Yearly checks prevent incidents for department

A factor to fighting a fire for the Oxford Fire Department is helping local businesses prevent fires.
The department visits local commercial businesses with a checklist to make sure they coincide with state regulation
The list includes making sure emergency lights are lit and working and the backup lights are also in order.
Fire extinguishers and sprinklers are noted up to date, certified and their locations.
The department checks the emergency keys are correct and emergency contact list is up to date if they did have to go into the building for an emergency.
‘In general it is a chance for the department to see if anything in the building has changed,? Fire Chief Pete Scholz said.
He added the department can become familiar with the layout and check if explosive materials are kept on the site.
Besides checking exits and equipment, housekeeping is a key to fire prevention.
Scholz noted keeping work areas clean or piles of papers and fires can eliminate extra flammables.