Middletown Fire Department Shares Prevention Tips

Middletown's Fire Prevention Officer Lt. Rob McCall says that the most effective means of fighting a fire is prevention.  

“We would much rather come to your house to prevent a fire than to put one out,” he said.

McCall said the most common causes of fires they see in Middletown are related to cooking and smoking; most are preventable.

The suggests incorporating the following practices into everyday activities in order to reduce the risk of a fire: 

Cooking

• Check the stove before you leave the kitchen. Lt. McCall said that fires have been started when the stove was accidentally turned on.  
• Always keep a one-foot radius clear around the stove.
• Do not fall asleep when food is cooking on the stove.

Smoking

• Do not smoke in the house.
• Properly dispose of cigarettes. Lt. McCall said a recent fire was started by a cigarette that was thrown into a plastic bucket.

Candles

• Never leave candles unattended.
• Be careful of open windows. A breeze can throw a flame, which can quickly start a fire.
• Ensure the candle is on a solid base.
• Do not let the candle burn all the way down.

Smoke Detectors

• Smoke detectors should be tested monthly.
• In order to ensure the batteries are fresh, they should be replaced twice a year. Lt. McCall suggests to replace the batteries when you set the clocks back for daylight savings time.
• Smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years.
• The Middletown Fire Department provides smoke detectors for low income and elderly residents. If needed, the department will install the device.

Middletown residents who would like a fire prevention walk-through at their residence may schedule one by calling the non-emergency number 401.846.1031.