Fire Prevention 101: How Lancaster County Volunteer Firefighters Are Keeping Your Home Safe (And How You Can Help)

Why Fire Prevention Matters More Than Ever

Every year, Lancaster County fire departments respond to hundreds of preventable fires. While our volunteer firefighters are always ready to answer the call, the truth is that the best fire we fight is the one that never starts. That's why fire prevention education is one of the most important roles our volunteer firefighters play in the community.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• The most common causes of house fires in Pennsylvania

• Room-by-room fire prevention tips

• How to create a family fire escape plan

• When to replace critical safety equipment

• How Lancaster County volunteer firefighters help with fire prevention education

The Most Common Causes of House Fires in Pennsylvania

According to fire safety data, these are the leading causes of residential fires in our region:

1. Cooking Equipment (Leading Cause)

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of house fires. Grease fires, overheated pans, and kitchen distractions lead to thousands of preventable emergencies each year.

2. Heating Equipment

Space heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces account for a significant portion of winter fires, especially when improperly maintained or placed too close to combustible materials.

3. Electrical Malfunctions

Outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, frayed cords, and faulty appliances create serious fire hazards in older homes throughout Lancaster County.

4. Smoking Materials

Cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials cause fires when not properly extinguished or when smoking occurs in bed.

5. Candles

Decorative candles are responsible for numerous fires, particularly when left unattended or placed near curtains, bedding, or other flammable items.

Room-by-Room Fire Prevention Checklist

Kitchen

• Never leave cooking unattended – Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling

• Keep flammable items away from the stove – Dish towels, wooden utensils, food packaging

• Clean cooking surfaces regularly – Grease buildup is a fire accelerant

• Keep a fire extinguisher within reach – Make sure it's rated for grease fires (Class K or ABC)

• Turn pot handles inward – Prevent accidental spills and burns

• Keep kids and pets away from cooking areas – Establish a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet

  
  

Living Room and Bedrooms

• Check electrical cords regularly – Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately

• Don't overload outlets – Use power strips with surge protectors, not multiple adapters

• Keep space heaters 3 feet away from anything flammable – This includes curtains, furniture, and bedding

• Never smoke in bed – Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure cigarettes are completely out

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to sleep – Consider flameless LED candles as a safer alternative

  
  

Basement and Utility Areas

• Keep furnace area clear – Maintain 3 feet of clearance around heating equipment

• Schedule annual HVAC inspections – Professional maintenance prevents malfunctions

• Clean dryer lint after every load – And clean the vent pipe annually

• Store flammable liquids properly – In approved containers, away from heat sources

• Check your electrical panel – Look for rust, warm spots, or frequently tripping breakers

  
  

Garage and Outdoor Areas

• Store gasoline in approved containers – Never more than 5 gallons, away from living areas

• Maintain grills properly – Keep them at least 10 feet from your home

• Dispose of ashes safely – Wait 24 hours, then place in a metal container away from structures

• Keep yard waste away from the house – Dead leaves and brush can ignite from embers

  
  

Fire Safety Equipment: Installation and Maintenance

Smoke Alarms

Installation:

• Install on every level of your home

• Place one inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas

• Place at least one on every floor

• Mount on the ceiling or high on the walls

• Install interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound

Maintenance:

• Test monthly by pressing the test button

• Replace batteries annually (or when the low-battery chirp sounds)

• Replace the entire unit every 10 years

• Clean dust from alarms twice a year

  
  

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Installation:

• Required on every level with sleeping areas

• Place near bedrooms but not directly in kitchens or bathrooms

• Follow the manufacturer's placement instructions

Maintenance:

• Test monthly

• Replace batteries annually

• Replace unit according to manufacturer's instructions (typically 5-7 years)

  
  

Fire Extinguishers

What You Need:

• At least one on every level of your home

• One in the kitchen (Class K or ABC rated)

• One in the garage

• One near the furnace/water heater

  
  

Maintenance:

• Check the pressure gauge monthly (the needle should be in the green zone)

• Have extinguishers professionally inspected annually

• Replace after use or when expired (typically 10-12 years)

  
  

Remember P.A.S.S.:

• Pull the pin

• Aim at the base of the fire

• Squeeze the handle

• Sweep side to side

  
  

Create Your Family Fire Escape Plan

Having a plan can save lives. Here's how to create an effective fire escape plan:

Step 1: Draw Your Home's Floor Plan

• Include all rooms, windows, and doors

• Mark two ways out of every room

• Identify primary and secondary escape routes

  
  

Step 2: Choose a Meeting Place

• Pick a spot outside and away from your home

• Make it easy to remember (mailbox, neighbor's driveway, specific tree)

• Ensure everyone knows to go there immediately

  
  

