Safety is the name of the game in the fire service. While we do our best to help those in our community in their time of need, there are some very simple things that you can do to help promote safety around your own house. There are also some easy things that you can do to help the fire department in the event that you do have an emergency. Below are some items that can be life savers, not only for you, but for your neighbors as well!

If you have any questions about these recommendations, please feel free to contact us during business hours.

Things to do around your Home
Clear grass and weeds away from the sides of your house for at least 30 ft.

Be sure your house numbers are plainly visible form the street. Use at least 4 inch high numbers. These numbers are easiest for the Fire Department to see if they are on both sides of a street-side mail box and made out of reflective material. The numbers should contrast the surface they’re on.

Clean your chimney as needed. One of the most common fire calls in the District results from dirty chimneys!

Keep cleaning fluids, powders and firearms locked away from small children and pets.

Label all sheds or out-buildings that may contain flammable fuels. Commercial labels are available for this.

Have a Family Escape Plan in the event of a Fire, and practice it annually.

Teach all children how to dial 911, and when to do it.

In the event of an emergency, ask an extra person to stand outside to flag down the Fire Department as they arrive. We live in a rural area, and some houses are quite a distance off the road. Having someone stand outside to flag us down can reduce response times by as much as 5 minutes!

Things to do On The Road
In heavy fog, DO NOT use your high-beams, they will blind you to on-coming traffic.

If you come across an accident (or are involved in one yourself) call 911 immediately. It takes time for the process to work, and the faster you initiate the call, the faster we can come to your aid. Just because you don’t think anyone is hurt is no reason not to call…that’s what we’re here for!

Unlike landlines, cell phones cannot accurately tell the 911 Operators where you are, so it’s important that you do your best to give the Operator directional information. If all you know is that you’re located on County Road 29, West of County Road 98, and are near a bridge, tell the Operator that! We’re very familiar with the District and what might seem trivial to you may very well give us your exact location.

In the event of an auto accident, try and give the 911 Operator as much information about the accident as possible. Number of vehicles, number of people in the vehicles and type/extent of damage are all very important information that dictates how many (and what kind) of Emergency Vehicles respond!

During the wet months, there are several roads in the District that flood on a regular basis. The water can be moving swiftly enough to push your car off the road! Cross the flooded section slowly, and only if you’re sure the water isn’t too deep. If you do get swept off the road STAY IN YOUR CAR IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO! Call 911 and let us come get you out. The water is cold and fast moving, and it’s much easier to get you out of your car than out of a fast moving irrigation canal.