One of the most important roles for local fire officials is sharing with residents and stakeholders critical fire-safety information. Fire-safety education will prove to be the difference between life and death.

Synthetic materials and open floor plans are popular in today’s homes and businesses, but they present the perfect storm for quick escalation of a fire.

Hydrocarbon-based synthetic materials used in home furnishings burn faster and release deadly toxins. A person has only about three minutes from the start of a fire to safely escape.

The critical life-saving message from the West Chester Fire Department is start planning now by developing a Home Escape Plan and regularly practicing your plan. Making simple adjustments at home or work today can mean all the difference in the event of a fire emergency. 

This means taking time out for fire prevention activities such as: 

• Reviewing and practicing your fire escape plans
• In an emergency, close doors as you leave a room
• Sleep with your bedroom doors closed 
• Installing working smoke detectors on every level of your home or building. 
• Testing all fire safety devices (smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers) regularly including changing the batteries if you devices have batteries that can be released 
• Remove any obstruction (bushes, trees, plants, etc) to fire hydrants and report any hydrant issues 
• Completing basic fire extinguisher training  
• Working with officials to ensure fire codes are met. 
• Contact the West Chester Fire Department to schedule a fire safety education program for your family or business 

The West Chester Fire Department is here to help. Please don't hesitate to Contact Fire & EMS by calling (513) 777-1113, or send us a message online at the link above.