Warwick FD: Create a Fire Escape Plan & Other Tips

Story by Michael Contaxis, 1st Assistant Chief Warwick Fire Department

      The Warwick Fire Department (WFD) has responded to 106 calls for service to date as of Sun., Apr. 19.   Fire prevention is a function of the Warwick Fire Department.  The goal is to educate the public to take precautions to prevent potentially harmful fires, and be educated about surviving them.

      Home fires can rapidly spread, and every second counts. Having a plan in place where you and your family can get out of the house in under two minutes once the alarm sounds is critical for your family’s safety. Everyone in your family should know how to dial 9-1-1 in the case of emergency. In addition, teach your children what a smoke alarms sounds like and what to do if they hear one. You should also establish and practice a fire escape plan, especially if you have small children.

      Here some tips for creating your fire escape plan:

• Draw a floor plan of your entire house that shows all the doors and windows.
• Show and discuss the plan with everyone in the house.
• Identify at least two ways out of every room, if possible. This could be through doors or windows.
• Once outside, everyone should meet at an agreed upon meeting place a safe distance from the house. It could be the mailbox or the neighbor’s fence. Just make sure it is easy for young children to get there.
• You can also download a kid-friendly fire escape planning worksheet from the National Fire Protection Association and complete it with your family.

Basic Fire Safety Tips for Kids & Families

      Help your family stay safe in the event of a fire. Do not let children play with matches, lighters or candles. Keep these items up and away from young children. In addition, teach your kids these basic fire safety tips to help ensure they know what to do during a fire emergency.

      Teach children that if a doorknob is hot, you should NOT open the door. Teach children how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll,” and to crawl on their hands and knees if they see smoke. Take your child to the fire house to meet a firefighter. This way, they learn what a firefighter looks like in their fire gear.

      Teach your child to never hide under the bed or in the closet. There is no 100 percent guarantee that a fire will never happen in your home. That’s why it pays to be prepared and take steps to reduce the risk of a home fire. Follow the three “P’s” – prevent, plan, and practice. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, your family has a fire escape plan, and you have practiced it.

      Follow NFPA.org to get up to date educational information on Fire Prevention. Follow NFPA.Org & Sparky.Org to get up to date educational information on Fire Prevention.

Thank You Essential Workers

      Thank you to all essential workers from our grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, hospital staff, Warwick Police, Warwick EMS and our community for continuous support to our neighbors. We will get through this together -stay fire safe and ‘Warwick Strong.’

.  Firefighters Needed

      For those who are 16 years of age or older who want to give back to the community, join the Warwick Fire Department. For more information call 986-3473 or send an email to  wfd634c@yahoo.com or warwickfire150@gmail.com.