Proper placement makes all the difference. Having smoke detectors is important — but having them in the right locations is critical for early warning and safe escape.
The Ohio Township Fire Department recommends installing smoke detectors: ✅ Inside every bedroom ✅ Outside sleeping areas (hallways near bedrooms) ✅ On every level of your home, including the basement
For best performance, install them on the ceiling or high on a wall, following manufacturer instructions.
⚠️ Avoid placing smoke detectors too close to kitchens or bathrooms, where cooking smoke or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
Early detection saves lives — but only if detectors are properly placed and working. 👉 Walk your home tonight and count your smoke detectors.
🌊 Flood & Flash Flood Safety — Know the Risks Before You Hit the Road! 🌊
Flash flooding can happen quickly — sometimes within minutes of heavy rain — and water levels can rise fast, even in normally dry areas like low‑lying roadways or near creeks and culverts. Floods are one of the most dangerous weather hazards, and most flood‑related deaths happen in vehicles when people drive into floodwaters.
⚠️ Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways — you don’t know how deep the water is or whether the road beneath has washed away. Even just 6 inches of fast‑moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches of water can carry away a small car.
🚗 Safety Tips: ✔ If you see water covering the road — Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ✔ Barriers and road closures are there for your safety — never drive around them. ✔ Floodwaters can hide hazards like debris, downed power lines, and washed‑out pavement.
🌧️ Heavy rain and flash floods can occur even when the storm seems to be moving away, so always take flood warnings seriously and avoid unnecessary travel during and after severe rain.
In the event of an emergency, fire hoses serve as a crucial lifeline for firefighters. However, driving over a fire hose is strictly prohibited in Indiana.
IC 35-44.1-4-8 states that "A person who knowingly or intentionally obstructs or interferes with a firefighter performing or attempting to perform the firefighter's emergency functions or duties as a firefighter commits obstructing a firefighter, a Class A misdemeanor."
🚫 Why this matters: • Driving over a hose can cut off or reduce water supply to firefighters • A damaged hose can delay fire suppression and rescue operations • Sudden water loss can endanger firefighters and occupants inside a burning structure • Hose damage can cause serious injury if a pressurized line fails
🚦 If you encounter fire hoses across the roadway: • STOP and do not cross • Follow directions from firefighters or law enforcement • Find an alternate route if directed
🚨 Fire scenes can be unpredictable and dangerous, and even a short pause in water flow can be life-threatening. Let’s all do our part to keep firefighters and our community safe by respecting emergency operations.
⚡ Lightning Awareness — Stay Safe This Storm Season! ⚡
Thunderstorms produce powerful and dangerous lightning. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, and lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm — even if it’s not raining where you are. That’s why safety experts say: 👉 “When thunder roars, go indoors!” — if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
✔ Seek sturdy shelter immediately. The safest place during a thunderstorm is a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle with a hard top and windows up.
✔ Avoid open areas and tall objects. Do not stay in open fields, near trees, water, or tall isolated objects — lightning tends to hit the tallest thing around.
✔ Stay sheltered after the storm passes. Remain inside at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder — even if the storm looks like it has moved on.
Lightning can cause serious injury or death, so please take thunderstorms seriously and plan ahead!
👨🚒🔥 Why Do Firefighters Look Different in Their Gear? 🔥👨🚒
Firefighters wear special gear to keep them safe—but it can look scary to kids. Let’s explain it!
🧑🚒 What’s That Gear For? -Helmet – Protects the head from heat and falling objects -Mask (air pack) – Helps firefighters breathe clean air in smoke -Coat, pants, and boots – Protect skin from heat and sharp objects -Gloves – Keep hands safe while helping others
🎭 The mask and gear can make voices sound different—but underneath, it’s still a friendly firefighter!
👀 What Kids Should Remember: -Firefighters are there to help -It’s okay to feel scared, but don’t hide -If you see a firefighter in gear, wave, yell, or go to them for help
👨👩👧 Parents: talk about firefighter gear ahead of time so kids know what to expect in an emergency.
🔥 We may look different—but our job is to keep you safe.
