Routine blood pressure checks available.

The Tumwater Fire Department offers routine blood pressure checks free of charge.

Tumwater Fire  Department Headquarters
311 Israel Rd SW, Tumwater
Telephone: (360) 754-4170  

North End Fire Station
405 Linwood Avenue SW,  Tumwater, WA 98502 
Telephone:(360) 252-5472 

Experiencing chest pains or other concerning medical symptoms?

Don't drive yourself to the office, call 9-1-1 and we'll come to you. We can come to you faster and safer!

Car Seat Installation & Safety Checks

Car seat safety isn’t only a good practice to keep, it’s the law.

Make sure your precious cargo is as safe as possible! Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. 

Washington Seat Belt Law Requires

• All vehicle occupants must be properly restrained in all seating positions.
• The driver is responsible for properly securing  all children under the age of 16.
• Passengers 16 years of age and older are responsible for themselves. They may receive their own citation if they are not properly restrained.
• Buckling one seat belt around two people or placing the seat belt under the arm or behind the back is dangerous, this can cause death or serious injury, and is a violation of the law.

Washington's Child Restraint Law Effective January 1, 2020

• Children up to age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward facing).
• Children 4 and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall.
• Children over height 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).
• Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical to do so.
• Child restraint system must comply with U.S. DOT standards and be used according to vehicle and child restraint manufacturer.

For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Contact Us

Contact the Tumwater Fire Department at (360) 754-4170 for more details. For more information on car seats and safety, please visit the Safety Restraint Coalition’s website.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness & Safety

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled, and it can kill a person in minutes. It is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by appliances that are not used properly or that are malfunctioning. Carbon monoxide can build up so quickly that victims are overcome before they can get help. Once inhaled, carbon monoxide can cause permanent brain damage, and can trigger a heart attack in people with preexisting heart disease.

Warning Signs

The key to catching carbon monoxide poisoning before it has the chance to cause permanent damage is by paying attention to the warning signs. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion, and nausea. Low-level carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are like other illnesses, such as the flu. If the symptoms go away when you leave your home and come back when you return, or if everyone in the home has similar symptoms at the same time, this could be an indicator that you and your family are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning.

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Never burn charcoal inside homes, tents, campers, vans, trucks, garages or mobile homes. Do not burn charcoal in the fireplace in your home.
• Never use gasoline powered equipment indoors.
• Never use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
• Never sleep in a room while using an unvented gas or kerosene heater.
• Make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.

Warning Devices Required

Carbon monoxide warning devices will provide additional protection for you and your family. Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required in all Tumwater residences.

Treatment

If you suspect someone has been poisoned by carbon monoxide, be sure to move the person immediately to a place with fresh air and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Learn more...

For more information on carbon monoxide safety during a power outage, including fact sheets available in several different languages, please consult the Washington State Department of Health website.

Courtesy Fire Safety Inspections

The Tumwater Fire Department offers courtesy inspections for homes and business in the area. These inspections help decrease the risk of residential and business fires by inspecting fire alarms, and checking for any visible hazards that may have gone unnoticed.

Commercial Fire Safety Inspections

The City of Tumwater adopted a fire safety education and inspection program in 2013. The program requires businesses to have periodic inspections. A fee for formal inspections is based on the size of the building and the complexity of the inspection. In some cases, courtesy inspections are available to businesses. Call us at (360) 754-4170 for more information or see Commercial Fire Safety Inspections on our website. 

To schedule a courtesy inspection

Please contact the Tumwater Fire Department at (360) 754-4176  to schedule an inspection for your home or business.

CPR/First Aid Classes

We believe everyone should take a CPR class because we have seen the literal life or death difference it can make. The Tumwater Fire Department offers Compression Only CPR classes at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Tumwater Fire Department. Contact Thurston County Medic One to sign up for a class at (360) 704-2780.

There are also many resources available in the community for learning and certification.

CPR Saves Lives 

Dr. Mark Layton, a cardiac arrest survivor, reunites with the people who were involved in saving his life. See what happened that day and learn how CPR saves lives.

View the video YouTube 

Classes available

Thurston County Medic One provides CPR classes at various locations throughout the county free of charge. To sign up for this class, register online or call (360) 704-2780. 

