Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company
Welcome to the official website of the Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company of East Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Our Company proudly provides fire, rescue, and quick response medical service to the 26 square miles of East Union Township including the villages of Sheppton, Oneida, Brandonville, Phinneyville, Girard Manor, Cove Village, Eagle Rock Resort and the Humboldt Industrial Park West. Currently, our company operates an engine, ladder, tanker, brush truck, utility, trailer, and squad with 25 active firefighters. Please browse our site and post on our message board or guestbook.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company is to systematically and professionally protect the lives and property of the residents and visitors of East Union Township and surrounding areas. This is accomplished by providing the highest quality fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to anyone in need through the dedication of highly trained volunteers using the best equipment and resources available, while having a mindset towards training, fire prevention, safety, service, and progression.

The Officers and Members of the Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company are committed to effective fire prevention to extinguish fires before they even start. We conduct tours and demonstrations for local organizations and businesses in subjects of fire prevention, fire extinguisher training, and related subjects.

This section of our website also contacts a frequently asked questions section to better explain some of the services we provide and answer some of the questions residents and business owners may have.

In a fire emergency:
* Get family members, pets, and yourself out of the house as quickly as possible.
* Call 911 from your neighbor's house or a cellular phone once you reach safety.
* Remain calm and tell the 911 dispatcher your address and information.
* Stay out of your home. Our firefighters have specialized equipment and training to protect them from this dangerous environment.
* All homes should have a designated meeting place away from the house.
* Practice fire drills at least twice a year and make sure you have two seperate exit routes.
* If you encounter smoke, crawl underneath it to your exit or utilize your second exit.
* If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, cover your face, and roll until you smother the flames.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives
* Every home should have one smoke detector on each level and outside each bedroom.
* You should test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
* Keep the smoke detector clean and free of dust.
* Replace the smoke detector per the manufacturer's recommendations.
* Most importantly: The smoke detector doesn't help if it doesn't work.

Use Electrical Safety
* Don't overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
* Replace any cord that is cracked or frayed.
* If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it and have it repaired by a professional.
* Use the proper size fuses in your fuse box.
* Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
* If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in
* a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit.
* Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are worn or frayed, they need to be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Prevention
* Install at least one UL (Underwriters Laboratories) carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning signal near each sleeping area and outside individual bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms are measure levels of CO over time and are designed an alarm before and average, healthy adult would experience symptoms.
* It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when the CO alarm sounds.
* Even though the alarm may not sound, carbon monoxide may still be present.
* Have a qualified professional check all fuel-burning appliances, vents, and chimneys annually.
* Never use a stove to heat your home.
* Never keep a car running in your garage even with the door open.
* When purchasing and existing home have a qualified professional evaluate the integrity of the heating and cooking systems as well as the sealed spaces between the garage and house. The presence of a CO alarm in your house can prevent illness and death in the event of a CO leak.

Space Heaters & Heating Safety Tips
* Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that is combustible.
* Never leave heaters on when you leave home or got to bed.
* Keep children and pets away from heater.
* Keep fire in the fireplace. Use fire screens and have your chimney cleaned annually. The creosote buildup can ignite a chimney fire that could easily spread.
* Kerosene heaters should be used only where approved by authorities.
* Never use gasoline or camp-stove fuel. Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.