FORKED RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT

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COVID-19

During this unfortunate pandemic, the Forked River Fire Department ensures that we will, to the best of our ability, protect our volunteer firefighters, our families, and the residents we serve. Limiting the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) is everyones job as this virus sweeps the world. Over time, it will take your understanding, help, and support to persevere from this epic event. Its important to keep everyone safe but, especially to keep our firefighters healthy. Due to quarantine protocols or illness, any unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 could effect our ability to provide fire and rescue services to our residents. Therefore, for calls requiring our response that have no obvious signs of smoke, fire, or rescue, we will take extra time to gather information on scene from the occupants or call persons. This will help us determine if entry is required into a dwelling to investigate the issue or if close interaction and contact is required (less than 6ft - CDC recommended social distancing). If entry or close contact is required, firefighters will do so without hesitation. However, we will have to take additional steps to protect and disinfect ourselves prior to leaving the scene.

Attention Lacey Residence:

Forked River Fire Dept. As well as other emergency services in town are looking for “No Contact Thermometers”
These are needed to make sure our personnel are checked each day to help prevent the spread.
You have all been absolutely great in helping find the items we need to keep our services going.
If anyone knows where we can obtain these thermometers please message our page.
Thank You & Stay Sage

UPDATE: Thank You Lacey Twp. Residents who have donated some of your supplies to us, we have been able to put together what is needed right now to help us prevent the spread during our operations.

Attention Lacey Residents:

The Forked River Fire Dept. Has been unable to find disinfectant wipes and spray and also N95 masks or safety glasses.
Even with the help of the Town and the Ocean County Board of Health we have been unable to secure any of these items.
If you are able to spare any of these items the members of the Forked River Fire Dept would be greatly appreciative.
These items are needed to clean our units and equipment after leaving residence and businesses in town to help prevent the spread of any virus if present.
Please message me if you are able to spare anything.
Thank You
Jerry Hayes
President
FRFD

IMPORTANT LINKS

Ill NJ Residents who Tested Negative for COVID-19: Instructions & Next Steps

Question Instructions 

I tested negative for COVID-19. What should I do now? 

If you tested negative for COVID-19, the recommendation is to stay home and practice social distancing until 72 hours after your fever has ended without the use of fever reducing medications and other symptoms improve. After this time, you may resume regular activities. 


What if I tested negative but still feel sick? 

If you test negative for COVID-19 but still have symptoms, it is likely you may have another respiratory virus. You should continue to self- isolate yourself from others, practice good hand hygiene and clean and disinfect surfaces in the home. If your symptoms worsen or don’t get better after several days, you should call your health care provider. 


You should not return to work or school until 72 hours after your fever has ended without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms have improved. 

What other actions should I take to protect my health? 


As long as the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading in your community, continue to practice social distancing, wash hands often and avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, sinks, phones). 


For general information about COVID-19, call 1-800-962-1953 or 211. Or go to njcovid19.nj.gov or nj.gov/health


NJ Residents with a Positive COVID-19 Test: Instructions & Next Steps

Question Instructions 

I tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do now? 

If you tested positive, you must stay at home and self-isolate. This means stay in a different bedroom from others in your home, and if possible, use a separate bathroom. You must self-isolate for at least 3 full days (or 72 hours) have passed since you had a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND other symptoms are greatly improved AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first started. 


If you live with other people and they were not tested, they should keep their distance from you. This includes not eating meals together and not sitting around the house together. Practice social distancing as much as is possible (stay at least 6 feet from each other). 


What should the people who live in my home know/do? 

If they are symptomatic (sick; have COVID-19 symptoms), they should also self-isolate for 3 full days (or 72 hours) until they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications AND other symptoms are greatly improved AND at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first started. If the symptoms are mild, they should recover at home. If the symptoms worsen and a medical evaluation is needed, call health care provider. 


If they are asymptomatic (not sick; have no COVID-19 symptoms), they should self-quarantine for 14 days AFTER any sick person in the household’s self-isolation period ends. If the asymptomatic person develops symptoms, they should follow the self-isolation instructions above. Symptoms may take 2-14 days to appear. It is important to monitor their health long enough to ensure they do not develop symptoms. 


What is the difference between mild and moderate symptoms? 

Mild symptoms are when you feel unwell but can stay home and manage at home. Most people with mild symptoms can recover from home. See above for how long you should stay home/self-isolate. 


Moderate symptoms are those where you may need a medical evaluation from your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen over time and do not get better, especially if you have trouble breathing, call your health care provider to determine next steps. 

Should I tell other people that they may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus? 


Those who have been closest to you for a prolonged period of time are going to be at highest risk. Household members and others with whom you spent a prolonged period of time (more than 10 minutes) within 6 feet of you, or shared a meal, would be at increased risk and should be advised to self-quarantine at home for 14 days AFTER your, or any sick household members self-isolation period ends. If the asymptomatic person develops symptoms, they should follow the self-isolation instructions above. 


People who you did not spend a prolonged period of time (less than 10 minutes) within 6 feet are at lower risk. This would include people that you may have been in an indoor space for a prolonged period of time. They should monitor their health; no restrictions about where they go. They should wash hands often and practice social distancing. If possible, you should notify individuals above regarding your illness. Work or school supervisors may be informed to help with this process. 


People who you may have casually come into contact with (e.g., passed by in the hall, briefly spent time within a room, shared a short elevator ride), are not considered to be at risk and do not need to be contacted. 


For general info abut COVID-19, call 1-800-926-1253 or 211 or go to njcovid19.nj.gov or nj.gov/health March 26, 2020