Fire Safety Takes Center Stage at TRIAD Senior Expo with Brian Foley’s Practical Advice

With colder temperatures just around the corner, Warren County Fire and Rescue’s Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Foley brought warmth and wisdom to the stage at the 2025 Front Royal/Warren County TRIAD Senior Expo. Held October 9 at the Front Royal Elks Lodge, the event focused on keeping seniors informed, prepared, and safe — and Foley’s fire safety presentation struck a personal and practical chord.

Warren County Fire and Rescue’s Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Foley.

“I absolutely hate talking into a microphone,” Foley admitted with a smile as he began, “but they always say they save the best for last, which is why I have to go first.” Despite his modest opening, his message was clear and urgent: seniors face unique risks during emergencies, and being prepared can save lives.

Foley drew from both experience and empathy, sharing the challenges older adults may face during a fire. “My mind still thinks I’m 16, but my body quickly reminds me that I’m 55,” he said. Mobility issues, slower reaction times, and health concerns all play a role in how quickly someone can respond to a fire. He referenced a tragic fire at an assisted living facility in Massachusetts to illustrate the difficulty of evacuating in a timely manner. “Some people didn’t hear the alarm, some didn’t know what to do, and others had walkers and couldn’t move fast enough,” he said. “Imagine trying to go down a ladder from a third-story window. It’s slow — even for us in full gear.”

Foley stressed the importance of early detection and safe habits in the home, especially in the kitchen, where most residential fires start. “We all fall sometimes. What’s the first thing we do? We reach out to catch ourselves,” he said. “But if that pan handle is sticking out on the stove and you grab it, now you’re not only falling — you’re getting burned too.”

He urged attendees never to leave food unattended, even when cooking in the microwave. “You might think you hit one minute, but you accidentally hit ten. You go lie down to rest, and that timer? It doesn’t always wake you up.”

For fires involving cooking grease, Foley offered a firm warning: “Never put water on a grease fire. Cover it with a lid, use baking soda, or — better yet — have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.”

With fall temperatures dipping and heating systems kicking on, he reminded attendees to have furnaces and heat pumps checked. “You’ll get that burning smell when you first turn it on. That’s normal — but if there’s smoke, call 911 right away.”

He also gave strong guidance on the safe use of space heaters. “Don’t ever leave them unattended, especially the older ones without tip-over protection. Your pet knocks it over, and now your house is on fire,” he cautioned.

When it comes to smoke alarms, Foley didn’t mince words. “How many of you have smoke detectors in every room? How many of them are chirping right now?” he asked, drawing a few laughs and sheepish nods. He emphasized the use of new detectors with 10-year batteries and testing them on a monthly basis. For those who are hard of hearing, strobe-equipped detectors are available — and best of all, Warren County Fire and Rescue will install or inspect smoke detectors for free. “We’ll come to your house, no charge,” Foley said. “Just call.”

He closed with the importance of having a home escape plan — also known as EDITH (Exit Drills in the Home). “Don’t just have one exit route. If your front door is blocked, where else can you go?” He recommended designating an outdoor meeting spot, like a tree or driveway, and practicing getting out safely.

Foley’s honest, relatable tone and years of field experience gave his advice real weight. “This isn’t about scaring you,” he said. “It’s about giving you the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones. We’re not going to leave you behind — we’ll come with you, even if it’s down a ladder.”

His message, like that of the entire TRIAD expo, was simple and strong: being prepared can make all the difference.

To request a free smoke detector installation or fire safety inspection, residents can call Warren County Fire and Rescue at 540-636-3830.