Holme Circle Civic Association met last week at its new home, Penn-Crisp Gym.
The group heard from firefighter Namor Brown, who offered fire-prevention tips.
Brown encouraged people to call 311 to schedule free smoke alarm installations in their homes. He said working smoke alarms give people more time to escape a fire. So far this year, the fire department has installed some 10,000 smoke alarms.
Brown also asked people to close their bedroom doors when they sleep, explaining that a closed door will give occupants an extra 20 minutes of safety from heat, smoke and flames.
Brown said it’s usually best to immediately leave a home on fire, as fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.
As Christmas nears, Brown urged people to decorate safely when it comes to lights and extension cords.
In other news from the Oct. 28 meeting:
• State Rep. Ed Neilson discussed the $3.25 million grant he secured during the Wolf administration that has allowed Archbishop Ryan to break ground on a news sports stadium and track.
Neilson’s office, at 16 Old Ashton Road, is collecting food for the needy this Thanksgiving, in partnership with Scouting America. Donations are accepted until Nov. 19. Items in need are peanut butter, jelly, cooking oil, canned tuna/meat, canned fruits/vegetables, cereal, rice, 100-percent juice, boxed milk and oatmeal.
Neilson’s office is also accepting donations for Toys for Tots through Dec. 4. Toys should be new and unwrapped. Call 215-330-3714.
• State Sen. Joe Picozzi invites high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in Senator for a Day on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family University. The hands-on, mock legislative experience is for students interested in government, public service and learning about the legislative process. The deadline to register is Nov. 6. Email SRoche@pasen.gov.
• The office of City Controller Christy Brady produces a monthly newsletter. Sign up at controller.phila.gov.
• The civic group brought a birthday cake for recording secretary Betty Brown and board member Nicole Figueroa, but neither was at the meeting. The group sang Happy Birthday anyway, and Neilson blew out the candles. ••
