EVERETT, WA – The Everett Fire Department wants to assure Everett residents and the greater community that the level of service they provide has not changed due to COVID-19. Everett Fire will continue to respond to all emergencies. However, beginning March 10, the department is limiting access to the fire stations to outside visitors for events such as fire station tours and public education events.

This proactive decision limits both the inadvertent contamination of a fire station and limits the potential for transmission of infectious material to visitors. Everett Fire crews are being diligent in cleaning fire apparatus and equipment, as well as wearing appropriate protective equipment as needed when seeing patients.

As pictured, each fire station has a notification posted on the door of the steps to take if a member of the public needs to speak to a firefighter at one of the stations. Everett Fire is requesting the public to stand six feet away from the door once they ring the bell to provide appropriate social distancing. When the firefighter comes to the door, they ask the public to notify them if they have a fever, cough or are suffering from other respiratory distress. This will allow them to provide better care to the patient while ensuring they are wearing the proper protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and masks.

The Everett Fire Department will continue to conduct blood pressure checks for members of the public who stop by the stations. These checks will occur outside and maintain the six-foot distance from the front door.

This change in practice allows for the Everett Fire Department to continue to provide the services the public expects while protecting the health and wellbeing of the department members, their families, and the community they serve.