Vehicles are in many ways, becoming a comfort extension of the home. With comfortable seating, exciting entertainment, and complete environmental control, today’s road users create a dangerous challenge to the safety and proper response of emergency vehicles. In describing this safety challenge, Fire Chief Doug Simpson stressed, “This includes fire apparatus of the Newtown Square Fire Company, police, and EMS vehicles.”

A recent headline-producing fire in nearby section of neighboring Philadelphia has fanned another fire – a debate between the Philadelphia’s City Administration and the union representing Philadelphia’s firefighters.  What has been lost in this verbal tug of war are some major elements that also contributed to the death of a 12-year old boy with autism.

Despite laws being passed in many areas, reports of accidents continue to highlight that these roadway mishaps and death continue to point to texting.  Once only identified with young, new drivers, this quest for instant communications has moved well into the adult driver populations.  In its ongoing safety program, the Newtown Square Fire Company once more warns that driving while using a normal cellular phone is a dangerous practice.

Water and roadways is no stranger to drivers and walkers in Newtown Square and its neighboring communities.  A common television news item shows cars and drivers being stranded in pooled water during heavy rains. Traditionally, firefighters have been dispatched to aid drivers and cars stranded in temporarily flooded areas.  The Newtown Square Fire Company calls has stressed that all of these calls could have been prevented.

A question often asked of newer members of the Newtown Square Fire Company following a response is, “What did you learn from this call?”   The same question can be asked of local residents following the recent series of dangerous and inconveniencing weather.  Chief Doug Simpson has reminded residents that, in light of this year’s hurricane forecast, we may not be done with this year’s bad weather.

Chief Simpson quickly added, “What and when are the residents going to prepare themselves.”