The department is committed to educating the community about the importance of fire safety. Fire inspectors from the Community Risk Reduction Division and the members assigned to fire stations visit schools in order to constantly educate our young students. Fire Prevention Month is October. This is the time of the year that department makes a determined effort to raise fire safety awareness. Fire trucks can be requested (see How Do I tab) for the purpose of engaging the community and offering fire safety lessons. The department’s Fire Marshal is responsible for fulfilling the duties of the Public Information Officer (PIO). The PIO communicates to the public using media coverage and social media outlets to inform or warn the community about incidents occurring that involve the department. The PIO also uses media, radio, and social media to send messages to educate or remind the public to utilize fire safety practices.
School Fire Safety
Education facilities (K-12) are inspected annually by certified fire inspectors. Inspections are conducted to ensure fire safety standards are in place to protect our children. Throughout the year we strongly encourage educators to maintain a good a safe environment and foster fire safety awareness. All personnel should be familiar with the school’s evacuation plan and ensure that all exits, stairways, and alarm systems are clear at every time of the day. Fire prevention policies need to be reviewed and updated regularly and any changes should be communicated to all personnel. The Columbus Department of Fire and EMS is always willing to answer any questions and offer guidance to schools that need our assistance.
The division maintains a Georgia certified law enforcement agency. The fire investigators conduct fire investigations to determine origin and cause. The investigations section collects and analyzes evidence and can appear in court to provide testimony in cases of incendiary intent.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas that can accumulate in structures when carbons from fuels burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the invisible killer because it is difficult to detect. Heating and cooking equipment in homes can be a source of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide alarms can save lives! Please follow the safety tips below:
- Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside of every sleep area and on every level of the home.
- Test CO alarms once a month
- If the CO alarm sounds, leave your home or the building and call 911
- If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it
- Choose an alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory
Carbon Monoxide Symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
If you experience these symptoms or suspect that your home or any occupied building has a carbon monoxide build-up, do not hesitate to leave the structure and call 911