10/21/2026
This is great information from our friends at Potomac Valley.
Clearance - We like big trucks and we cannot lie…
Seriously, can we get to your home in an emergency?
Trees, shrubbery and foliage can often inhibit our response. You may enjoy the untouched wilderness look, and that’s ok - but if you need a fire truck, can it get to your house? Remember, we are a lot bigger than Amazon trucks, and usually have a lot less dents and dings, so make sure we have the room needed to get in there.
Address marking - yet another issue that has plagued the fire service for years.
We can’t help you if we can’t find you. Having your address prominently displayed on your house and mailbox is a must! If you live like Bruce Wayne in a stately manor with a long, winding driveway, put a sign in your front yard or at the end of your driveway. We promise we’ll keep your true identity a secret - we just want to find you in an emergency. Pinky swear.
Can we get turned around? Now, we know that eventually you’ll get to fixin’ up that 57’ Plymouth sitting there in the yard, or finally get the head back on that old Furgeson, that 1982 StarCraft Pop-Up camper that smells Iike mildew and feet just needs a new roof, sides, and a taillight. Heck, those tires probably still hold air.
The point is- you may be able to maneuver around all of your stuff sitting around your house, but can we?
We are wheeling 32’ long, 10’ wide, 11’ tall, $1 million dollar rectangular block of metal back your driveway. All we’re asking is for room to get around.
And we’re coming into chimney fire season - so make sure those flues are clean and checked before you crank up the wood stove this winter.
Practice fire safety all year long!!
Help Us Help You!
Fire prevention month is about more than just prevention, but also safety. We make sure we’re prepared for your emergency, but are you?
Below are some ways to prepare:
• Make sure we can find your address. Have large, reflective numbers that are clearly visible from BOTH directions of travel. Remove any obstructions or vegetation from blocking your address.
•Clear your driveway of low-hanging branches and obstructions. Our equipment and apparatus are your investments as a community, this prevents minor and major damage from occurring to a million dollar fire truck. We’ll find a way to your house, but it might not be as quickly as you like if we have to walk.
•Have a turnaround spot. Have a place where an ambulance can turn around if they have to rush to the hospital with your family member.
