Biddle's Corner

Assuring safety

Written by L. James Biddle Friday, 13 August 2010 00:00

Vehicles are in many ways, becoming a comfort extension of the home. With comfortable seating, exciting entertainment, and complete environmental control, today’s road users create a dangerous challenge to the safety and proper response of emergency vehicles. In describing this safety challenge, Fire Chief Doug Simpson stressed, “This includes fire apparatus of the Newtown Square Fire Company, police, and EMS vehicles.”

Become an active partner

Written by L. James Biddle Wednesday, 11 August 2010 00:00

A recent headline-producing fire in nearby section of neighboring Philadelphia has fanned another fire – a debate between the Philadelphia’s City Administration and the union representing Philadelphia’s firefighters. What has been lost in this verbal tug of war are some major elements that also contributed to the death of a 12-year old boy with autism.

Text driving dangers

Written by L. James Biddle Friday, 06 August 2010 00:00

Despite laws being passed in many areas, reports of accidents continue to highlight that these roadway mishaps and death continue to point to texting. Once only identified with young, new drivers, this quest for instant communications has moved well into the adult driver populations. In its ongoing safety program, the Newtown Square Fire Company once more warns that driving while using a normal cellular phone is a dangerous practice.

Don't go in the water

Written by Web Master Monday, 02 August 2010 00:00

Water and roadways is no stranger to drivers and walkers in Newtown Square and its neighboring communities. A common television news item shows cars and drivers being stranded in pooled water during heavy rains. Traditionally, firefighters have been dispatched to aid drivers and cars stranded in temporarily flooded areas. The Newtown Square Fire Company calls has stressed that all of these calls could have been prevented.

Start today. Tomorrow may be too late

Written by L. James Biddle Monday, 19 July 2010 13:55

A question often asked of newer members of the Newtown Square Fire Company following a response is, “What did you learn from this call?” The same question can be asked of local residents following the recent series of dangerous and inconveniencing weather. Chief Doug Simpson has reminded residents that, in light of this year’s hurricane forecast, we may not be done with this year’s bad weather.

Chief Simpson quickly added, “What and when are the residents going to prepare themselves.”

Lighting- dangerous and fickle

Written by L. James Biddle Friday, 16 July 2010 00:00

One of the more picturesque events created by Mother Nature is also a killer topic. That paradox is lightning. While fireworks are a common form of entertainment, the fireworks of nature are extremely dangerous.

Staying out of an oven

Written by L. James Biddle Monday, 12 July 2010 00:00

With the introduction of the concept of a convection oven, an increase in cooking efficiency was introduced. The fan-forced directing of heat onto objects within the enclosed container was a contrast to the former, conventional oven.

ICE is cool in the summer

Written by L. James Biddle Monday, 21 June 2010 00:00

With the arrival of summer and the end of the school year, travel is welcomed change in many lives. Travel can result in the need for special solutions for potentially special problems. The Newtown Square Fire Company has posed a meaningful question, “What can be done to assist emergency personnel if I need help when I am on vacation or away from home?”

Remembering the graduate

Written by L. James Biddle Friday, 18 June 2010 00:00

In discussing the upcoming, Thursday, July 22 Newtown Square Fire Company Golf Outing, the organizers realized they “missed the boat.” A common advertising phrase this time of the year is a theme that couples “Dad and Grad.” The local fundraising committee realized that in their campaign to include Dad with a Father’s Day theme, they did not include the “grad.”

Giving Golf for Father's Day

Written by L. James Biddle Thursday, 10 June 2010 00:00

As Father’s Day, June 20, approaches, many families are still pondering what to give to Dad. The answer to this often-stressful question comes from an unexpected source, the Newtown Square Fire Company. Their answer does not focus on a personal visit by apparatus and firefighters. That kind of gift is a common gift for younger family members. The Newtown Square’s answer is to give golf for Father’s Day.