"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Perhaps no where is this more true than in the fire prevention service.

The St. Joseph Fire Department believes that preventing emergencies from occurring is the best way to serve our community. By helping people develop good and safe habits, we can minimize, if not eliminate, potentially life-threatening situations. We focus on the children by giving them tools and techniques to avert disaster, to make St. Joseph not only a special place by the lake, but a safer place by the lake.

Our presence in area schools throughout the year teaches children important safety measures such as:

• Calling 9-1-1 if they need a firefighter, paramedic, or police officer.
• An activated fire alarm means you must leave the building immediately in a safe and orderly manner.
• Test smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries twice a year when the time changes.
• How to develop a home escape plan and to practice it with the family at least twice a year.
• Never play with matches or lighters. They are tools for adults, not toys for children.
• Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire. Trying to run will make it worse.
• Firefighters look a little different in our turnout gear. In a fire, don't hide, we're there to help.
• Never go near downed power lines. That is a good time to call 9-1-1.
• Apply fresh cool water to minor burns. Never use oils or butter on a serious burn.

Hundreds of people visit our fire station each year from around the world to learn more about the job we do as professional firefighters. We take pride in that and our involvement with community activities and special events like the Blossomtime Parade, Venetian Festival, Krasl Art Fair, Fourth of July celebration, and Tri-state Regatta.