From the Desk of the Stockbridge Fire Chief Vincent Garofoli

More Fire Safety Tips and Procedures

In case of fire, always call 911 and evacuate your residence as soon as possible.

1. The first line of defense against any Fire or Carbon Monoxide incident is properly working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your detectors have batteries that can be changed, change them twice a year — when you change the clocks, change the batteries. Replace the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years. If you have a fire alarm system, have it serviced by the alarm company annually to ensure proper functioning.

2. The next area of safety is heating devices and open flame devices - furnaces, woodstoves, space heaters, fireplaces, and candles. It is very important to have our furnaces and chimneys cleaned and serviced annually. It is extremely important that if you use wood stoves and have to leave them unattended, close their doors, and if possible, close any vents to prevent a sudden down draft from releasing hot embers into the room. Don't leave space heaters or candles unattended. Don't leave them near combustible materials like paper, cardboard, books and linens like curtains, drapes, etc. Don't use them when you sleep. Pay attention to pets when you are using them as it is common for pets (especially cats and small climbing animals) to knock them over unintentionally. We also suggest if you are using space heaters, use only the ones that have automatic shutoffs if they tip over.

3. Have clear and easily accessible exits. We strongly advise you to keep all hallways, stairways, and exit doors free of any items that you could trip over if you had to get out fast.

4. Fire drills and exit plans. It is very important to review with your families what to do if there is a fire in your home. Practice getting outside to a safe place fast. Pick one spot for your family to gather so you know everyone is out safely. When choosing your safe place to meet make sure it is far enough away from the burning building so embers and smoke won't hurt you. Make sure it is safely away from the road or driveway but still close enough to see the First Responders coming so they can talk to you when they arrive.

If you have any questions, concerns or would like the Stockbridge Fire Department to visit and assist you with fire safety please reach out to us. The Stockbridge Fire Department is very proud to offer a free program to Stockbridge residents. We evaluate your residence for fire and life safety concerns and offer suggestions and in some cases services to help you. Our goal is your safety!

Robert Kaplan and James Brooke at the Stockbridge Library. Photo: Lionel Delevingne