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Contact Us

Call the Tumwater Fire Department for additional information at (360) 754-4170.

Disaster Preparedness

A disaster can occur at any time, and while there are trained professionals ready to respond in the moments following a disaster, the impact of any catastrophe can be minimized when a level of personal planning is in place. According to the Washington State Military Department, one hour of disaster preparedness activity a month will help you be ready in the event a natural disaster occurs. On their website, they have outlined 12 steps for disaster preparedness to set in motion throughout the course of a year. 

The “Prepare in a Year” campaign is a great way to get your home and family disaster ready.

Annual Expo

The Thurston County Office of Emergency Management conducts an annual Emergency Preparedness Expo where the public can come and hear about disaster preparedness goods and services from various industry and product professionals. More information on the expo (generally held in September), including guest speakers and vendor exhibits, can be found on their website.

For more information visit the Thurston County Emergency Management website.

Earthquake Preparedness

Major earthquakes may happen anywhere you live, work, or travel. The ShakeOut is our chance to practice how to protect ourselves, and for everyone to become prepared. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you, your organization, and your community.

Why is a “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill important?

To respond quickly you must practice often. You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. In most situations, you will reduce your chance of injury if you:

DROP you are onto your hands and knees.
This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.
If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall and away from windows. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until shaking stops

Under shelter: hold on to your shelter with one hand; be ready to move with it if it shifts. No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Getting ready for the next earthquake means preparing to survive and recover. When you practice, you already know what to do when you feel shaking. 

Join millions of people worldwide who will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the 2023 Great ShakeOut! This a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

More Earthquake Resources

Earthquake Preparedness 
Two Weeks Ready Emergency Information 
Two Weeks Ready Backpack 

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How to prepare before an earthquake

• Compile an emergency kit with food, water and supplies (such as a flashlight, portable battery operated radio, extra batteries, medicines, first aid kit, money and spare clothing).
• Know the safe spots in each room – under sturdy tables, desks or against interior walls.
• Know the danger spots in each room – near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, fireplaces and tall, unsecured furniture.
• Conduct practice drills so you and your family know the safest locations in your home.
• Decide how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake.
• Choose an out-of-state friend or relative who family members can call after the quake to report their whereabouts and conditions.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Learn how to shut off gas, water and electricity in case the lines are damaged. (SAFETY NOTE: do not attempt to relight the gas pilot. Call Puget Sound Energy to assist you.)
• Check chimneys, roofs, walls and foundations for stability.
• Secure your water heater and major appliances, as well as tall/heavy furniture, hanging plants, mirrors and picture frames (especially those hanging over beds).
• Keep breakables, heavy objects, flammable or hazardous liquids (paints, pest sprays and cleaning products) in secure cabinets or on lower shelves.
• Organize your neighborhood to be self-sufficient after a quake.

What to do during an earthquake

• If indoors, stay there. Get under a solid piece of furniture, or stand in the corner of two inside walls away from any windows or other hazards. Most injuries in earthquakes occur from falling debris, or from people running and subsequently falling.
• If outdoors, get to an open area away from any trees, buildings, walls or power lines.
• If in a high-rise or office building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use the elevators.
• If driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your car until the shaking ceases.
• If in a crowded public place, do not rush for the doors. Crouch, cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

What to do after an earthquake

1. Unless there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, do not attempt to use the telephone.
2. Check for gas and water leaks, broken electrical wiring or damaged sewage lines. If there is any damage, turn the utility off at the source. Immediately report gas leaks to Puget Sound Energy. Check for downed power lines; warn others to stay away.
3. Check your building for cracks and damage, including the roof, chimneys and foundation, if possible.
4. Turn on a portable radio for instructions and news reports. For your own safety, cooperate with public safety officials and follow any instructions relayed to you.
5. Do not use your vehicle unless there is an emergency; keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
6. Be prepared for aftershocks.
7. Stay calm, and lend a hand to others.
8. If you evacuate, leave a message at your home telling family members and others where you can be found.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security FEMA earthquake website.

