Message from Councilman Roc White – October 1, 2026

Fire Prevention Week is the ideal time to talk about something none of us likes to ponder: what would happen if our home caught fire?

We all have busy lives, and it is easy to assume our smoke alarms are working, everyone knows how to get out of the house and our family would know exactly what to do in an emergency. But when a fire occurs, our firefighters say there is often no time to figure things out. A little preparation beforehand can make an enormous difference.

That is why I hope Scotch Plains families will take a few minutes during Fire Prevention Week – Oct. 4-10 – to focus on basic fire safety.

Our firefighters will be marking this week with an education campaign, visiting the kindergarteners and first-graders throughout the school district. And they will also be eager to share helpful prevention tips with our community, such as:

Start with your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure they are working properly and that everyone in your home recognizes the sound of an alarm and knows what to do when they hear it. Walk through your home and think about how you would get out if your normal exit were blocked. Talk about where your family would meet outside so everyone can quickly be accounted for.

If you have children, involve them in the conversation. Fire safety does not need to be frightening. It can be a simple family discussion about being prepared, just like learning how to safely cross a street or what to do during severe weather.

Fire Prevention Week is also an opportunity to think about the everyday things we sometimes overlook. Cooking should never be left unattended. Space heaters need plenty of clearance. Electrical cords and outlets should be checked for damage or overloading. Candles should be extinguished before leaving a room. And matches and lighters should always be kept away from children.

Most importantly, if a fire does occur, get outside, stay outside and call 911 to reach our emergency responders. Possessions can be replaced. People cannot.

I also want to use this week to thank the members of the Scotch Plains Fire Department and other emergency response for everything they do. We often see them responding to emergencies, but much of their important work happens long before the alarm sounds. They train, prepare and help educate our residents so that fires and other catastrophes can be prevented whenever possible.

As a community, we are fortunate to have people willing to answer that call and be there for our families when we need them most, whenever that may be.

Fire Prevention Week only comes once a year, but fire safety is something we should think about throughout the year. So, sometime this week, take a walk through your home. Check those alarms. Talk with your children. Review your escape plan.

It doesn’t take long, and there is no better investment of a few minutes than ensuring the people you love are prepared and protected.