Everything looks ready for a backyard cookout... or does it?
Can you find the dangerous mistake?
👇 Leave your answer in the comments before reading on!
✅ Answer The grill is too close to the house!
Whether using propane or charcoal, grills should be kept at least 10 feet away from: 🏠 Houses 🌳 Deck railings 🌿 Shrubs 🚗 Vehicles 🪑 Patio furniture
Heat and flames can ignite siding, decks, and nearby combustible materials in just minutes.
Grill Safely: ✔ Grill outdoors only. ✔ Never grill inside a garage. ✔ Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away. ✔ Stay with the grill while cooking. ✔ Clean grease buildup regularly.
In this month's edition of Doc Talk, Dr. Kahre answers the question of: "What are the Signs of a Heart Attack?"
The typical signs of a heart attack include a feeling of pressure, heaviness or tightness in your chest. Patients who are having a heart attack will generally also feel very short of breath, break out in a sweat, and have nausea and vomiting. Not everyone has these typical status symptoms, especially women, older patients, and those who suffer from diabetes. These patients will sometimes have pain in the upper part of their abdomen associated with nausea, vomiting and breaking out in a sweat. Other times, especially elderly patients will just feel very weak and fatigued and not necessarily have heaviness, pressure, tightness or pain in their chest.
Stairways are one of the most important components of a building's means of egress, providing a protected path for occupants to safely evacuate during an emergency. Unfortunately, the space beneath stairs is sometimes used for storage—a practice that can create a significant fire hazard.
The Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division reminds business owners and property managers that combustible storage under exit stairways is prohibited unless the space is protected in accordance with the fire and building codes.
Why Is It Dangerous? 📦 Stored materials increase the fire load. Cardboard boxes, paper products, cleaning supplies, furniture, decorations, and other combustibles can ignite quickly. 🔥 A fire beneath a stairway can compromise the primary exit route, trapping occupants and exposing firefighters to additional hazards. 🚒 Smoke and heat can rapidly spread, making evacuation more difficult and increasing property damage.
Keep Your Building Safe ✅ Keep the area beneath exit stairways free of combustible storage. ✅ Do not store maintenance supplies, holiday decorations, paper products, furniture, or other combustible materials beneath stairs. ✅ If the space beneath a stairway is designed for storage, it must be enclosed and protected as required by the applicable building and fire codes. ✅ Conduct routine inspections to ensure storage has not accumulated over time. ✅ Train employees to recognize that stairways and exit paths are not storage areas.
Fire Code Reminder The 2014 Indiana Fire Code, based on the International Fire Code, prohibits combustible storage beneath non-fire-resistance-rated stairways and limits storage beneath enclosed stairways unless properly protected.
These requirements help ensure stairways remain safe and available for occupants during an emergency.
Together We Can Prevent Fires
A few misplaced boxes may not seem like a big deal—but during a fire, they can make the difference between a safe evacuation and a dangerous situation.
If you have questions about fire code requirements or would like assistance identifying hazards in your facility, contact the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division at 812-858-4213 or www.ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/
That bargain charger you found online might save a few dollars—but it could also put your family and home at risk.
Counterfeit and unlisted chargers often look nearly identical to the real thing, but many lack the safety features designed to prevent overheating, overcharging, electrical shock, and fire.
🔥 Counterfeit chargers can: • Overheat and ignite nearby combustible materials. • Damage rechargeable batteries, increasing the risk of thermal runaway. • Deliver inconsistent voltage that can destroy phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and other rechargeable devices. • Lack built-in protections against short circuits, overcharging, and excessive current.
How to stay safe: ✅ Purchase replacement chargers directly from the device manufacturer or an authorized retailer. ✅ Look for certification marks from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as UL, ETL, or CSA. ✅ Avoid chargers with misspelled packaging, unusually low prices, poor build quality, or missing manufacturer information. ✅ Stop using any charger that becomes excessively hot, emits an unusual odor, makes buzzing sounds, or shows signs of damage. ✅ Charge devices on a hard, non-combustible surface and never under pillows, blankets, or upholstered furniture.
Rechargeable batteries are safe when paired with quality charging equipment—but using counterfeit or uncertified chargers dramatically increases the risk of fire.
Protect your family by purchasing charging equipment from trusted sources.