Fire Station Tours for Groups

The Tumwater Fire Department is happy to bring the public into our facilities and show them how our stations serve and protect the community. However, due to limited staffing, public tours are available to groups of 10 people or more.

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Contact Us

To make a reservation, or for more information on the tours, please call us at (360) 754-4170. Reservations must be made at least seven days in advance.

Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Residents and visitors celebrating Independence Day or holidays in the City of Tumwater are encouraged to do so in a safe and enjoyable manner that is within the law. Grab a blanket, kick back, and let the experts handle the fireworks show. Enjoy one these free public fireworks displays!

What should I do with unused fireworks?

Unused fireworks may be easily and safely disposed of at home:

• Thoroughly soak fireworks overnight in a bucket or tub of water and then drain.
• Place soaked fireworks in a heavy duty trash bag and seal tightly.
• Place the bag in your garbage container for pick-up.

Sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.

• Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Sparklers result in more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.
• Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from sparklers.

Fireworks Regulations

The fireworks ban does not apply to public displays or to the sale, use and discharge of small trick and novelty device, such as snakes, glow worms, and party poppers.

Sparklers and all other types of "safe and sane" fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks purchased or sold in other communities, may not be used in Tumwater.
The sale, purchase and discharge of consumer fireworks within the City of Tumwater is prohibited at all times of the year. The Tumwater fireworks ban is similar to the ban previously approved by Olympia and Lacey voters. This means that fireworks may not be sold, purchased or discharged in the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater.

Permits for Professional Fireworks Displays

Tumwater Fire Department issues permits for professionally-operated public fireworks displays. Complete the permit application and submit by email.

Public Fireworks Display Permit 

Contact Us

We're here to help you stay SAFE! Contact Tumwater Fire by email or call (360) 754-4170.

Holiday Safety

The holidays can be a time to appreciate the ones you love, and with the hustle and bustle of the season, safety can easily become an oversight. However, by taking the time to make sure that your loved ones are safe while in your home, you will help to ensure that your holiday season goes off without a hitch.

Tree safety

Selecting a tree for the holidays: Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, and has probably dried out; this is a fire hazard.

Caring for your tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of your tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. The City of Tumwater provides a free tree recycling collection service each January. Contact Transportation Operations at (360) 754-4150 or browse to Holiday Tree Recycling for more information.

Holiday lights

• Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. The lights will be engraved with "UL Tested".
• Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday decorations

• Use only nonflammable decorations. >All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant, and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
• Don’t block exits. Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit-way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit-way puts you, and your family, at risk.
• Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace. Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle care

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• Use candles safely. Make sure candles are in stable holders, and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Safety Tips from the U.S. Fire Administration

Hot Weather Precautions

The weather in Western Washington usually stays pretty temperate and cool, but sometimes we have summer days that reach temperatures we aren’t exactly accustomed to here in the Pacific Northwest. Severe heat is an issue especially for small children and the elderly, and it may cause illness or even death. When temperatures rise to extreme highs, reduce the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke by taking the following precautions.

When temperatures rise

• Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you’re sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
• Eat more frequently, but make sure meals are balanced and light.
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.
• Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.
• Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or who may need help. If you think you may be in need of help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water.
• Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor. If you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.
• If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

If you go outside…

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler; then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.
• Avoid sunburns: other than increasing your chances for skin cancer, it slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly or very young people.
• If air conditioning is not available, Stay on the lowest floor of the building, out of the sunshine.
• Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine you keep refrigerated. (If the power goes out, most medicine will be fine to leave in a closed refrigerator for at least three hours.)
• Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer; if the power goes out, move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut.

For more information on Hot Weather Safety, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.

This is a Safe Place to Leave a Newborn

In Washington State, it is legal to drop-off a newborn baby (up to three days old) at a staffed fire station. You will not be required to identify yourself. When using this service be sure to tell the employee that accepts the infant that you want to leave the newborn as a “Safe Haven Newborn.” The baby will be given any needed medical attention, and then placed in foster care for adoption. 

