The Bethel Township Hose Co. No.1 attends schools and day cares throughout the year to present fire prevention and fire safety tips. If you would like to invite The Bethel Township Hose Co. No.1 to an event please contact us at 610-494-0899 or info@bethelfire.com.

Please view the fire safety tips listed below:

Smoke Detectors

• Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• It is recommended you install smoke detectors inside all bedrooms.
• Smoke rises, therefore smoke detectors should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. Install ceiling mounted alarms at least five inches away from the nearest wall. Install wall mounted detectors five to twelve inches away from the ceiling.
• Install detectors away from the path of kitchen cooking vapors and steam from bathrooms. This will help eliminate false detector activations. In addition do not install smoke detectors near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts may interfere with their operation.
• Test each smoke detector on a monthly basis. Push the test button until you hear a loud noise.
• Replace all smoke detector batteries twice year. The best time to do this is when the clocks are changed each fall and spring.
• If your smoke detectors are more than ten years old, purchase new smoke detectors.
• Remember WORKING smoke detectors save lives.

Keeping Your Family Safe

• Create a fire escape plan for your family. Include two exits out of every room and pick a family meeting place outside. Practice your plan by conducting a family fire drill at least twice a year.
• You may need an escape ladder to get of upstairs bedroom windows. If you require an escape ladder, they should be part of your family fire drill. Try safely the escape ladder from a ground-floor window for practice.
• Children and older people will need assistance escaping a fire. Include in your plan those who need help and pick someone who will help them. If anyone in your household has a hearing impairment, purchase special smoke detectors that use strobes and/or vibrations to signal a fire.
• Make sure all windows and doorways open with ease.
• Keep stairways and doorways clear.
• Teach every family member “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch fire.
• Never open doors that are hot. Feel the bottom of the door and the door knob with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door. You will need to find another way out.
• Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.
• If you have a fire in your home, once you are out, stay out. Do not go back inside for any reason.

 Carbon Monoxide

 

• Carbon Monoxide, known as “CO”, is a poisonous gas that kills over approximately 500 people in the United States each year. You cannot hear, taste, see or smell carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is nicknamed the “silent killer” because it sneaks up on victims and can take lives without warning.
• Carbon Monoxide sources can include malfunctioning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, ovens and hot water heaters. Running gas powered items such as vehicles or generators are additional sources of carbon monoxide.
• Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include the following:
  • Mild-Slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and flu-like symptoms
  • Medium-Throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, and an accelerated heart rate
  • Extreme-Unconsciousness, convulsions, cardio respiratory failure and death
• If you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances and the leave the house. Call your fire department and report your symptoms.
• Signs you may have a potential carbon monoxide problem include the following:
  • Streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliance
  • The absence of a draft in your chimney (this may indicate a blockage)
  • Fallen soot from the fireplace
  • Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney
• Have your fuel-burning appliances serviced by a qualified professional at least once a year.
• Install UL listed carbon monoxide alarms outside of sleeping areas and near all fuel-burning appliances.
• Do not allow vehicle exhaust fumes to enter your home.
• Make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly ventilated.
• Do not look for specific features when buying a carbon monoxide alarm. Look for the UL mark with the adjacent phrase “Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm.”
• Proper installation is an important factor. Follow the instructions found in the manufacturer’s use and care booklet that come with the carbon monoxide alarm.