Fire Safety

Protecting the Medford Community

The Medford Fire Department is dedicated to protecting lives and property through prevention, education, and emergency response. Fire safety begins with awareness and preparation. By taking proactive steps, residents can significantly reduce the risk of fire and improve outcomes during emergencies.

Medford Fire Department
171 Oregon Ave.
Medford, NY 11763

In any emergency, call 911 immediately.

Smoke Alarms: Your First Line of Defense

Working smoke alarms provide early warning, giving you critical time to escape.

Installation Guidelines:

• Install alarms inside every bedroom
• Place alarms outside each sleeping area
• Install at least one alarm on every level of your home, including basements

Maintenance:

• Test alarms monthly
• Replace batteries at least once a year or as needed
• Replace the entire unit every 10 years or according to manufacturer recommendations

Interconnected smoke alarms are strongly recommended. When one alarm sounds, all alarms sound—providing maximum alert throughout the home.

Home Fire Escape Planning

Every household should develop and practice a fire escape plan.

Key Elements of an Effective Plan:

• Identify two ways out of every room (door and window)
• Ensure windows and doors open easily
• Designate a safe outdoor meeting place (mailbox, tree, neighbor’s driveway)
• Ensure all family members understand the plan

Practice Matters:

• Conduct drills at least twice a year
• Practice both daytime and nighttime scenarios
• Teach children how to escape independently when appropriate

Once outside, stay outside. Never re-enter a burning structure.

Cooking Fire Safety

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries.

Safety Tips:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Keep flammable items (towels, paper products, curtains) away from heat sources
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires

If a grease fire occurs, do not use water. Turn off the heat and cover the pan if it is safe to do so.

Heating Equipment Safety

Heating equipment is a major cause of residential fires, particularly during colder months.

Safe Practices:

• Maintain at least a three-foot clearance around heating equipment
• Use space heaters with automatic shut-off features
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets—never extension cords
• Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep
• Have chimneys and heating systems inspected annually

Electrical Safety

Electrical malfunctions are a common source of fires.

Prevention Measures:

• Avoid overloading outlets and power strips
• Replace damaged or frayed cords immediately
• Use extension cords only as temporary solutions
• Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) where appropriate
• Hire a qualified electrician for major electrical work

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.

Protection Steps:

• Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home
• Test alarms monthly
• Never operate generators, grills, or fuel-burning devices indoors or in enclosed spaces
• Do not run vehicles in attached garages, even if the door is open

If a CO alarm sounds, move outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers can help control small fires when used correctly.

Guidelines:

• Keep at least one extinguisher in the kitchen and garage
• Learn the PASS technique:
  • Pull the pin
  • Aim at the base of the fire
  • Squeeze the handle
  • Sweep side to side
• Only attempt to extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so

If the fire grows or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately.

Outdoor and Seasonal Fire Safety

Grilling Safety:

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures
• Never leave grills unattended
• Clean grease buildup regularly

Holiday Safety:

• Use flame-resistant decorations
• Keep candles away from combustible materials
• Water live Christmas trees daily

Open Burning:

• Follow all local regulations and permit requirements
• Never leave fires unattended
• Keep a water source nearby

Address Visibility and Access

Clear address markings are critical for emergency response.

Ensure:

• House numbers are visible from the street
• Numbers are illuminated or reflective for nighttime visibility
• Driveways and access points are unobstructed

These steps help emergency responders locate your home quickly when every second counts.

Fire Safety for Children and Families

Education plays a vital role in prevention.

Teach Children:

• Matches and lighters are tools, not toys
• What smoke alarms sound like and how to respond
• How to crawl low under smoke
• How and when to call 911

Families should reinforce safety messages regularly and lead by example.

Community Risk Reduction

Fire safety is a shared responsibility. The Medford Fire Department supports community risk reduction through:

• Public education programs
• Fire safety inspections
• Smoke alarm awareness initiatives
• Community outreach events

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in local safety programs.

We’re Here to Help

The Medford Fire Department is proud to serve and protect our community through prevention, preparedness, and professional emergency response.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency assistance or fire safety education, contact the department directly.