Wade Hampton Fire and Sewer District

09/28/2026

If a fire started in your home tonight, what would you do if the way you normally get out was blocked by smoke or fire?

It's something we hope you never have to face, but it's something every family should think about before an emergency happens.

Most of us move through our homes the same way every day. We use the same hallway, the same stairs, and the same doors. During a fire, your normal route may not be safe, though.

That's why a good home fire escape plan should include a backup.

▪ Know at least two ways out of bedrooms and other areas of your home whenever possible.

▪ Make sure windows that could serve as emergency exits open properly and aren't blocked by furniture or other items.

▪ Keep hallways, stairs and doorways clear so you aren't trying to navigate around clutter during an emergency.

▪ If smoke or fire blocks your planned escape route, don't try to push through dangerous conditions. Use your secondary route if you can do so safely.

▪ Make sure children understand that they should never hide from a fire or from firefighters. They need to get outside if they can safely do so. If they can't escape, they should close the door between themselves and the fire and make their location known.

Your family shouldn't have to figure out an escape plan while a smoke alarm is sounding.

Walk through your home this week and ask everyone, “What would we do if we couldn't get out the way we normally do?”

Then practice the answer.

09/23/2026

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office will hold its first car show on Saturday, September 26, 2026 as part of a donation drive for LEO Santa. Captain Michelle Johnson joins host Dan Bickford to talk about the show and what LEO Santa does.

Chief Gary Brock of the Berea Fire Department and Fire Marshal Jeffrey Smith of the Wade Hampton Fire Department also join to talk about how LEO Santa helps children all year long through the "Reignite Hope" program.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office holds its FIRST EVER car sh...

09/15/2026

Before you turn out the lights tonight, there's one simple thing you can do to help protect yourself and your family. Close your bedroom doors.

It's called “Close Before You Doze,” and it's an easy habit that can make an important difference during a house fire.

A closed bedroom door can help slow the spread of smoke, heat and flames, giving you more time to wake up, react, and escape. It can also help keep conditions inside the bedroom more survivable while firefighters are responding.

If you have children, make closing bedroom doors part of the family's bedtime routine, and while you're at it, make sure everyone knows what to do if a smoke alarm sounds during the night.

🔥 Get out and stay out.
🔥 Use your planned escape route if it's safe to do so.
🔥 Go to your family's designated meeting place.
🔥 Call 911 once you're safely outside.

Of course, a closed door isn't a substitute for working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan. They all work together to give your family the best chance of getting out safely.

So tonight, check the smoke alarms, say goodnight, and Close Before You Doze.

09/07/2026

We’re fortunate to live in a community filled with people who show up every day to serve others and help make Greenville County a great place to call home.

We also want to recognize those who are on the job this Labor Day, including the firefighters and other first responders who are ready to answer the call throughout the holiday.

If your plans include traveling, grilling, or spending time outdoors, make safety part of the day.

From everyone at the Wade Hampton Fire Department, have a safe and happy Labor Day.

09/05/2026

Join us at Carolina Ale House on Woodruff Road from 1-4 on September 5 to support LEO Santa!

Join LEO SANTA and local Steelers fans this Saturday, September 5, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Carolina Ale House on Woodruff Road for the 2026 Football Kickoff Party! A percentage of proceeds from the event will be donated to LEO SANTA.

So come out for an afternoon of football, food, raffles, giveaways, co****le, and fun—and help support children in need in our community!

Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to LEO SANTA and receive an extra raffle ticket!

Carolina Ale House
1115 Woodruff Rd., Greenville
Saturday, September 5
1:00–4:00 PM

Everyone is welcome—Steelers fans, football fans, families & friends! Come cheer, have some fun, and help us bring a little Christmas magic to children who need it most!

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, and being prepared for an emergency involves more than having supplies tucked away in a closet.

Emergencies can happen with little or no warning. A fire, severe storm, extended power outage, or other unexpected event can force your family to make important decisions quickly. Taking a few minutes to talk through those decisions now can make a big difference later.

This month, sit down with everyone in your household and talk about a few basics.

