Fire Prevention Month: Local firefighters share home safety tips

As Fire Prevention Month continues through October, local fire departments are reminding residents to take simple precautions at home, from checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to developing an escape plan. 

They are also teaching children how to respond in an emergency.

The Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services stressed that closing a bedroom door before going to sleep can significantly increase a person’s chances of surviving a fire.

“[Closing your bedroom door] prevents the fire from spreading into your room and gives you a chance to get out,” said Southold Fire Department Chief Pindar Damianos.” I always close my door before I go to bed. If a fire starts in the kitchen and your bedroom is off the hallway, closing the door helps prevent smoke from getting into your bedroom.

“Often, smoke is more dangerous to people than the flames; a closed door can reduce the amount of toxic smoke entering the bedroom,” Suffolk County officials said. “Additionally, when the door is closed it can help keep the temperatures lower in the room, making the environment more survivable while people evacuate or wait for a rescue from first responders.”

To help keep homes safe, local officials said smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives.

“Smoke detectors are an important first line of defense, particularly at night when people are sleeping,” said Cutchogue Fire Department fire commissioner Chris Talbot. “Change your batteries – make sure your smoke detectors are all up and running.”

A fire at home is the stuff of nightmares, Suffolk County officials said, but families can take steps to prepare and improve their chances of getting out safely.

Southold Fire Department held its annual fire prevention event Tuesday, Oct. 6, teaching local students how to prevent fires and respond to emergencies. Children visited the department’s substation to take part in an inflatable fire safety house and a puppet show before learning about escape routes and the importance of having a family meeting place. 

Riverhead firefighters are visiting local schools throughout October, Fire Prevention Month, to teach students what to do if they see flames or smoke.

“We’re providing education to young people who live in many homes in our area,” said third assistant chief of the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department Baycan Fideli. “We’re trying to make sure they’re educated about what to do in a fire and how to stay safe without panicking. I think that’s the most critical key, that they don’t panic and they know what to do.”

Firefighters and EMTs also visited Southold Elementary School with fire trucks and an ambulance, showing students the equipment and explaining how emergency crews respond to calls. Mr. Damianos said about 25 firefighters and EMTs participated in the event.

“The most important thing we’re trying to do is save lives, and I think we do that from one child at a time,” Mr. Damianos said. 

During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, Cutchogue Fire Department members visited North Fork Discoveries Preschool in Cutchogue and welcomed children from Hallockville Farm Hands Preschool and local home-learning groups to the Cutchogue firehouse as part of the 2026 Fire Safety Program.

“They shoot water off the back of the truck, go through the trucks and get in the gear,” said  Cutchogue Fire Department Fire Commissioner Larry Behr. “They have little helmets and coloring activities. They do age-appropriate activities for each level of children.”

FRES Commissioner Rudy Sunderman said preparedness never stops and families can always have a plan.

“National Fire Prevention Month reminds us all that the time to prepare for the unexpected and scary moments in life is now,” Mr. Sunderman said. “Whether it is a snow storm, a fire or a hurricane, you can prepare by taking precautions and thinking through your actions in advance of these moments arising. These small actions can potentially save your life and the lives of your friends and family. The time to prepare is now, not tomorrow, but now.”