will be standing by in the station from 5:00 pm until the threat of winter weather passes tomorrow. If any residents require non-emergency assistance, please call us at (412) 276-5955. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

We also ask for residents assistance in keeping fire hydrants easily accesible. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, please do your best to ensure that we can access it quickly in the event of an emergency.

For the latest information on the winter storm warning, please check with the National Weather Service.

Hall Information Form Down

John Mahalchak — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:28:54 +0000

An issue was discovered with the hall information request form that caused submitted data to be lost. A fix is quickly being worked on, however in the mean time, please contact the Hall Mangager by phone (412.722.6314) with any questions you may have. We apologize for any inconvience this may cause.

Happy Holidays!

John Mahalchak — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:38:06 +0000

On behalf of the members and officers of the Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Sturgeon VFD to Host Essentials Class

John Mahalchak — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:39:41 +0000

Sturgeon VFD has announced that they will be hosting an Essentials of Firefighting class at their station, beginning Thursday, January 7th. The class will run every Thursday at 7:00pm with a few select Saturdays and Sundays. HVFD will be sponsoring a group of members to attend this training, and will leave the station at 6:00pm. For more information, check after the break.

Essentials is a worth-while class that goes over basic fire fighting strategy, and is a great stepping stone into the fire service. Interested members are encouraged to contact Asst. Chief Wissel to secure a spot in the class.

For residents thinking about becoming members, this is a great opportunity to gain skills useful in the fire service. If you are interested in becoming a member, stop by the station or give us a call at (412) 279-5955. We are always looking for help!

Santa Claus Visits Heidelberg [u]

John Mahalchak — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:34:19 +0000

The members of the HVFD have just received word that Santa is planning on paying a special visit to Heidelberg this coming Sunday (December 21). Beginning around 1:00, keep your ears open for the sounds of holiday music and sirens. Step outside when you hear us coming to receive a special treat straight from the North Pole.

Update: Santa has just finished his visit! HVFD was glad to be able to escort Santa on his journey and deliver good cheer to residents. Check after the break for pictures from his visit!

Staying Safe this Winter

John Mahalchak — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:30 +0000

Editors Note: The following is an article appearing in the Winter edition of the Heidelberg Hightlights newsletter. For more information on the newsletter, please visit http://heidelbergborough.com.

According to a recent report published by the U.S. Fire Administration, open heating elements account for 27% of all fires during the winter months; that’s nearly 1,228 fires per day! In addition, fires started by Christmas trees or other holiday decorations cause, on average, over $27,000 worth of damage. These same fires also cause nearly three times as many injuries as the average fire, accounting for almost 160 injuries from December 1 – January 7. With all of this in mind, let’s look at some steps you can take to ensure your family’s, and your own, safety this holiday season.

With the cold temperatures, the winter months see an above average number of fires caused by objects used to heat your home; things like space heaters, fire places and furnaces. No matter which of these you use in your home, simple steps can help ensure their safe use. First and foremost, a tested smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector can reduce your chances of becoming injured in a fire by over 50%. Other things, like annual inspections of fireplaces and furnaces can identify small issues before they become larger, more dangerous problems.

The winter season also finds many of us decorating our homes to celebrate one of the many holidays that occur during this time. Extension cords and surge protectors are numerous in homes and, when used improperly, can present a significant fire hazard. It is important to make sure that circuits are not being overloaded; even though you may be able to plug 20 items into two outlets using a variety of extension cords and surge protectors, those two outlets are giving out the same amount of power. This overdraw can lead to easily preventable fires. Also, it is important to ensure that the grade of extension cable is as-good-as, or better than that of what is being plugged into it. For example, it is not recommended to plug a refrigerator into a small, skinny, extension cord.

In closing, two suggestions remain that can help you and your family stay safe year round. First, ensure each floor of your home has a working fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, and that it is tested monthly. Finally, create a home escape plan with your family and practice it monthly. Keep the plan posted in an area that is easily viewable and make changes as needed.

As always, should you have any questions or would like additional fire prevention resources, contact the HVFD via phone at (412) 276-5955. You can also email us at info -at – heidelbergfire.com. Remember, in an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

John Mahalchak is a 3 year member of the HVFD and can be reached at jmahalchak -at- heidelbergfire.com.

2010 HVFD Officers are Announced

jwissel — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:07:38 +0000

At the Decemeber meeting of the HVFD, elections were held for both line officers and administrative officers. A big thank you to our outgoing officers, and congratulations to those who are newly elected. For a complete listing of the officers, please “continue reading”…

Administrative Officers

President – Stanley Karpinski
Vice President – James Mcintyre
Secretary – Nancy Wissel
Treasurer – Charles Bacu
25 Year Board of Director – John Mahalchak
25 Year Board of Director – James Mcintyre
Board of Director – Michael Wissel
Board of Director – Jacob Wissel
Board of Director – Joseph Wissel Jr.

Fire Officers

Chief – Joseph Wissel Sr.
Assistant Chief – Joseph Wissel Jr.
Captin – Troy Riddle
Lieutenant – Jacob Wissel
Lieutenant – Joseph Henke

HVFD Recieves AFG Grant

jwissel — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:12:22 +0000

HVFD received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through FEMA for the 3rd consecutive year. This years grant was applied for as a regional initiative for 5 inch supply hose. The grant has equipped HVFD, Glendale, Kirwan Heights, Presto, Rennerdale, Oakdale, and Sturgeon with hose that is 100% compatible. The grant was for more the $100,000 in equipment. The grant will improve water delivery and the effectiveness of the initial fire attack.