WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP
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FALL & WINTER SAFETY
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FIRE SAFETY
he beautiful colors of autumn transition to colder weather and snow. Changing seasons signal a shift in potential fire hazards and safety concerns that the West Chester Fire Department want every resident to keep in mind.
HOME HEATING SAFETY
As the temperature drops, we turn to heating sources to stay warm and cozy. It is crucial to inspect your heating systems, such as furnaces, fireplaces, and wood stoves, before use. Remove any accumulated debris and ensure they are in proper working condition. If using space heaters, keep them at least three feet from flammable objects and never leave them unattended. Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
CANDLES & DECOR
Fall and the holidays signal decorations and ambiance that may include open flames. Place candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface and away from curtains or other combustible materials. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room. Consider using battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative.
SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS With the use of heating equipment and potential carbon monoxide hazards, it is vital to ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Test them regularly, change the batteries and replace the device if more than 10 years old. These simple devices can save lives.
LEAVES & YARD DEBRIS
Fall foliage creates a picturesque landscape, but dry leaves and yard debris can also pose fire hazards. Regularly rake and remove dry leaves from around your property, especially near buildings, and dispose of them properly. Store firewood away from the house and off the ground.
OUTDOOR FIRE SAFETY Fall is perfect for gathering around fire pits or enjoying bonfires. If planning an outdoor fire, always keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish the fire completely when you are done. Never leave the fire unattended and keep a safe distance from it to prevent accidental burns.
SAFE COOKING PRACTICES As the fall season brings holidays and gatherings, cooking family meals takes center stage. Never leave the kitchen unattended while food is cooking and keep flammable materials away from the stovetop. If using a turkey fryer, do it outdoors, away from structures, and never overfill it with oil.
Emergency Medical Services, the West Chester Way West Chester Fire & EMS has earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attack and stroke. It’s the ninth consecutive time American Heart Association has recognized West Chester first responders with a Mission: Lifeline® Performance Achievement Award. The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers. West Chester Fire & EMS, which began as a volunteer fire department in 1963, celebrated 60 years of service in 2023.
During the last 10 years, West Chester Fire Department’s call volume has increased 51 percent. There were 5,559 EMS calls for service and 2,939 Fire calls for service in 2022, an increase of 7.1 percent from the previous year.
