Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Bureau is headed by the Deputy Fire Marshal. The Fire Chief is the Fire Marshal by City ordinance. The Deputy Fire Marshal is responsible for all plan reviews, new construction inspections, existing structure inspections done twice annually, fire brigade training, and investigations. The Deputy Fire Marshal is assisted by one fire fighter from each of the three shifts. The fire fighters work a 24-hour shift, however their daytime hours are spent doing inspections and handling other Bureau responsibilities. Public Educational program responsibilities are shared between the Deputy Fire Marshal and the Public Relations Officer. Some of the public education programs offered are the "Learn Not to Burn(tm)" program in schools, smoke detector program, C.E.R.T. program, and the Risk Watch(tm) Summer Camp.

Keep the Wreath Red Campaign

Holiday fires seem even more tragic just because of the time of year. But they can be especially devastating for families whose members become part of the fire death or injury statistics.

Each year the Hazelwood Fire Department runs a campaign for public awareness of holiday fire safety called "Keep the Wreath Red." A large holiday wreath will be placed on the front of each fire station containing all red bulbs. If a fire incident occurs which is related to the holiday season, a red bulb is replaced with a white one. The idea is for the community to keep the wreath red. It is a way for all of us to keep our mind on holiday fire safety. Always use care when decorating and cooking during any holiday season. And at Christmas time, take an extra minute to make sure YOU can keep the wreath red.

CERT

Community Emergency Response Teams

Emergency services personnel are the best trained and equipped to handle emergencies under normal circumstances. However, following a catastrophic disaster such as an earthquake or devastating tornado, you and your neighbors may be on your own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications and impassable roads.

The city of Hazelwood is developing a series of Community Emergency Response Teams made up of citizen volunteers.  The City recognizes that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster. According, the Hazelwood Emergency Management Agency decided that organized training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of neighborhoods to cope until first responders or other assistance could arrive. 

CERT training is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel may not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using this training to save lives and protect property.

CERT training covers skills that are important to know in a disaster while awaiting emergency services. You will want to help. With training and practice and by working as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

CERT teams will be designated by using neighborhoods and subdivisions as geographical boundaries as much as possible. Each area will have a coordinator and team members supported by the City's emergency service personnel. Training will also be provided by skilled City personnel.

The whole CERT program is based on the neighbor helping neighbor principle. To be a CERT team member, it takes commitment from you; a commitment to give your time and energy to an organization everyone hopes will never be called into action. The benefits will reach far beyond emergency response. As evidenced in other parts of the country, neighborhoods become more cohesive, new lasting friends are made, and members truly feel a part of the community.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or you just want more information, please contact the Hazelwood Fire Department at (314) 731-3424, and ask for Deputy Fire Marshal John Otte. Your name and phone number will be taken and you will be contacted and kept up to date as team training is set up and areas are designated.

Risk Watch Summer Camp

Each summer the Hazelwood Fire Department Risk Watch Camp joins forces with the Hazelwood Police Department's D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) camp and presents a three-week combined learning experience for school-aged children. The Risk Watch program was developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and focuses on education in fire prevention and household safety practices.

The camp is run during the daytime hours, alternating days between police and fire department instruction. The equivalent of two weeks consists of the Police Department's drug awareness program. The remainder of time focuses on subjects such as water safety, poisons, motor vehicle safety, burn prevention, fire prevention, and home fire escape planning.

Safety Clubhouse

The Hazelwood Fire Department Safety Clubhouse is a sophisticated educational tool for teaching important fire safety messages to elementary school-aged children. Special arrangements can be made for safety lessons for teens or adults if requested. The Clubhouse is a trailer pulled by a Suburban. It simulates a small replica of a house with a living room, kitchen, and bedroom and is handicapped accessible. Various fire hazards are set up in the rooms and a light non-toxic "smoke" is used to simulate a fire situation.

Qualifying Events for Use of Clubhouse

The Safety Clubhouse may be requested for events planned as public educational activities. We do not use the Clubhouse as a game or "showpiece" attraction such as part of a carnival or store grand opening. Requests for scheduling events within the City of Hazelwood shall be approved by Battalion Chief R. Getz or Dep. Fire Marshal John Otte.

Agencies planning educational activities outside the City of Hazelwood that wish to have the Clubhouse at their event must first contact their local fire department. We can then work with them to cover operational logistics. Requests for use outside Hazelwood also require approval from the Hazelwood Fire Chief.

Any questions regarding logistical or operational requirements may be directed to Battalion Chief Randy Getz or Dep. Fire Marshal John Otte at 731-3424.

Click the picture to download info on reserving the Safety Clubhouse for your event.

Events

Fire Prevention Week

Each year in October, Fire Prevention Week is a time we focus on specific fire safety themes that come up through the year. The National Fire Protection Association spearheads the theme for the season and fire departments across the nation join together in getting the safety message out in a variety of ways.

Last year's theme was, "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With"

The Hazelwood Fire Department joins in efforts to educate school children and the public in general on safety topics all year long. During Fire Prevention Week we will be in the schools and around town with literature and discussion about fire safety.

Emergency Medical Services Week

Each May, the Hazelwood Fire Department teams up with local businesses, and medical care facilities to showcase the services that provide the vital link between EMS personnel and the Hazelwood community.

We take the opportunity to display our fire apparatus staffed with paramedics and featuring Advanced Life Support equipment at various locations around the City. The public invited to view the equipment, see how it works, ask questions of the EMS team, receive printed information on use of the emergency services in the area and on general health. They may also receive a blood pressure check and pulse/blood oxygen level reading for free upon request.

This is a time when the public can get to know the people and the level of competency of those who will come to help them when they dial 9-1-1. Hopefully you'll never have to use us, but if you do, you'll know you can trust us with your lives.

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