Winter Safety Starts With You and Your Fire Department

When December arrives, so do colder temperatures, crackling fireplaces, holiday decorations, and the comfort of gathering indoors. While winter brings warmth in many ways, it also brings increased fire risks and emergency calls that put pressure on local fire departments, many of which are powered by volunteers.

As your home fills with holiday lights, space heaters, candles, and seasonal cooking, it’s crucial to think about safety. And it’s equally important to recognize the people who stand ready when winter emergencies strike.

Behind every alarm is a team of trained volunteers, neighbors, parents, students, and community members who choose to step out into the cold when others stay warm inside.

This December, let’s talk about winter fire safety, preparedness, and why volunteer firefighters are needed now more than ever.

Winter Means Higher Fire Risk, Here’s Why

Winter is one of the busiest times for fire departments. More fire-related incidents occur in the winter months than any other time of year. Why?

Because of:

• Space heater use

• Fireplace & chimney fires

• Holiday lights & electrical overload

• Cooking fires around holiday meals

• Candles and holiday décor

• Dangerous road conditions

• Carbon monoxide emergencies

• Frozen pipes & burst plumbing calls

The season of comfort also comes with hidden risks, and preventing them starts at home.

Winter Fire & Heating Safety Tips

Here are essential safety steps everyone should take:

Space Heater Safety

• Keep heaters 3 feet away from anything flammable

• Plug directly into the wall, never a power strip

• Turn off when sleeping or leaving the room

  
  

Chimney & Fireplace Care

• Have chimneys cleaned annually

• Use a screen to prevent flying embers

• Dispose of ashes in a metal container outside

  
  

Holiday Décor Safety

• Inspect light cords for frays or damage

• Don’t overload outlets

• Water live trees daily to prevent drying and ignition

• Turn off lights before bed or when leaving home

  
  

Kitchen Caution

• Stay near food while cooking

• Keep flammable items away from the stove

• Turn pot handles inwards to avoid spills

  
  

Carbon Monoxide Safety

• Install CO detectors

• Never run generators indoors

• Keep vents, furnaces, and heating systems clear of snow

These simple actions save lives, and volunteer firefighters see the results firsthand.

Help Us Help You: Clear Snow Around Fire Hydrants

When winter storms hit, snow piles up fast, and while we shovel driveways and sidewalks, one critical area often gets overlooked:

Fire hydrants.

Firefighters need quick access to hydrants during an emergency. If they’re buried under snow, even a few extra minutes spent digging them out can make a life-changing difference in a fire response.

This winter, please help keep your neighborhood safe by adopting the hydrants near your home. After every snowfall, clear:

• 3 feet of space around the hydrant

• A path from the street to the hydrant

• Snow and ice from the top and outlet caps

It’s a small task that can have a massive impact, and your efforts directly support your local volunteer firefighters.

When seconds count, your shovel can save lives.

When Emergencies Happen, Volunteers Respond

While families gather indoors, volunteer firefighters bundle up, pull on their gear, and head out, often in snow, ice, or freezing winds, to help their neighbors.

Winter emergencies they respond to include:

• House fires

• Chimney fires

• Carbon monoxide emergencies

• Vehicle accidents on icy roads

• Medical emergencies

• Downed wires and storm calls

They do this while balancing work, family, school, and daily life. Their dedication keeps communities safe when the weather and the world feel most unpredictable.

Why Volunteers Are Critical in Winter

Cold weather stresses resources and increases call volume. For many fire departments, especially volunteer-based ones, winter staffing becomes challenging due to:

• Holiday travel

• Work schedule changes

• Seasonal illness

• Increased emergency frequency

That means more volunteers are needed to ensure fast response times and adequate coverage.

Your community depends on those who step up, and there’s always room for more.

No Experience Needed, Just Commitment & Heart

If you’ve ever had the thought: "Someone should help."

You might be that someone.

Whether you want to assist with fire response, EMS support, traffic control, admin tasks, or community outreach, there is a place for you. Departments provide:

• Training

• Gear

• Support

• Mentorship

• Community

You bring your willingness to serve, and you grow into the role with guidance every step of the way.

Winter Weather Builds Stronger Firefighters

Serving in winter builds:

• Mental and physical resilience

• Confidence under pressure

• Teamwork and communication skills

• Pride in service and discipline

It’s not easy, but that’s exactly what makes it meaningful.

There’s a special kind of pride in stepping into cold night air, knowing someone needs you, and you are ready to answer.

A New Year, A New Mission

As we approach the new year, many people set goals to challenge themselves, grow, or give back. Becoming a volunteer firefighter accomplishes all of that and more.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to learn meaningful skills?

• Do I want to be part of a team that makes a difference?

• Do I want to protect my neighbors and community?

• Do I want to start the new year with purpose?

If so, you’re ready.

The Bottom Line

Winter is beautiful, but also unpredictable. Fires, emergencies, and accidents don’t pause for the holidays or the cold. Firefighters don’t either.

This season, prioritize safety in your home and consider taking a step forward to help protect others in your community as well.

Because winter safety isn’t just about preparation, it’s about people willing to serve when it matters most.

Contact Your Local Lancaster County Fire Department

Visit JoinTheFD.com to:

• Find your nearest fire department

• Learn about volunteer opportunities

• Request a fire station tour

• Schedule a fire safety presentation for your school or organization

• Apply to become a volunteer firefighter

Together, we can prevent fires and save lives in Lancaster County.

Join The FD is a recruitment initiative representing nine independent volunteer fire departments across Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to serve, train, excel, and protect our community through dedicated volunteer service.

Ready to make a difference? Learn how to join your local fire department and start your journey today. Visit JoinTheFD.com

Apply Today