🌩️ Severe Weather Safety – Know Where to Go When Storms Hit! 🌩️
When severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are in the forecast, your first priority should always be seeking sturdy shelter immediately — seconds matter during a severe weather event. 🕒
Here’s how to stay safe: 🏠 Go to the safest spot in your home: A basement, storm cellar, or designated safe room provides the best protection from high winds and flying debris. If you don’t have a basement, choose an interior room on the lowest level with no windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
🚫 Never take shelter under highway overpasses or bridges. Overpasses may create a wind tunnel effect and leave you more exposed to flying debris — they do not provide protection during tornadoes or high‑wind events.
🛡️ Avoid staying near windows or exterior walls — glass and debris can become deadly in high winds. A small windowless room away from outside walls is always safer than an open area.
📍 Have a plan before severe weather arrives so you and your family know where to go and what to do when a warning is issued.
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana... Southeastern Gibson County in southwestern Indiana... Northwestern Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana... Northeastern Posey County in southwestern Indiana... Pike County in southwestern Indiana...
* Until 715 AM CDT/815 AM EDT/.
* At 627 AM CDT/727 AM EDT/, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cynthiana, or 9 miles southwest of Fort Branch, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include... Fort Branch, Oakland City, Haubstadt, Darmstadt, Poseyville, Lynnville, Winslow, Cynthiana, Blairsville, Elberfeld, Francisco, Somerville, Spurgeon, and Mackey.
This includes the following highways... Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 20 and 44. Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 10 and 37.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 AM CDT/noon EDT/ for southwestern Indiana ... See MoreSee Less
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBION, BOONVILLE, CARMI, ELIZABETHTOWN, EVANSVILLE, FAIRFIELD, FORT BRANCH, GRAYVILLE, HARRISBURG, HENDERSON, HERRIN, MCLEANSBORO, MORGANFIELD, MOUNT CARMEL, MOUNT VERNON, OWENSBORO, PETERSBURG, POSEYVILLE, ROCKPORT, SHAWNEETOWN, WEST FRANKFORT, AND WEST SALEM. ... See MoreSee Less
Air fryers are quick, convenient, and a great way to cook — but they can also become a fire hazard if not used properly.
🚒 Keep your kitchen safe with these important tips: ✅ Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface — never on the stove. ✅ Keep it away from walls and cabinets — allow space for ventilation. ✅ Never leave it unattended while in use. ✅ Clean it regularly — built-up grease can ignite. ✅ Plug directly into a wall outlet — avoid extension cords or power strips. ✅ Keep combustibles away — paper towels, curtains, and dish cloths can catch fire quickly.
If a fire starts: ❌ Do NOT use water on a grease fire. ✅ Turn off and unplug if safe to do so. ✅ Use a lid or baking soda to smother small grease fires. 📞 Call 911 if the fire grows.
Small appliances can cause big problems when safety steps are ignored. A few simple precautions can prevent a kitchen fire and keep your family safe.
🚨 Where Should You Install Smoke Detectors? 🚨
Proper placement makes all the difference. Having smoke detectors is important — but having them in the right locations is critical for early warning and safe escape.
The Ohio Township Fire Department recommends installing smoke detectors:
✅ Inside every bedroom
✅ Outside sleeping areas (hallways near bedrooms)
✅ On every level of your home, including the basement
For best performance, install them on the ceiling or high on a wall, following manufacturer instructions.
⚠️ Avoid placing smoke detectors too close to kitchens or bathrooms, where cooking smoke or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
Early detection saves lives — but only if detectors are properly placed and working.
👉 Walk your home tonight and count your smoke detectors.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #usfireadministration #NFPA #lifesafety #fireprevention #CommunityRiskReduction #FirePreventionFridays ... See MoreSee Less
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🌊 Flood & Flash Flood Safety — Know the Risks Before You Hit the Road! 🌊
Flash flooding can happen quickly — sometimes within minutes of heavy rain — and water levels can rise fast, even in normally dry areas like low‑lying roadways or near creeks and culverts. Floods are one of the most dangerous weather hazards, and most flood‑related deaths happen in vehicles when people drive into floodwaters.
⚠️ Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways — you don’t know how deep the water is or whether the road beneath has washed away. Even just 6 inches of fast‑moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches of water can carry away a small car.
🚗 Safety Tips:
✔ If you see water covering the road — Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
✔ Barriers and road closures are there for your safety — never drive around them.
✔ Floodwaters can hide hazards like debris, downed power lines, and washed‑out pavement.
