By Michael Contaxis
1st Asst. Chief Warwick Fire Department
Fire Prevention Chairman, WFD
To our family, friends, and neighbors of the Warwick Fire Department (WFD) and the Warwick Fire District, we would like to wish our community a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Thank you to our first responders in the Town of Warwick, Orange County, New York State and across the USA as well as to our military. We are also thankful for our essential workers – doctors, nurses, school district administrators, teachers and our children and their parents. Please be thankful and respectful of one another this holiday season!
Fire Prevention Tips
Many home fires are preventable. Most fires start in the kitchen especially during Thanksgiving. Make sure you use your turkey fryer safely. Only fry a turkey outside and away from your home – not inside your garage, or on your porch. Do not overfill the oil in the turkey fryer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on use, including thawing your turkey thoroughly and maintaining control of the oil temperature.
Fire Prevention is easy and right from a smart phone and tablet by visiting www.NFPA.ORG, www.community.nfpa.org or the children’s interactive site at www.sparkyschoolhouse.org.
Fire Calls & Training
The WFD has responded to 358 calls for service to date. During the week, the WFD completed weekly apparatus and building check, and Excelsior Hose Company #1 held an Engine Company Operations Drill at Station #4.
On Thurs., Nov. 19, the WFD responded to a chimney fire on Distillery Rd. and immediately following the fire the WFD held their monthly scheduled FAST and Rope Teams Drill. The Firefighter Assist Search Team and Rope Team Drill are made up of Senior Warwick Firefighters with advanced skills in aiding downed firemen in a residential structure or injured hiker or cars down an embankment in the event of a serious motor vehicle accident.
Change Smoke Detector Batteries
Reminder again from the WFD Fire Prevention Team – now that the clocks have been changed back, it is time to change the batteries in smoke detectors.
Join the Fire Department
For those who are 16 years of age or older who want to give back to the community, join the Warwick Fire Department. Those who are interested can stop by any of the firehouses in the evening to speak with a Fire Officer, especially on Mondays at 7 p.m. or the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. For more information call 986-3473 or send an email to wfd634c@yahoo.com or warwickfire150@gmail.com.
