Fire Prevention

Public education is especially vital because West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department’s coverage area includes one elementary school (K-6). Once a year we visit the elementary school and address Fire Safety with the students, faculty & staff.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.  When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast.  Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

  • INSTALL smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • Larger homes may need ADDITIONAL smoke alarms to provide enough protection.
  • For the best protection, INTERCONNECT all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.
  • Smoke alarms should be INSTALLED away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
  • REPLACE all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
  • AND DON’T FORGET… all smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month using the test button.
Escape Planning

Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

  • MAKE a home escape plan.  Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows.  Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • MAKE a home escape plan.  Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows.  Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • MAKE a home escape plan.  Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows.  Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • PRACTICE using different ways out.
  • TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  • CLOSE doors behind you as you leave.
In Event of an Alarm

If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY OUT.  Never go back inside for people or pets.

  • If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke on your way out.
  • CALL 911 from outside your home.
Your Address

The absence of a properly displayed address number can greatly delay the delivery of emergency services such as fires or medical emergencies. If you are not sure about the visibility of the numbers on your house, apartment or business, simply walk out to the street and look to see if you can read them. If you can’t read them we ask that you install new numbers. Please follow the below suggestion for installing address numbers as soon as possible.

  • All numbers should be at least 4 inches tall.
  • The numbers should be a contrasting color to their background. (consider reflective numbers)
  • Numbers should be placed so they are visible from the street.
  • The street mounted mailbox should be numbered on both sides because emergency vehicles may be responding from either direction.
  • The numbers should not be blocked by vegetation.
  • West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department provides Reflective Address Markers for $15.00.  Please contact West
  • Jefferson Town Hall to order your Reflective Address Markers today.
Personnel

Chief James Nix, Jr.

Asst. Chief Kenneth Wilson

Lieutenant Ben Wilson

Lieutenant Julie Wilson

Safety Officer Jerald Watts

Firefighters:

James Nix, Sr.

Nikki Wilson

Terry Lee

Justin Wilson

Josh Blake

Alex Mason

Amber Flippo

Patrick Harper