What to expect when dropping off a newborn:

• A staff member will greet you to receive the child. At this point the newborn child will be provided any medical attention that is required by trained staff.
• You will be provided with forms that will help build a medical background for the infant, as well as an opportunity for you to leave any message that will stay with the child. These forms are not required but are greatly beneficial to the child's welfare. You may print the parent information forms prior to arriving at the station if you wish.
• The child is then transferred to Providence St. Peter  Hospital and will be placed into Foster Care for adoption. If you change your mind or have questions about the baby, you may call the Division of Children and Family Services at: 1-800-562-5624.

Confidential Process

The process is confidential, and you don’t have to leave your name when you drop the infant off. In the best interest of the child, any medical information that can be given would be helpful for us. The Tumwater Fire Department has trained staff on-hand who will be able to assist the child in any way necessary.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Safe Haven for Newborns of Washington 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-510-2229. You can also visit the Safe Haven website for more information.

Avoid a Kitchen Fire

Cooking is a leading cause of house fires. Avoid one in your home by following these tips:

• Make sure the smoke detector in your kitchen has working batteries
• Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand, and know how to use it. 
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Keep pets and young children away from hot cooking areas
• Never leave pot holders, kitchen towels, or flammable items on or near the stove
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to avoid grease build-up
• Check to make sure all burners are in the off position before leaving the room

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Contact Us

For more information, call  the Tumwater Fire Department at (360) 754-4170.

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN)

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) is a program designed to help neighborhoods prepare for disasters.
MYN will help you to:

• Learn the 9 steps to take immediately following a disaster to secure your home, and protect your neighborhood 
• Identify the skills and equipment each neighbor has that would be useful in effective disaster response.
• Create a contact list that helps identify those with specific needs such as the elderly, disabled persons or children who may be home alone during certain hours of the day.
• Create a neighborhood map identifying locations of natural gas and propane tanks.
• Work together as a team to evaluate your neighborhood during the first hour following a disaster and take the necessary actions.

MYN Disaster Preparedness Class

Classes on neighborhood disaster preparedness are offered a few times a year at the Thurston County Emergency Management facility. The address is: 9521 Tilley Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512. Once a class is scheduled, it will be posted on the Thurston County Emergency Management website or call (360) 867-2811.

Storm Preparedness

Fall and winter weather in the South Sound can be very unpredictable. Some years have been more devastating than others, with record snowfall, windstorms, and flooding of historic proportions. Other years, we find ourselves amidst a typical rainy, Northwest winter. With such instability in weather patterns, storm preparedness is something we encourage all of our residents to partake in because the unexpected is always a possibility. 

Before the Storm Preparations

• Keep emergency kits handy.
• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers.
• Know what natural gas appliances will continue to operate if there is an outage:
  
  • Natural gas water heaters
  • Gas log fireplaces
  • Gas ovens and ranges (if there is electric ignition, have matches nearby to light the flame)
  • Natural gas barbecues (remember to never bring a portable grill indoors)
• If using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Prepare a 72-Hour Kit

While at home during a storm, the primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. The National Weather Service recommends that the following supplies be available for winter storm situations:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.
• Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
• Extra medicine and baby items.
• First-aid supplies.
• Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.
• Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater. (Be sure to use each heating item properly to prevent a fire, and make sure there is proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.)
• Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm. Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.
• Make sure pets have plenty of food, water and shelter.

During the Storm

• Keep track of the storm as it develops.
• If there is a power outage:
  
  • Turn off lights and appliances.
  • Leave one light switch on so you’ll know when your power is back on.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Keep your freezer and refrigerator doors closed, and open them only when it is necessary.
  • Never use a gas range, indoor cooker, charcoal or gas barbecue for heating.
  • Close curtains and drapes to keep the heat indoors.
  • Wear warm clothes in layers.
  • If the indoor temperature drops to 25 degrees or below, open your faucets so there is a constant drip to prevent pipes from freezing.

Report a Power Outage

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is the electric utility provider for the Tumwater area. For 24/7 access to real-time power outage information, including estimates of when the power will come back on to your home or business, view the outage map. To report a power outage, visit PSE or call 1-888-225-5773. 

