From the Chief’s Desk

August 2025 

As I touched on in the last newsletter, we will delve into what our fire inspectors are looking for when inspecting your business or workplace.  Again, our goal is to help make your business and/or workplace a safe environment for those who work there and for those who enter into it.

Good housekeeping is something we observe immediately as we enter your property.  Keeping driveways, parking lots and all areas around the building clear of debris, garbage and/or combustible vegetation to allow for easy access should our department need to respond.  With this we also make sure your fire number/building address is clearly visible from the roadway and not blocked by overgrown vegetation or brush, etc.  Another thing we check for is the area that utilities, such as gas and electric, enter the building.  We want to be sure shut-offs are clear and accessible.

As we move into the building, we are checking means of egress (how to get out).  All exit doors must be visible, accessible, and fully functional.  All doors should readily open from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.  Hallways or corridors that lead to the outside should be clear and passible with no obstacles to slow down or prevent exiting.  All fire doors must be self-closing and be latched in the closed position (not be propped open). 

All means of egress should be properly illuminated when the building is occupied.  All emergency lighting units should be operable and properly located to light up all areas of the means of egress.  These can be verified by pushing the ‘test button’ to check if they are working properly.  All exit signs should also be properly illuminated.  Those signs with battery back-up should operate and can be verified by pushing the ‘test button’ as well.

I would like to invite you, the members of our community, to consider joining our team.  We take great pride in providing life safety and property preservation, not only for our residents, but of those passing through.  Joining is a great way to meet new people, make new friends, help those in need, and possibly make a little money along the way.  Training is provided at no cost to you – all we ask for is your time and talents.  Don’t let an exciting and rewarding opportunity pass you by!  Call, email or visit us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about becoming a member of the Waubeka Fire Department.  262-692-2656 or chief@waubekafd.com  or visit our website at www.waubekafiredept.com