This Info Could Save Your Life or Your Family

September is National Preparedness Month and the is encouraging everyone to pledge to prepare for emergencies.

According to an article posted on the Fire Company's website:

This September marks the ninth annual NPM. This year's theme is "Pledge to Prepare - Awareness to Action". FEMA is asking the public -- individuals, business, and organizations -- to take specific action steps by doing at least one of the following:

1. Learn about emergency hazards - including home fires -and their appropriate responses
2. Make a communications plan
3. Build an emergency kit
4. Get involved in preparedness in their community.

Prepare for a Fire Emergency

In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames. By preparing for a fire emergency, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 8-10 years or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
• Plan your escape from fire. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room.
• Practice fire escape plans several times a year. Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
• Purchase only collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Check that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
• Make sure everyone in your family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

Another way to help prepare for an emergency is to support your local fire company. Tredyffrin and Easstown are served by three volunteer fire companies. Each is always seeking volunteers and each needs public donations to provide first rate emergency services.

Here are links to each of the companies that serve Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships.

Berwyn Fire Company

Paoli Fire Company

Radnor Fire Company (Serves the Wayne section of Tredyffrin Township)