Capital Region, East Shore and West Shore Fire Companies Celebrate FPW

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense when it comes to residents protecting themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of fire, but having working smoke alarms in the home can make all the difference. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

That’s why 21 fire companies across the East Shore, West Shore and the Capital Region, under the CapitalRegionFirefighter.org recruitment campaign, are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign, which runs from Oct. 6-12, aims to educate the public about the importance of having functional smoke alarms in the home.

Smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent), according to NFPA. Once the smoke alarm sounds, occupants could have less than two minutes to get out safely. Working smoke alarms give them early warning to exit quickly.

The volunteers of the 21 fire companies encourage all residents to embrace this year’s theme by following these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

● 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.

Additional tips in conjunction with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme can be found at https://capitalregionfirefighter.org/fire-prevention-safety-resources/.

“It is crucial that we educate the public and provide key fire prevention knowledge that they can use to protect themselves and their families,” said Scott Ryno, Program Manager of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grant.

Fire Prevention Events for All Ages at Local Fire Companies

Throughout the month of October, the 21 fire companies across the East Shore, West Shore and Capital Region are hosting free, all-ages fire prevention events.

Citizens Fire Company #1

Event: Fire Prevention Open House

When: Saturday, October 5, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Citizens Fire Company, 272 2nd St., Highspire, PA 17034

Description: Observe live fire and vehicle extrications, tour apparatus and participate in exciting activities, including an indoor maze.

Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company

Event: Trunk or Treat

When: Saturday, October 26, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Location: Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company, 1200 Good Hope Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Description: Attendees can meet local firefighters, learn fire prevention tips, enjoy treats and food trucks offering Kokua Shaved Ice, Demiller and Mad Dash.

Lower Allen Fire Company & Lisburn Fire Department

Event: Lower Allen Township Community Day

When: Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Lisburn Fire Festival Grounds, 1800 Main Street, Mechanigsburg, PA 17055

Description: Community members can meet their local firefighters, observe exciting demonstrations, touch and tour fire apparatus, listen to live music, enjoy tasty food and more.

Silver Spring Community Fire Company

Event: Trunk-or-Treat

When: Friday, October 25 from 6 to p.m.

Location: Silver Spring Community Fire Company’s station, 6471 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Description: Trick or treat with Silver Spring’s lifesavers, learn about volunteer opportunities, indulge in candy and other treats, and tour the fire station and apparatus.

Upper Allen Fire Department

Event: Open House & Touch-A-Truck Event

When: Tuesday, October 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Upper Allen Fire Department, 104 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Description: Community members of all ages are invited to tour the fire department and fire trucks, try on gear, take part in exciting family activities, meet local firefighters and learn about how they protect the community, and enjoy treats and refreshments.

Now That You’re Ready to Keep Your Family Safe, Help Us Keep the Community Safe!

Interested in volunteering with your local fire company? There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for those interested in fighting fires or helping out behind-the-scenes in an administrative capacity. No experience is required to join, and training and gear are provided at no cost. To learn more and fill out a volunteer inquiry form, visit www.CapitalRegionFirefigher.org