The Warwick Fire Department (WFD) encourages all residents to perform home safety check and provided the following checklist from the U. S. Fire Adminstration:
Smoke Alarms: one smoke alarm on every level of the home and inside and outside each sleeping area; smoke alarms are less than 10 years old, and are tested and cleaned monthly; smoke alarm batteries are changed as needed.
Cooking Safety: cooking area is free from items that can catch fire; kitchen stove hood is clean and vented to the outside; pots are not left unattended on the stove.
Electrical & Appliance Safety: electrical cords do not run under rugs; electrical cords are not frayed or cracked; circuit-protected, multi-prong adapters are used for additional outlets; large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets; clothes dryer lint filter and venting system are clean.
Candle Safety: candles are in sturdy fire-proof containers that won’t be tipped over; all candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room; children and pets are never left unattended with candles.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: carbon monoxide alarms are located on each level of the home; carbon monoxide alarms are less than seven years old.
Smoking Safety: family members who smoke only buy fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside; matches and lighters are secured out of children’s sight; ashtrays are large, deep and kept away from items that can catch fire; ashtrays are emptied into a container that will not burn.
Heating Safety; chimney and furnace are cleaned and inspected yearly; furniture and other items that can catch fire are at least three feet from fireplaces, wall heaters, baseboards, and space heaters; fireplace and barbecue ashes are placed outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet from anything that can catch fire; extension cords are never used with space heaters; heaters are approved by a national testing laboratory and have tip-over shut-off function.
Home Escape Plan: have two ways out of each room; know to crawl low to the floor when escaping to avoid toxic smoke; know that once you’re out, stay out; know where to meet after the escape; meeting place should be near the front of your home, so firefighters know you are out; practice your fire escape plan.
For more information see the U.S. Fire Administration website at www.usfa.fema.gov.
The WFD has responded to 42 calls for service to date including three mutual aid fire calls to the Chester, Florida and Greenwood Lake Fire Districts over the past week.
On Mon. Feb. 10, WFD attended funeral services for FF Tom Walter. The WFD offers its sincerest condolences to the Walter family and friends.
On Tues., Feb. 11, the Warwick Fire District held its monthly work session at Warwick Station #2. On Wed., Feb. 12, the WFD held its Carnival and Fundraising Committee Meetings at Warwick Station #1. On Thurs., Feb. 13, WFD Extrication Team held their monthly scheduled drill at Warwick Station #3.
Do you want to be a firefighter? Do you want to join the Fire Police? Are you 16 years of age or older and want to give back protecting your community? Then we want you! Stop in to your neighborhood firehouse anytime or during truck checks on Monday nights at 7 p.m. or the first Tuesday of the month p.m. during Company Meetings. We offer teamwork, dedication, family and a bond like no other. We look forward to hearing from you.
Stop in or call 986-3473, catch us on social media and email warwickfire150@gmail.com.
