Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

In Pittsburgh, ensuring your family’s safety in the event of a fire is paramount. While having an escape plan is crucial, the ability to execute it under pressure is equally vital.

Firefighters from the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company emphasize the importance of fire prevention measures.

Here are four essential items they recommend keeping in your home:

1. Utilize smoke detectors.
2. Install carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Keep a fire escape ladder accessible.
4. Have a fire extinguisher readily available.

Kimber Credo, along with her three children, faced a harrowing experience when they had to escape a fire at their Monongahela residence just days before Christmas. Despite the chaotic situation, they managed to exit through a window onto the porch roof.

Reacting swiftly to the sound of crackling flames at 4 a.m., Kimber’s quick thinking and preparedness were instrumental in their safe evacuation. This incident underscores the critical role of functional smoke detectors in alerting residents to potential dangers.

Deputy Chief Nate Nusskern highlights the heightened risk of fires during the winter months, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, especially when using fireplaces, space heaters, or furnaces.

In the event of a fire, follow these essential steps recommended by the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company:

• Stay close to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke.
• Use the back of your hand to check for heat before opening doors.
• Close doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke.
• If necessary, exit through a window using a fire escape ladder.

Kimber’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness. While they successfully escaped using an escape ladder, Kimber regrets not closing the door behind them, which led to increased smoke exposure.

Deputy Chief Nusskern stresses the significance of closing doors during a fire, illustrating how it can contain the flames and minimize damage.

Remember these crucial steps:

• Call 911 once safely outside.
• Establish a designated family meeting point away from the house.
• Refrain from re-entering the house for pets.

In the aftermath of a fire, inform the fire department about any missing pets for assistance in locating and rescuing them.

Ensure your home is equipped with:

• Adequate smoke detectors on every floor.
• Carbon monoxide detectors near potential sources.
• Exercise caution when dealing with fires, knowing when to extinguish them and when to seek professional help.

---

©2024 Cox Media Group