• How will you communicate if family members are in different places when an emergency happens?
• Where will you meet if you have to leave your home or neighborhood?
• What would you need to take with you if you had to leave quickly?
• Does anyone in your household have medications, mobility needs, or other considerations you need to plan for?
• What's the plan for your pets?

Make sure children understand the plan, too, and identify a trusted relative or friend outside the immediate area who can serve as a family contact.

You don't have to plan for every possible scenario. Start with a simple question. If something happened today, would everyone in our family know what to do?

A little planning today can make a stressful situation much easier to manage when every minute counts.

08/27/2026

Lithium-ion batteries are part of everyday life. They power our phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, toys, and countless other rechargeable devices.

Most of the time, we don't give them a second thought, but damaged batteries, improper charging, or the wrong charger can create a serious fire hazard.

The Wade Hampton Fire Department encourages you to follow a few simple precautions.
• Only use the charger designed or approved for your device.
• Stop using a battery if you notice swelling, unusual heat, leaking, an odd odor, or a change in shape or color.
• Charge devices on a hard, stable surface. Don't use a bed, couch, carpet, or other combustible material.
• Never place a charging phone or tablet under a pillow or blanket. Heat needs somewhere to escape.
• Don't leave batteries or devices exposed to excessive heat.
• Pay particular attention to larger lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, scooters, lawn equipment, and power tools. Never use a battery or charger that has been damaged.

If a lithium-ion battery begins smoking, overheating, popping, or showing other signs of failure, move away from it and call 911. Don't put yourself at risk trying to handle a battery that is already failing.

Rechargeable batteries make our lives more convenient, but a little care goes a long way toward making sure they don't become a fire hazard.

08/17/2026

When was the last time you checked the age of your smoke alarms?

We're not talking about the batteries. We're talking about the alarms themselves.

Smoke alarms don't last forever. Generally, they should be replaced 10 years after the date of manufacture, even if they still seem to be working properly. As alarms age, the sensors inside them can become less reliable.

Checking the age is easy.

Take the smoke alarm down and look at the back or side of the unit. You should find a label showing the date of manufacture. If that date is more than 10 years ago (or if you can't find a date at all), it's time to replace the alarm.

While you're checking, take a few minutes to make sure you have working smoke alarms where you need them. Test each alarm using the test button, and replace batteries as needed unless you have a sealed 10-year battery model.

Working smoke alarms provide an early warning that can give you and your family valuable time to get out safely when a fire occurs.

So here's a quick homework assignment from the Wade Hampton Fire Department. Check the date on your smoke alarms today.

You might be surprised by how old they are.

08/10/2026

School buses are about to get rolling again, and school zones will be busy. That means it's time for all of us to pay a little extra attention behind the wheel.

As students head back to school, the Wade Hampton Fire Department is reminding drivers that a few extra seconds of patience can make a big difference in keeping children safe.

Slow down when you're approaching a school zone. Be prepared for traffic to stop unexpectedly. Watch carefully for children crossing streets, walking along sidewalks, or riding bicycles, and when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students, know the law and stop when required.

Most importantly, put the phone down. A text, notification, or phone call can wait. Children can be unpredictable around traffic, and drivers need their full attention on the road...and using a phone behind the wheel is against state law.

Mornings can be hectic. Afternoons can be busy. Wherever you're headed, give yourself a little extra time and help make sure every student gets to school and back home safely.

Have a safe and successful school year from all of us at the Wade Hampton Fire Department.

08/06/2026

A home fire doesn't just take away possessions. It can take away a family's sense of security, comfort, and hope.

That's why LEO Santa's Reignite Hope program exists.

When families experience the devastating loss of a home to fire, Reignite Hope steps in to help provide essential items and support as they begin rebuilding their lives. It's one way LEO Santa extends the spirit of giving far beyond the holiday season.

You can help make that possible by joining us for the LEO Santa Guiding Light Gala & Silent Auction on Saturday, August 29, from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at the Hilton Greenville.

Whether you're attending with friends, sponsoring the event, or simply sharing this post, you're helping bring hope to children and families when they need it most.

Purchase tickets or become a sponsor by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.leosantakids.com/gala

Together, we can help families recover from tragedy, brighten the holidays for children in need, and ensure that hope shines even in life's darkest moments.