🌧️ Heavy rain and flash floods can occur even when the storm seems to be moving away, so always take flood warnings seriously and avoid unnecessary travel during and after severe rain.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #chandler #newburgh #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #HoosierSafety #SevereWx #ReadyIndiana #EmergencyPreparedness #nationalweatherservice #FamilyPreparedness #StormReady #BePrepared #SevereWeatherPreparednessWeek #WeatherAware #indianadepartmentofhomelandsecurity #IndianaPrepared #SevereWeatherPreparedness #BeWeatherReady #TurnAroundDontDrown #FloodSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 Do NOT Drive Over Fire Hoses 🚒
In the event of an emergency, fire hoses serve as a crucial lifeline for firefighters. However, driving over a fire hose is strictly prohibited in Indiana.
IC 35-44.1-4-8 states that "A person who knowingly or intentionally obstructs or interferes with a firefighter performing or attempting to perform the firefighter's emergency functions or duties as a firefighter commits obstructing a firefighter, a Class A misdemeanor."
🚫 Why this matters:
• Driving over a hose can cut off or reduce water supply to firefighters
• A damaged hose can delay fire suppression and rescue operations
• Sudden water loss can endanger firefighters and occupants inside a burning structure
• Hose damage can cause serious injury if a pressurized line fails
🚦 If you encounter fire hoses across the roadway:
• STOP and do not cross
• Follow directions from firefighters or law enforcement
• Find an alternate route if directed
🚨 Fire scenes can be unpredictable and dangerous, and even a short pause in water flow can be life-threatening. Let’s all do our part to keep firefighters and our community safe by respecting emergency operations.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #chandler #newburgh #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #donotdriveoverfirehose #turningaroundisbetterthangettingaticket #firehoseisexpensive #keepourfirefighterssaf ... See MoreSee Less
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⚡ Lightning Awareness — Stay Safe This Storm Season! ⚡
Thunderstorms produce powerful and dangerous lightning. Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year, and lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm — even if it’s not raining where you are. That’s why safety experts say:
👉 “When thunder roars, go indoors!” — if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
✔ Seek sturdy shelter immediately.
The safest place during a thunderstorm is a substantial building or an enclosed vehicle with a hard top and windows up.
✔ Avoid open areas and tall objects.
Do not stay in open fields, near trees, water, or tall isolated objects — lightning tends to hit the tallest thing around.
✔ Stay sheltered after the storm passes.
Remain inside at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder — even if the storm looks like it has moved on.
Lightning can cause serious injury or death, so please take thunderstorms seriously and plan ahead!
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #IndianaPrepared #FamilyPreparedness #EmergencyPreparedness #WeatherAware #HoosierSafety #SevereWeatherPreparednessWeek #SevereWx #ReadyIndiana #TornadoDrill #indianadepartmentofhomelandsecurity #BePrepared #StormReady #nationalweatherservice #TornadoSafety #SevereWeatherPreparedness #BeWeatherReady #LightningSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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👨🚒🔥 Why Do Firefighters Look Different in Their Gear? 🔥👨🚒
Firefighters wear special gear to keep them safe—but it can look scary to kids. Let’s explain it!
🧑🚒 What’s That Gear For?
-Helmet – Protects the head from heat and falling objects
-Mask (air pack) – Helps firefighters breathe clean air in smoke
-Coat, pants, and boots – Protect skin from heat and sharp objects
-Gloves – Keep hands safe while helping others
🎭 The mask and gear can make voices sound different—but underneath, it’s still a friendly firefighter!
👀 What Kids Should Remember:
-Firefighters are there to help
-It’s okay to feel scared, but don’t hide
-If you see a firefighter in gear, wave, yell, or go to them for help
👨👩👧 Parents: talk about firefighter gear ahead of time so kids know what to expect in an emergency.
🔥 We may look different—but our job is to keep you safe.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #FirefighterGear #KidsFireSafety #FirePrevention #NotScaryJustSafe #donthidefromfirefighters #stillfriendlyunderneaththegear ... See MoreSee Less
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🌩️ Severe Weather Safety – Know Where to Go When Storms Hit! 🌩️
When severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are in the forecast, your first priority should always be seeking sturdy shelter immediately — seconds matter during a severe weather event. 🕒
Here’s how to stay safe:
🏠 Go to the safest spot in your home: A basement, storm cellar, or designated safe room provides the best protection from high winds and flying debris. If you don’t have a basement, choose an interior room on the lowest level with no windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
🚫 Never take shelter under highway overpasses or bridges. Overpasses may create a wind tunnel effect and leave you more exposed to flying debris — they do not provide protection during tornadoes or high‑wind events.
