Fire prevention isn’t a seasonal concern, according to a county emergency services official.

“The hazards change seasonally, so fire prevention is a year-round awareness,” Christine Arnold, the St. Clair County Fire and EMS Association’s fire prevention chair, said last week during the St. Clair County Health Fair.  “For example, summer heat and dry weather conditions allow grass and woods fires to ignite.  Air conditioners working twice as hard to cool our homes and businesses can be a fire hazard with overheated electrical circuits.  As the season is no moving into fall, be mindful of the candles in Jack-o-Lanterns.  You should begin checking your Christmas lighting for frayed wires and broken lamps.  Dispose of any defective products and replace with appropriate UL tested items.”

Arnold and Shoal Creek Volunteer Firefighters Lockett and Michael Blanton talked with health fair visitors about fire safety and prevention.  

Guests were invited to register for door prizes donated by Springville Fire Chief Richard Harvey, including a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm.  Two fire prevention home inspections were also awarded as drawing giveaways.  Dorothy Smith won the fire extinguisher, and Betty Gardener received the smoke alarm. Rick Boffa and Breanna Bice were awarded the home inspections.

“With the time change this weekend, everyone should check their smoke alarm batteries,” Arnold said.  “If you need help checking your smoke alarm or if you need smoke alarms installed, contact your community fire station or the county association.  The association received a grant several years ago to install the smoke detectors and batteries free of charge to residents.   Contact information is posted on the St Clair County website under the Fire and EMS Association link in the left column.”