Welcome to the Fire Prevention Page of Community Fire Company No. 1 of North Whitehall Township

At Community Fire Company No. 1, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community through education and proactive measures. Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a safer environment for all ages. Explore the following tips and guidelines to keep you and your loved ones safe from fire hazards year-round.

Fire Safety for All Ages

Children

• Educate About Fire Dangers: Teach children the hazards of playing with fire and the importance of reporting any fire-related incidents to an adult.
• Practice Fire Drills: Regularly practice home fire drills so children know how to escape safely in an emergency.
• Matches and Lighters: Keep matches and lighters out of reach and sight of children.
• Fire Safety Education: Engage in fun, educational activities like coloring books and videos that teach fire safety basics.

Adults

• Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable items away from the stove.
• Electrical Safety: Regularly inspect electrical cords and outlets for damage, and avoid overloading circuits.
• Smoking: Smoke outside the home, and properly extinguish cigarettes in a deep ashtray or water.

Seniors

• Mobility Considerations: Ensure that escape routes are easily accessible and free of obstacles.
• Medication Awareness: Be mindful of medications that may impair your ability to respond quickly in an emergency.
• Fire Safety Devices: Consider installing fire safety devices specifically designed for seniors, such as bed shaker alarms.

Year-Round Prevention Tips

• Heating Safety: Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heaters, and have your heating system inspected annually.
• Holiday Safety: Be cautious with holiday decorations, ensuring lights are turned off when not in use and keeping live trees well-watered.
• Outdoor Fire Safety: Maintain a safe zone around your home by clearing dead vegetation and debris. Use fire pits and grills safely, keeping them at a safe distance from structures.
• Home Maintenance: Regularly clean chimneys and vents to prevent creosote buildup and inspect the roof and gutters for flammable debris.

Smoke Alarm Safety

• Installation: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Testing: Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working correctly.
• Battery Replacement: Replace batteries at least once a year or immediately if the alarm chirps, indicating a low battery.
• Replacement: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Interconnected Alarms: Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound, providing an early warning throughout the house.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

• Placement: Place fire extinguishers in key areas such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop.
• Types: Ensure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for different fire risks (Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires).
• Usage: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher with the PASS method:
  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim low at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the handle.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
• Maintenance: Inspect fire extinguishers regularly to ensure they are fully charged and in good working condition.

Contact Us

For more fire safety tips and information, please contact Community Fire Company No. 1 of North Whitehall Township at 610-799-3457.

Together, we can make our community a safer place for everyone. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!