Westwego Fire Department Pumper Fire Department patch

Westwego Vol. Fire Company # 1
Tips For Fire Safety

Free Home Fire Safety Inspection

The Westwego Volunteer Fire Co. offers free home fire safety inspections.  For further information contact: Assistant Fire Chief Michael P. Guillot at 347-7385.

In Case Of A Fire

Exit the building immediately!!! Go to the nearest phone and dial 911!! Do Not return to a burning building! Fight a fire only after the fire department has been notified. Fight the fire if it is small and confined to its area of origin. Fight the fire if you have your back to an exit, in case you need to exit quickly. Have the proper fire extinguisher and know how to use it!

Smoke Detectors

Every residence should nave at least one smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be tested every month to ensure proper functioning. Batteries should be checked and/or replaced at regular intervals every year. A good reminder is Day Light Savings Time -- Change your clocks/Change your smoke detector batteries!!!

E.D.I.T.H.       Exit    Drills    In    The    Home

Everyone should have a planned evacuation route our of their home in case of an emergency. There should be a minimum of 2 escape routes available. You never know when an emergency might occur. Exit drills should be planned and practiced periodically with all members of the family. Make sure everyone knows their part in the drill. After everyone has safely exited the building, dial 911 and report the emergency. DO NOT go back into the building. Have a prearranged safe place to meet. Anyone with a two-story residence should consider purchasing an escape ladder. An escape ladder is a device which can be attached to a second story windowsill (from inside) and lowered to ground level.

Fire Extinguishers

General Principles of Fire Extinguisher Use:Remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket and remember the Acronym P.A.S.S. Pull the pin to activate the extinguisher. Aim the hose - point it at the base of the fire. Squeeze the trigger mechanism to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire, using short, quick outbursts, staying low.