Talladega Fire Department shares critical safety tips
February 18, 2025
(Talladega, AL) When are home fires most likely to occur? If you answered “winter,” you are correct. While we cannot stop the cold weather from coming our way, the City of Talladega Fire Department is doing its part to prevent fires.
Fire Chief Danny Warwick stresses the importance of keeping anything that can burn at least three feet from heating sources, including space heaters, radiators, wood stoves, fireplaces, and candles. He also encourages people to make sure their space heaters are designed to automatically shut off if they tip over. Equally important, he states that space heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets because using extension cords or power strips can cause fires. It is also important to turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
“Never use an oven to heat your home. Gas ovens and stoves put you in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Chief Warwick adds. “Also, have your heating equipment and fireplaces inspected by a professional annually.”
In addition to fighting fires and sharing life-saving safety information with the public, firefighters support the police in search and rescue missions and engage in one-on-one discussions with students about how the role of a firefighter is both challenging and fulfilling, demanding courage, physical strength, and mental resilience.
“We conduct several community outreach efforts with Munford High School, Talladega High School, Talladega College, and Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind,” he states. “As a firefighter, you'll need to react swiftly to fires and medical emergencies. This job requires physical endurance to climb ladders, haul hoses, force open doors, operate pumps, set up hydraulic jacks, and open fire hydrants.”
The Talladega Fire Department also invests in local students by sending them to the Alabama Fire College Academy as needed. Chief Warwick encourages students who are interested to speak with him or any other officer in the department.
To schedule an appointment, please call Angela Vincent at 256-362-3149.