Abington Township Fire Prevention Open Houses Set for Oct. 4-10

Excitement is in store for local residents of all ages as Abington Township Fire Department (ATFD) unveils its Fire Prevention Open House schedule.

From October 4 to October 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., an Open House will be held at each of ATFD’s five fire companies: Edge Hill, Abington, McKinley, Roslyn and Weldon. The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, October 4: Edge Hill Fire Company, 2843 Limekiln Pk., North Hills
• Monday, October 7: Abington Fire Company, 1920 Horace Ave., Abington
• Tuesday, October 8: McKinley Fire Company, 893 Jenkintown Rd., Elkins Park
• Wednesday, October 9: Roslyn Fire Company, 1128 Bradfield Rd., Roslyn
• Thursday, October 10: Weldon Fire Company, 412 North Easton Rd., Glenside

Each evening will consist of hands-on demonstrations, fire truck tours, giveaways and safety tips corresponding to this year’s National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week (FPW) theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” Families and children will also have the opportunity to tour the station and meet their local firefighters while partaking in exciting activities and enjoying treats.

“The Annual Fire Prevention Open Houses provide the community with life-saving knowledge to protect themselves and their families, and it allows us to educate about the volunteer experience and the countless benefits of joining the Department,” said Thomas McAneneny, ATFD’s Director of Fire and Emergency Services.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

This year’s FPW theme aims to educate everyone about the importance of having functional smoke alarms in the home.

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent. Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

ATFD offers the following key 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 smoke alarms every 10 years.

Gear Up, Get in the Action, Volunteer with ATFD

While smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a home fire, the community can count on volunteers of ATFD to keep them safe. Volunteers also ensure that all five companies operate smoothly and efficiently. No prior experience is needed to join; training and gear are provided for free.

ATFD offers a variety of volunteer roles, including:

FIREFIGHTER OPERATIONS– Train to fight fires, respond to emergencies, and participate in search and rescue, forcible entry operations and more. Must be 18 or older.

RESCUE OPERATIONS– Respond to specialized calls, including vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide alarms and rescue calls.

JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM– Gain valuable experience, earn community service hours and train under supervision to develop fire safety skills and knowledge. Must be 16 or 17.

Visit www.abingtonfd.org to learn more and submit a no-obligation volunteer inquiry form.