🛡️ Avoid staying near windows or exterior walls — glass and debris can become deadly in high winds. A small windowless room away from outside walls is always safer than an open area.
📍 Have a plan before severe weather arrives so you and your family know where to go and what to do when a warning is issued.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #ReadyIndiana #EmergencyPreparedness #FamilyPreparedness #SevereWx #StormReady #indianadepartmentofhomelandsecurity #BePrepared #nationalweatherservice #WeatherAware #TornadoDrill #HoosierSafety #IndianaPrepared #SevereWeatherPreparednessWeek #TornadoSafety #SevereWeatherPreparedness #BeWeatherReady ... See MoreSee Less
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#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #warrickcountyemergencymanagementagencySevere Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
627 AM CDT Wed Mar 11 2026
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana...
Southeastern Gibson County in southwestern Indiana...
Northwestern Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana...
Northeastern Posey County in southwestern Indiana...
Pike County in southwestern Indiana...
* Until 715 AM CDT/815 AM EDT/.
* At 627 AM CDT/727 AM EDT/, a severe thunderstorm was located over
Cynthiana, or 9 miles southwest of Fort Branch, moving northeast at
55 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Fort Branch, Oakland City, Haubstadt, Darmstadt, Poseyville,
Lynnville, Winslow, Cynthiana, Blairsville, Elberfeld, Francisco,
Somerville, Spurgeon, and Mackey.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 20 and 44.
Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 10 and 37.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 AM CDT/noon EDT/ for
southwestern Indiana ... See MoreSee Less
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#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #warrickcountyemergencymanagementagencyTHE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 41 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM CDT /NOON EDT/ THIS MORNING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES
IN SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS
EDWARDS, FRANKLIN, GALLATIN, HAMILTON
HARDIN, JEFFERSON, SALINE, WABASH , WAYNE, WHITE, WILLIAMSON
IN INDIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES
IN SOUTHWEST INDIANA
POSEY, GIBSON, PIKE, SPENCER
VANDERBURGH, WARRICK
IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 3 COUNTIES
IN WESTERN KENTUCKY
DAVIESS, HENDERSON, UNION
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBION, BOONVILLE, CARMI,
ELIZABETHTOWN, EVANSVILLE, FAIRFIELD, FORT BRANCH, GRAYVILLE,
HARRISBURG, HENDERSON, HERRIN, MCLEANSBORO, MORGANFIELD,
MOUNT CARMEL, MOUNT VERNON, OWENSBORO, PETERSBURG, POSEYVILLE,
ROCKPORT, SHAWNEETOWN, WEST FRANKFORT, AND WEST SALEM. ... See MoreSee Less
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🔥 Air Fryer Safety Tips🔥
Air fryers are quick, convenient, and a great way to cook — but they can also become a fire hazard if not used properly.
🚒 Keep your kitchen safe with these important tips:
✅ Place on a stable, heat-resistant surface — never on the stove.
✅ Keep it away from walls and cabinets — allow space for ventilation.
✅ Never leave it unattended while in use.
✅ Clean it regularly — built-up grease can ignite.
✅ Plug directly into a wall outlet — avoid extension cords or power strips.
✅ Keep combustibles away — paper towels, curtains, and dish cloths can catch fire quickly.
If a fire starts:
❌ Do NOT use water on a grease fire.
✅ Turn off and unplug if safe to do so.
✅ Use a lid or baking soda to smother small grease fires.
📞 Call 911 if the fire grows.
Small appliances can cause big problems when safety steps are ignored. A few simple precautions can prevent a kitchen fire and keep your family safe.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #chandler #newburgh #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #fireprevention #KitchenSafety #airfryersafety #HomeSafety #CookWithCare #preventkitchenfires #CommunitySafety #FireSafetyTips #StayAlertStaySafe #CommunityRiskReduction ... See MoreSee Less
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