Pflugerville Fire Officials Launch Potentially Life-Saving Portal

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — A new, potentially life-saving resource has been launched for residents to learn safety information from carbon monoxide detectors to smoke alarms. Its source: The Pflugerville Fire Department.

The online resource and non-emergency hotline contains information on safeguards every household should implement. It's all contained at pflugervillefire.org/faqs.

Beyond the new portal, the fire department is available to answer residents safety questions at any time. Those with questions on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can call a special hotline at (512) 989-4516. Residents using the hotline are asked to leave their pertinent information — name, address, neighborhood, telephone number — and expect a call back no later than the following business day.

There are invaluable tips contained that could potentially save lives related to emergency preparedness:

• Residents are urged to draw a basic map of their home's layout, including the location of windows and doors.

• Two potential exits should be identified in the case of fire, ensuring that doors and windows are not painted shut or blocked by furniture or other objects.
• A predetermined spot outside the home at which family members can meet should be determined ahead of time.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are in working order with fresh batteries, a simple test that includes pushing the button to hear sound. Batteries should be checked at least once a year, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every decade.
• Family members should memorize this mantra: "Get low and go!" This reminds that smoke rises, so those caught amid a fire should stay low to the ground in making their escape to avoid smoke inhalation.
• It's important for household members to conduct drills, gathering at their end at the predetermined meeting place outdoors. These drills should be conducted several times a year, making it a habit that could prove life-saving.

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