Documented Sources - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Consumer warnings regarding counterfeit electrical products, lithium-ion batteries, and chargers. - UL Solutions – Information on counterfeit electrical products and identifying certified equipment. - National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Lithium-ion battery safety guidance and home fire prevention resources. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer guidance on counterfeit products and online shopping scams. - International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) – Guidance on conformity assessment and electrical product safety. - Apple and Samsung safety guidance regarding the use of certified charging accessories with their devices.
🚒 When Seconds Count... Can We Get Through the Gate?
Gated communities provide privacy and security—but during an emergency, they can also delay firefighters, paramedics, and police officers if we can't get through the entrance quickly.
Every second matters when someone is having a heart attack, a fire is growing, or a rescue is needed.
Help us help you by making sure your community: ✅ Has an approved emergency access system (such as a Knox® Gate Key Switch or other fire department-approved access device). ✅ Tests gates regularly to ensure they open properly during power outages and emergencies. ✅ Keeps access equipment maintained and operational. ✅ Updates gate codes or access procedures whenever changes occur. ✅ Ensures emergency vehicles have enough room to safely enter and exit.
If you live in a gated neighborhood: 🏡 Talk with your homeowners association or property manager about your community's emergency access plan.
🚑 Never assume emergency responders have universal gate codes or remote openers.
A secure neighborhood is important—but a neighborhood that's secure and accessible to emergency responders is even better.
Can you spot what's wrong in this picture? Take a close look before reading the answer!
👇 Comment below with what you think the fire hazard is.
✅ Answer
The power strip is overloaded!
Power strips are designed for low-power electronics—not high-wattage appliances like: • Space heaters • Microwaves • Coffee makers • Air fryers • Portable air conditioners
Overloading a power strip can cause overheating, melted wiring, and potentially start a fire.
Stay Safe: ✔ Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet. ✔ Never plug one power strip into another ("daisy chaining"). ✔ Replace damaged power strips immediately. ✔ Use only UL- or ETL-listed power strips.
A few extra seconds of checking your electrical setup can prevent a devastating house fire.
Did you know your smartphone can provide first responders with critical medical information—even if you're unable to speak?
Both Apple iPhones and Android devices offer a Medical ID or Emergency Information feature that can be accessed from the lock screen. This allows firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency room staff to quickly see important medical details without unlocking your phone.
🩺 Consider Including: ✅ Your name and date of birth ✅ Emergency contacts ✅ Allergies (medications, foods, etc.) ✅ Medical conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.) ✅ Current medications ✅ Blood type (optional) ✅ Organ donor status (if applicable)
📱 How to Set It Up
🍎 iPhone Open the Health app. Tap your profile picture. Select Medical ID. Tap Edit and enter your information. Turn on "Show When Locked." Enable "Share During Emergency Call" if desired.
🤖 Android The steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but generally: Open Settings. Search for Safety & Emergency, Emergency Information, or Medical Information. Add your medical information and emergency contacts. Ensure emergency information is available from the lock screen.
🚒 Why It Matters When every second counts, having immediate access to accurate medical information can help first responders: ✔️ Identify life-threatening allergies. ✔️ Provide appropriate treatment faster. ✔️ Notify your loved ones quickly. ✔️ Make informed decisions during an emergency.
This simple step only takes a few minutes, but it could make a lifesaving difference for you or someone you love.
Take a moment today to set up your Medical ID—and encourage your family members to do the same!
🔍 CAN YOU FIND THE FIRE HAZARD?
Everything looks ready for a backyard cookout... or does it?
Can you find the dangerous mistake?
👇 Leave your answer in the comments before reading on!
✅ Answer
The grill is too close to the house!
Whether using propane or charcoal, grills should be kept at least 10 feet away from:
🏠 Houses
🌳 Deck railings
🌿 Shrubs
🚗 Vehicles
🪑 Patio furniture
Heat and flames can ignite siding, decks, and nearby combustible materials in just minutes.
Grill Safely:
✔ Grill outdoors only.
✔ Never grill inside a garage.
✔ Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
✔ Stay with the grill while cooking.
✔ Clean grease buildup regularly.
A little extra space can make all the difference.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #GrillSafety #CookoutSafety #fireprevention #CommunityRiskReduction #canyoufindthefirehazard ... See MoreSee Less
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In this month's edition of Doc Talk, Dr. Kahre answers the question of: "What are the Signs of a Heart Attack?"