Resource Links

The safety tips are courtesy of Puget Sound Energy. For additional information, including a checklist for multi-day survival packs, please refer to the following websites:

Center for Disease Control - Preparedness Tips 
National Weather Service 
Thurston County Emergency Management Resources
Take Winter By Storm

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Contact Us

Call Utility Operations & Maintenance Division at (360) 754-4150.

Call if You Can - Text if You Can't

Text to 9-1-1 is not a replacement to a voice call to 9-1-1 in an emergency situation, but rather
 as an enhancement to reach 9-1-1 services in specific situations such as:

• The caller is hearing/voice impaired.
• A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
• When speaking out loud would put the caller in danger, such as a home invasion, domestic violence situation or an active shooter scenario.
• Any other emergency that makes it impossible to speak out loud. 

Here are some key points you should know

• Callers should only use texting when calling 9-1-1 is not an option.
• Using your phone to call 9-1-1 is still the most efficient way to reach emergency personnel. Texting is not always instantaneous, so if it is a life-threatening emergency, it may take longer to receive and dispatch emergency services because of the time involved. When texting, someone must enter the text, the message must go over the network and the 9-1-1 dispatcher must read the text, ask questions via text and text back.
• Text abbreviations, emoticons or slang should never be used so that the intent of the message can be as clear as possible.
• Texts to 9-1-1 have the same 160-character limit as other text messages.
• Providing the location information and nature in the first text message is critical so that help can be sent as quickly as possible, otherwise the only location we would have would be the closest cell tower to you.
• If you are not within range of the towers in Thurston County, your message may not reach 9-1-1.
• If you have Usage Controls, you should have this feature removed to ensure full text to 9-1-1 capabilities.
• Your cell phone must have the capability of sending text messages.
• Text to 9-1-1 should only be used to communicate between emergency help and the person texting. No pictures, video, attachment or other recipients can be received by 9-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am able to text 9-1-1, will the 9-1-1 center automatically know my location?

No. When you make a voice call to 9-1-1 from your cell phone, the dispatcher taking your call will typically
receive your phone number and your approximate location provided by your phone as Phase II capabilities
show the closest cell tower to your location. However, when you text 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the dispatcher does not receive this information. This is why it is important to know your location when texting 9-1-1.

How do I find out if the area I am in has Text to 9-1-1 capability?

You can call your local 9-1-1 center to see if they are prepared to accept text to 9-1-1 messages.

If Text to 9-1-1 is available in my area, what type of wireless phone or service do I need to send an emergency text?

Check with your wireless phone company. In general, you must have a text-capable wireless phone, and a
wireless service subscription or contract with a wireless phone company. You may also need a “wireless data
plan.” Remember you can make a voice call to 9-1-1 using a wireless phone that does not have a service
plan but you cannot text to 9-1-1 without a service contract that includes texting.

Using a Fire Extinguisher 

Per the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 18,300 are injured. The agency says that even though a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can save lives, a majority do not know how to use them.

 A Fire can double in size every 60 seconds. So the longer it's delayed, the worse the fire is going to be.

1. When buying fire extinguishers for your home choose extinguishers labeled "ABC," which means they are broad-spectrum and can combat all different kinds of fires. Also look for the seal of an independent testing organization to make sure the extinguisher is high quality.

2. Make sure they have gauges on them that tell you how much of the fire-fighting chemicals is left in the canister.

3. Get the largest, heaviest fire extinguisher you can comfortably handle, so you'll have more fire-fighting power.

4. Store your fire extinguishers near the exits of the rooms they are in, so you can fight the fire from a location where there's a clear path to get out. Make sure they are easy to grab, not trapped behind other belongings.

5. Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Your local Tumwater Fire Department often offers free hands-on fire extinguisher trainings.

6. Get every other member of the family out of the house and have them call 911. Meanwhile, if the fire is not spreading, is confined to a small area, and the room is not filled with smoke, use the appropriate type of extinguisher on the fire.

7. Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher's limits. The best way to think of fire extinguishers is as an aid in getting out alive rather than a device to douse a fire completely.

8. Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced. Look at the gauge to see if there is ammunition left.

9. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use - even if you haven't used the entire extinguishing agent. Check the gauge on the fire extinguisher for this information.

10. When using a portable extinguisher, always keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire. This will allow a clear path to an exit.