Q: How many smoke alarms should I have in my home and where should they be located?
A: We recommend a minimum of at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including one in every bedroom, one in the hallway in front of each bedroom and at the top of any stairway.
Q: What type of fire extinguishers is recommended for a home?
A: We recommend a minimum of one 5-pound ABC extinguisher. The extinguisher shall be located in a readily accessible area.
Q: Should I have a “Fire Escape Plan” for my family?
A: Yes. The plan should include 2 ways out of every room and every floor. It’s important to have a meeting place for family members and practice the drill monthly, or more frequently if children live in the home.
Q: How many Carbon Monoxide alarms should I have in my home and where should they be located?
A: We recommend a minimum of at least one carbon monoxide within 40 feet of the sleeping areas of your home.
Q: What does it mean when my CO Detector chirps every now and then??
A: It could be that your battery is low or the detector is older than the recommended 10 years. You can try changing the battery and resetting the detector. If that does not correct the problem call the Fire Department.
Q: Who should I call if my Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm is sounding?
A: If you or anyone in the structure is feeling ill, contact 9-1-1 and exit the structure immediately.
If nobody is feeling ill, but the alarm continues to sound, 9-1-1 should still be called as even low levels of CO can be dangerous. The Fire Department will respond and investigate with specialized meters to ensure the building is safe.
Q: How can I get a copy of a Fire Incident Report or Fire Investigation Report?
A: Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 267-536-1057.
Q: How do I report a possible fire code violation or unsafe condition?
A: Contact our office to report the code violation or unsafe situation. A Firefighter/Inspector will be assigned the complaint, investigate the possible code violation and issue corrective notices if applicable.
Q: Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in a roof during a fire?
A: Firefighters ventilate smoke and superheated gases for safety and visibility. This lets firefighters get inside the building to find and extinguish the fire, thereby reducing property damage. This also reduces the chance of a backdraft explosion.
Q: Are recreational fires allowed in Abington Township?
A: Some recreational receptacles are permitted. Please see Ordinance No. 2185 for more information. Open burning and bonfires are prohibited in the Township by Ordinance. The only exceptions are for Fire Department Training, cooking and religious ceremony.
Q: Can I request a safety inspection for my home or business?
A: Fire and Life Safety Inspections are available through the Fire Marshal’s Office at 267-536-1057.
Q: What are the rules for grills and open-flame cooking devices?
A: Grills when used shall be kept at least 10 feet from a structure and used according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Grills or open-flame cooking devices are prohibited from use above the first floor in multi-family dwellings and on combustible decks.
