Preventing fires is a shared responsibility between the fire department and our community. As your local fire department, we are committed to working with residents to prevent fires before they occur. We urge all residents to take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their homes from fire by practicing fire safety at all times. This includes ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and working properly. We also encourage residents to create a fire escape plan and practice it regularly with their families. The Fire Department is committed to providing residents with in-home fire safety inspections, which can be made by appointment. By working together, we can create a safer community and prevent the devastating effects of fire.
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MedicalApproximately 25% of the total calls managed by the Department are medically prompted. Located right in the middle of the Village, Larchmont Firefighters can be anywhere in the Village of Larchmont in minutes. Larchmont Firefighters are certified New York State Emergency Medical Technicians and carry life saving medications and AED’s on our fire trucks. We work hand and hand with the Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corp to provide the care you need in the event of a medical emergency.
Fire Safety InspectionsFire safety inspections are a joint fire prevention service between the Fire Department and Building Department. Please visit Fire Safety Inspections for more information.
Smoke AlarmsWhen there is a fire, smoke travels fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside and outside of every bedroom. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home including the basement. Consider using interconnected smoke alarms to ensure when one sounds, they all sound.
Here are Some Common Problems Encountered by Firefighters:
- Like most technology smoke alarms have an expiration date. Replace your alarms after 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Some smoke alarms utilize 10-year batteries while others use more common AA or 9V batteries. Replace these batteries every 6 months when changing your clocks. This also applies to many hardwired systems; with a power outage you want to ensure your alarms are still working on battery power.
- Keep alarms clear of dust and excess moisture. Many alarms are set off inadvertently by steam or dust from cleaning. Proper positioning of a smoke alarm will limit false alarms.
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Carbon Monoxide
Working carbon monoxide alarms saves lives. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can be deadly if not detected by a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon Monoxide or CO is created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane burn incompletely. In the home the most common causes of carbon monoxide is faulty or poorly maintained heating sources and cooking equipment. Vehicles and generators running in close proximity to the home can also create a carbon monoxide condition. When a carbon monoxide alarm sounds quickly evacuate to fresh air and call 911.
The Larchmont Training Division organizes and develops the Larchmont Fire Department's Training Program. This program is what enables us to respond to and mitigate the multitude of daily emergencies and hazards. In addition the Training Division also handles the Department's research and development for new products and tactics, allowing us to stay on the forefront of technological and tactical advances in the fire service.
Storm SafetyUnfortunately, we are all too familiar with storms and flooding emergencies in the Village of Larchmont, follow these safety tips to protect your family and property.
- Prepare a “Go Bag” equipped with water, flashlight, medications, and other necessities in the event an evacuation is recommended.
- Avoid downed power lines and caution tape. Crews respond to several emergencies during storms and often mark hazards with cones or caution tape, avoid these areas.
- Use generators a safe distance from your home and open windows. A generator too close to a home can cause a carbon monoxide condition.
- Prior to a storm’s arrival, make sure you have adequate sump pumps and that they are in working condition with battery backups.
Winter Fire SafetyFaulty heating equipment remains a leading cause in home fires year after year. Portable space heaters account for nearly 90% of home heating fire deaths. Ensure all heating equipment is used according to the manufacturer’s specifications and maintained by a professional. Here are a few tips to keep your family safe this winter.
- After large snow incidents, ensure all house vents are clear of snow drifts. This allows for your heating equipment to vent properly and reduces the chances of a carbon monoxide incident.
- Always make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected by a professional. A chimney fire can easily spread to the rest of your home, and a cracked or poorly vented chimney can cause carbon monoxide to build in your home.
- Candles account for over 8,200 US house fires every year. Never leave candles burning unattended and keep clear of any combustibles.
- Be a hydrant hero! After a snowstorm you can help your local firefighters by shoveling around your nearest hydrant. This will help firefighters quickly locate and access a fire hydrant should a fire occur in your neighborhood.
Community EducationFor Larchmont Firefighters, Fire Prevention Week isn’t just the 2nd week in October, we teach fire prevention 24/7/365. Whether it is performing a fire safety inspection at one of our local businesses, or welcoming one of the many children’s groups into the firehouse, your firefighters work tirelessly to prevent emergencies. Have a fire safety question or interested in scheduling a Fire Safety Education Class? We can customize a class to your group’s needs. Contact 914-834-0016 Extension 5 for more information.