By Bailey Breeding
Community Relations Intern
Here at the Rincon Valley Fire District, we are on a mission to ensure our community is prepared for whatever might happen. Most house fires occur during winter months, and with the temperatures dropping, it is important to be ready if anything happens.
Being prepared is made easier with a few simple steps:
Escape plan: have a plan if a fire were to occur and ensure that everyone in the home including children knows what to do and where to go in an emergency. Practice two ways out during your home fire drill. Include pets in this plan and train them to come when called.
Smoke alarms: Ensure that there are a proper number of smoke alarms in the home and check them once a month to make sure they are operating correctly. Batteries must be kept up to date. To request a free smoke alarm check, please call us at 520-647-3760.
Make sure that space heaters are away from anything flammable. Never leave candles unattended.
Educate children about fire safety and what to do in case of fire. For example, teach them what a smoke alarm sounds like and what they should do if they hear one go off. Also teach them that fire is a tool, not a toy, and that it should never be played with. Always make sure that children know “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothing is ever on fire.
Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind:
Sleep with bedroom doors closed
Make digital copies of valuable documents and records
Keep a fire extinguisher in the house
Never go back into a burning building for anything
Being prepared can help make a fire less tragic. Fire preparation and prevention can go hand in hand, it is important to keep in mind fires can still occur even with prevention methods in place. Preparing for a fire can ensure everyone knows what to do and how to stay safe, and also make sure that valuable documents and records are not lost. We are always happy to discuss safety with you. Please call us at 520-647-3760!
Bailey grew up in Vail and graduated from Andrada Polytechnic High School. She is interning at RVFD, where she is working on safety education outreach, while obtaining a degree in fire science. Bailey loves coaching volleyball and hiking in Arizona.