Public Education

Each year thousands of homes are destroyed by fire and hundreds of people are injured by falls. These type of emergencies are preventable. The department offers free public speaking and educational information to civic groups, churches, and the public. We can speak on several specialty topics to include fire prevention, injury prevention, preparing for a natural disaster, etc. We want our citizens to be informed and safe. If interested, please contact the fire department at (804) 520-9387 or e-mail us.

Smoke Detectors

National statistics have shown that if you have a properly installed and working smoke detector, you have more than a fifty percent chance of survival in the event of a fire. The department offers free smoke detector checks, change the battery, and help with installation. You should have a smoke detector installed in every bedroom, outside of the bedroom, on every floor of the house to include basements and occupied attic areas. We also recommend that you replace your existing smoke detectors every ten years. If you have questions, please contact the fire department at (804) 520-9387 or e-mail us.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The department recognizes that every year hundreds of people across the nation are exposed to high levels of deadly carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is produced by the burning of a fossil fuel such as natural gas, wood, or oil. It is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas. You may never know that you are being exposed. Some of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are nausea, headaches, feeling sick, feeling sleepy, late stages include redness of the skin. If you have a gas furnace, gas hot water, fireplace, or attached garage, we recommend that you have a carbon monoxide detector. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on installation and maintenance.

Home Inspections

We offer free home safety inspections. Do you have items in your house that could cause or contribute to a fire? Do you have objects that would prevent your escape or jeopardize the lives of firefighters? The department will be glad to come to your house and conduct a home safety inspection. We will provide information on things that you can do to help eliminate a chance of a fire. If you want a home safety inspection, please contact the fire department at (804) 520-9387 or e-mail us.

Water Safety

Hanging out at the pool or the river on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines. Learn how to swim and always swim with a partner. If you are not a good swimmer, do not go in water that is so deep you cannot touch the bottom. It is not a good idea to go swimming in the Appomattox River because of the rapid currents and obstacles near the bottom. If swimming in the river or creek, the department recommends that you wear a personal floatation device. Swimming in the Swift Creek Reservoir at Lakeview Park is prohibited.

Donations

A majority of the department's public safety handouts, coloring books, pencils, and kids' fire helmets are purchased through donations. Your donations help the department in so many ways; this is just one way you can help. If you would like to donate or help, please contact the fire department at (804) 520-9387 or e-mail us. Thank you for your donation.