TOOLS FOR A FIRE-SAFE HOUSE

A Few Items for the Holiday Gift List That May Save A Life

The West Chester Fire Department recommends a few items that should be on every homeowners list for Santa – if they don’t have them already.

Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, fire blankets, and range hood fire suppression pucks are tools every homeowner should have on hand.

Firefighters know firsthand the difference these tools make in protecting lives and property.

Key takeaways on smoke detectors – a must-have for every home:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.

Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half. Today’s building materials burn faster than ever before, allowing as little as two minutes to exit safely. Working smoke alarms are your best chance for an early warning.

While escaping a burning property safely and calling 911 are the priority, small home fires may be extinguished before they get out of hand. Calling 911 in case of fire is essential, but extinguishing small fires using a special fire blanket or extinguisher can reduce damage to your home.

“Homeowners must always be prepared for a safe emergency exit to escape spreading fire,” said West Chester Bureau Chief Scott Brooks. “Your life is more important than your property. Keeping your back to a safe exit at all times, small stovetop fires, grill fires and the like, caught right away can be extinguished with the right tools.”

West Chester resident Maria Steinbach experienced a stovetop fire in July. She purchased fire blankets for her daughters and herself as a Christmas present, and she quickly deployed the blanket to extinguish the fire.

“It was so easy to use that I don’t even remember using it,” Maria said. The fire was out right away and firefighters were impressed by her quick thinking. It’s important to note that Maria was in the kitchen when the fire started and so the fire didn’t have the opportunity to spread.

Cooking remains the most significant cause of home fires and range hood fire suppressors (available for about $50) can help reduce the threat. Range hood fire suppression “pucks” automatically release an agent to extinguish fires when flames reach the hood. Chief Brooks said these have been a valuable tool in apartment complex kitchens where cooking fires can be devastating to so many families.

With cold winter months ahead, Chief Brooks also suggests making sure every home has a working carbon monoxide detector and home heating equipment is carefully inspected. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” and when our homes are sealed up for winter we are at the greatest risk.

To learn more about fire safety initiatives and/or to schedule a public education program for your organization, contact the West Chester Fire Department at westchesteroh.org/fire or call 513-777-1133.