The members of the Smithville VFD bravely devote their time and energy to putting out fires and keeping the community of Smithville safe. However, the best way to ensure your house and loved ones remain unscathed by a fire is to do your best to prevent a fire from happening in the first place. Some important tips for fire safety are provided here for your convenience.
Create a floor plan of the building detailing at least two ways of escaping every room. Test windows and doors for ease of opening and check their size to see if they are useful exits in the event of a fire. Sleep with your bedroom doors closed, as it will prevent the heat and smoke from coming in as quickly. In the event of a fire, stay low to the ground and find a safe place outside away from the fire. Install at least one smoke detector on every level of a building and replace their batteries at least once a year. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from all portable or space heaters, halogen lights, or any other item that is prone to emitting a lot of heat.
In order to join the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department, you need to fill out an application. Then, on every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the VFD has a meeting at 7pm and a vote will take place then. After an applicant has been voted on, they must serve a six month probationary period, and then they will be voted on once more at the end of the six months. If an applicant makes it through, then they must fill a quota of attendance for fires and meetings in order to stay in.
At this time, there are 42 active members in the Smithville VFD, and 8 reserve members. The current executives are:
President - Kameron Saunders
Secretary - John Banning
Treasurer - Bob Parker
Fire Chief - Joe Brown
First Assistant Chief - Johnny Schroeder
Second Assistant Chief - James Elam
Fire Marshal - Jack Page
To volunteer, please call the Volunteer Reception Center: 512 332-2607 For up-to-date information about what is needed, log on to www.bastroprelief.org To donate items, call St. Vincent de Paul (512 914 0056) or the Settlement Drive POD (512 567 9256) Thanks to everyone for all you're doing to help!
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Public Information numbers: 512-332-8814 and 512-332-8856. Check facebook pages for Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management and Volunteer Smithville for more information. Official shelters are located at: Bastrop Middle School Ascension Catholic Church in Bastrop Smithville Recreation Center First Baptist Church in Smithville The Smithville Distribution Center is located at 208 Main Street. They have a lot of stuff for anyone who has been affected by the fires, and they can use a lot of volunteers and monetary contributions.