Safety and Prevention

As the new school year kicks off, let’s all come together to ensure the safety of our children on the roads. Drivers – keep a watchful eye and follow these tips:

• Slow down: Be extra cautious around school zones and bus stops. Obey posted speed limits.
• Stop for buses: When a school bus extends its stop sign, it means kids are getting on or off. Wait until the sign is retracted and the bus starts moving again.
• Watch for crosswalks: Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and be especially cautious around school zones.
• Stay Alert: Kids can be hard to predict – they might run into the road unexpectedly. Stay focused, attentive, and ready to react.
• Put your devices away: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Keep your phone and other distractions out of reach while behind the wheel.

Let’s drive carefully this school year and set a good example for our young and new drivers!

1. Keep a watchful eye on what you are cooking. Consider setting a timer to help you stay attentive.

2. Always have a lid within reach. In case of a small grease fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

4. Keep the kitchen a kid and pet free zone. Keep curious hands and paws away from the stove or oven and any areas where hot food or beverages are being prepared or carried.

Did you know? 70 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. You could be the first line of defense in saving a life.

Hands-Only CPR by a bystander has been proven to be just as effective as traditional CPR with breaths during those critical first minutes of an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.

Anyone can become a lifesaver. Hands-Only CPR is incredibly simple with just two easy steps:

1.) Call 9-1-1 immediately.

2.) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the disco song “Stayin’ Alive.”

9-1-1 operators can guide you through this straightforward process, no prior training required. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

• Always check for local fire danger and/or restrictions
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM: Benton County Fire District 4 is one of several agencies that offer loaner lifejackets. Please call (509) 967-2945 to arrange a pick-up time/location.

We all know that curiosity is a natural part of a child’s growth journey, and sometimes that curiosity might lead them to explore objects like lighters and matches. Here are some essential tips to keep your little ones safe around fire-related items.
Make sure lighters and matches are stored high up and out of your child’s sight and reach. A locked cabinet is a great option to prevent access.
Invest in childproofing tools to secure areas where you store lighters and matches.
Teach your kids about fire safety from a young age. Lighters and matches are not toys. Explain that these items are tools for adults only.
Lastly, teach your children what to do in case of a fire emergency. Help them understand that fire is not a toy, and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial. Let’s keep those curious minds safe and sound.

Operational smoke alarms are your family’s first line of defense in case of fire. Benton County Fire District #4 encourages residents to purchase and install smoke alarms with 10-year Lithium 9V batteries. Take a few minutes today to ensure your home has the appropriate number of smoke alarms and that they are properly located, regularly tested and maintained.

Don’t wait for an emergency to remind you – it’s time to check those batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regular maintenance is key to ensure these life-saving devices are ready when you need them most. Here are some essential tips:

• Test Monthly: Press the “test” button on your detectors to make sure they’re working correctly. A loud beep means they are functioning as expected.
• Replace batteries: Check the lifespan of your batteries and replace as needed.
• Clean Regularly: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors. Vacuum or dust to keep them clean. Check your manufacturer’s manual for additional information.
• Placement Matters: Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in sleeping areas. Place carbon monoxide monitors 5 feet from the floor and on each level of your home. Install carbon monoxide monitors in basements and in rooms above attached garages, which house the most common CO producers in your home.
• Replace Every 10 Years: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan. Check the date of manufacture and replace them every decade.

The fire district will change batteries and install new smoke alarms if a homeowner is unable to do so. Our ability to visit is limited due to the pandemic; however, your safety is our priority. Please contact Kevin Gaidos for more information about this program at (509) 967-2945 or kgaidos@bcfd4.org.

Learn how to change batteries, smoke alarms, and troubleshooting for chirping detectors.

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