Step 3: Practice Your Plan

• Conduct fire drills twice a year

• Practice at night when family members are sleeping

• Time your escape – you should be able to get out in under 2 minutes

• Practice crawling low under smoke

• Teach children how to escape on their own

  
  

Step 4: Special Considerations

• Plan for young children, elderly family members, or anyone with mobility issues

• Assign a family member to assist if needed

• Consider escape ladders for second-story rooms

• Teach children never to hide during a fire

  
  

Critical Fire Escape Rules:

• Get out first, then call 911 – Don't waste time gathering belongings

• Close doors behind you – This slows fire spread

• Never go back inside – Even for pets or valuables

• If trapped, close the door and signal for help – Use a window or call 911

• Feel doors before opening – If hot, use your alternate escape route

  
  

How Lancaster County Volunteer Firefighters Help with Fire Prevention

Our volunteer firefighters don't just respond to emergencies – they're also actively involved in preventing them. Here's how Lancaster County's fire departments serve the community through fire prevention:

Community Education Programs

• School visits teaching fire safety to children

• Senior center and retirement communities presentations on home fire hazards

• Fire Prevention Week events are held every October

• Home safety assessments for residents

  
  

Smoke Alarm Installation Programs

Many of our departments offer free smoke alarm installation for elderly residents, low-income families, or anyone who needs assistance. Our volunteers will:

• Install working smoke alarms

• Replace batteries in existing alarms

• Provide education on proper placement and maintenance

  
  

Fire Station Tours

Bring your family to meet your local firefighters and learn about fire safety in a fun, hands-on environment. Tours include:

• Fire truck demonstrations

• Try on firefighter gear for kids

• Q&A sessions about fire safety

• Practice using the 911 system

  
  

Business Inspections and Training

Our volunteers also work with local businesses to ensure compliance with fire codes and provide employee training on fire safety and evacuation procedures.

The Volunteer Firefighter Shortage and What It Means for Fire Prevention

Lancaster County, like many communities across America, is facing a critical shortage of volunteer firefighters. We currently need:

• 177 Firefighters

• 23 Fire Police

• 47 Junior Firefighters

• 56 Administrative Support volunteers

• 91 Community Outreach volunteers

This shortage doesn't just impact emergency response – it affects our ability to provide fire prevention education to the community. Every volunteer who joins our team helps us reach more families, install more smoke alarms, and prevent more fires.

Interested in helping? You don't need to fight fires to make a difference. Community outreach volunteers play a vital role in fire prevention education programs.

Fire Prevention FAQs

Q: How often should I test my smoke alarms? A: Test them monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries annually and replace the entire unit every 10 years.

Q: What should I do if my smoke alarm keeps chirping? A: A chirping alarm usually means the battery needs replacing. If it continues after battery replacement, the unit may need to be replaced.

Q: Can I use water on all types of fires? A: No! Never use water on grease fires (use a lid to smother) or electrical fires. Keep a multi-purpose ABC fire extinguisher for home use.

Q: How can I request a smoke alarm installation from my local fire department? A: Contact your local Lancaster County fire department directly. Many offer free installation programs for residents who need assistance.

Q: What's the difference between smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors? A: Smoke alarms detect visible or invisible particles from fires. Carbon monoxide detectors sense the odorless, deadly gas produced by fuel-burning appliances. You need both.

Q: Should I replace batteries in hardwired smoke alarms? A: Yes! Hardwired alarms have backup batteries that should be replaced annually. The hardwiring only works if your electricity is on.

Take Action Today

Fire prevention starts with you. Here's what you can do right now:

1. Test your smoke alarms – Takes 30 seconds

2. Create your family escape plan – Spend 30 minutes this weekend

3. Schedule your fire drill – Put it on the calendar

4. Check your fire extinguisher – Make sure the pressure gauge is in the green

5. Clear clutter – Remove fire hazards from around heat sources

Need help with fire prevention in your home? Contact your local Lancaster County fire department to schedule a home safety assessment or smoke alarm installation.

Want to help prevent fires in your community? Consider volunteering with one of our nine fire departments. Whether you're interested in firefighting, fire police, community outreach, or administrative support, there's a role for you.

Contact Your Local Lancaster County Fire Department

Visit JoinTheFD.com to:

• Find your nearest fire department

• Learn about volunteer opportunities

• Request a fire station tour

• Schedule a fire safety presentation for your school or organization

• Apply to become a volunteer firefighter

• 
  

Together, we can prevent fires and save lives in Lancaster County.

Join The FD is a recruitment initiative representing nine independent volunteer fire departments across Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to serve, train, excel, and protect our community through dedicated volunteer service.

Ready to make a difference? Learn how to join your local fire department and start your journey today. Visit JoinTheFD.com

Apply Today