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Recently, the Ozark Fire District promoted Derek Compton to the rank of captain. Captain. Compton has served the district since 2017 and excelled through the ranks of firefighter and engineer. We are excited about the bright future of Captain. Compton as he leads his crew to excellence.
October is a busy time for fire departments. The Ozark Fire District is no different; we love seeing all those smiling faces throughout the area. The month of October every year is when we focus solely on fire prevention measures within the community. We have had the pleasure of visiting children at all Ozark Elementary Schools. This is an exciting time as we ask all our citizens to talk about fire safety with their families.
This year's message is simple. “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape”. This is an opportunity for families to discuss fire prevention and safety. For children, we concentrate on knowing the sound of the alarm, having an escape plan, get low and go (having 2 ways out of your home), get out and STAY OUT, and having a common meeting location. These skills are imperative to having a successful outcome should one have a fire emergency in their home. The elderly or persons with mobility issues are a concern and need to be discussed as we get older. Visual alarm systems, escape routes with mobility issues, common meeting places, and neighborly assistance are topics of conversation as we meet with the adult crowd.
As always, the Ozark Fire District works diligently to improve the quality of life within the Ozark and the surrounding community. Every year, through donations made by the Home Builders Association of SW Missouri Charitable Foundation and Lowes home improvement, the district provides battery-powered smoke alarms and batteries at no charge to citizens. The intent is that every home is equipped with working smoke alarms, and batteries are changed twice annually. Thanks to donations of batteries and alarms, we were able to conduct smoke alarm canvases in multiple neighborhoods. Through this initiative, we visited 355 homes, installed 62 detectors, and provided 50 batteries. This service is offered year-round with only a phone call. If you need a smoke alarm or your batteries need to be changed, please reach out to the district headquarters today to schedule an appointment.
Wintertime and colder weather are upon us. Furnaces and fireplaces will ignite to provide heat from the cold. It is imperative that once annually, you have your furnace serviced and chimney swept. Please contact a reputable service provider to have your furnace inspected, and chimneys swept and inspected before lighting for the winter. It is not uncommon for your detectors to alarm after the initial lighting of your furnace as it will burn off some dust and cobwebs.
Aaron S. Heaton
Assistant Chief
[email protected]
Ozark Fire Protection District
Station: (417) 581-4436
Fax: (417) 581-4496
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