The typical signs of a heart attack include a feeling of pressure, heaviness or tightness in your chest. Patients who are having a heart attack will generally also feel very short of breath, break out in a sweat, and have nausea and vomiting. Not everyone has these typical status symptoms, especially women, older patients, and those who suffer from diabetes. These patients will sometimes have pain in the upper part of their abdomen associated with nausea, vomiting and breaking out in a sweat. Other times, especially elderly patients will just feel very weak and fatigued and not necessarily have heaviness, pressure, tightness or pain in their chest.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #medicaldirector #doctalkwithdrkahre #DrKahre
#DocTalk #EMS #FireDepartment #EmergencyMedicine #PublicSafety #PreHospitalCare #ascensionstvincentwarrickems #knowthesigns #heartattack # ... See MoreSee Less
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🚫 Don't Turn Your Stairway into a Storage Room!
Storage Under Stairways Can Put Lives at Risk
Stairways are one of the most important components of a building's means of egress, providing a protected path for occupants to safely evacuate during an emergency. Unfortunately, the space beneath stairs is sometimes used for storage—a practice that can create a significant fire hazard.
The Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division reminds business owners and property managers that combustible storage under exit stairways is prohibited unless the space is protected in accordance with the fire and building codes.
Why Is It Dangerous?
📦 Stored materials increase the fire load. Cardboard boxes, paper products, cleaning supplies, furniture, decorations, and other combustibles can ignite quickly.
🔥 A fire beneath a stairway can compromise the primary exit route, trapping occupants and exposing firefighters to additional hazards.
🚒 Smoke and heat can rapidly spread, making evacuation more difficult and increasing property damage.
Keep Your Building Safe
✅ Keep the area beneath exit stairways free of combustible storage.
✅ Do not store maintenance supplies, holiday decorations, paper products, furniture, or other combustible materials beneath stairs.
✅ If the space beneath a stairway is designed for storage, it must be enclosed and protected as required by the applicable building and fire codes.
✅ Conduct routine inspections to ensure storage has not accumulated over time.
✅ Train employees to recognize that stairways and exit paths are not storage areas.
Fire Code Reminder
The 2014 Indiana Fire Code, based on the International Fire Code, prohibits combustible storage beneath non-fire-resistance-rated stairways and limits storage beneath enclosed stairways unless properly protected.
These requirements help ensure stairways remain safe and available for occupants during an emergency.
Together We Can Prevent Fires
A few misplaced boxes may not seem like a big deal—but during a fire, they can make the difference between a safe evacuation and a dangerous situation.
If you have questions about fire code requirements or would like assistance identifying hazards in your facility, contact the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division at 812-858-4213 or www.ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #fireinspections #indianafirecode #LifeSafety #FirePrevention #firecodeawareness #communityriskreduction ... See MoreSee Less
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Fire Prevention Fridays
⚠️ Cheap Charger... Costly Consequences. ⚠️
That bargain charger you found online might save a few dollars—but it could also put your family and home at risk.
Counterfeit and unlisted chargers often look nearly identical to the real thing, but many lack the safety features designed to prevent overheating, overcharging, electrical shock, and fire.
🔥 Counterfeit chargers can:
• Overheat and ignite nearby combustible materials.
• Damage rechargeable batteries, increasing the risk of thermal runaway.
• Deliver inconsistent voltage that can destroy phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and other rechargeable devices.
• Lack built-in protections against short circuits, overcharging, and excessive current.
How to stay safe:
✅ Purchase replacement chargers directly from the device manufacturer or an authorized retailer.
✅ Look for certification marks from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as UL, ETL, or CSA.
✅ Avoid chargers with misspelled packaging, unusually low prices, poor build quality, or missing manufacturer information.
✅ Stop using any charger that becomes excessively hot, emits an unusual odor, makes buzzing sounds, or shows signs of damage.
✅ Charge devices on a hard, non-combustible surface and never under pillows, blankets, or upholstered furniture.
Rechargeable batteries are safe when paired with quality charging equipment—but using counterfeit or uncertified chargers dramatically increases the risk of fire.
Protect your family by purchasing charging equipment from trusted sources.
Documented Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Consumer warnings regarding counterfeit electrical products, lithium-ion batteries, and chargers.
- UL Solutions – Information on counterfeit electrical products and identifying certified equipment.
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – Lithium-ion battery safety guidance and home fire prevention resources.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Consumer guidance on counterfeit products and online shopping scams.
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) – Guidance on conformity assessment and electrical product safety.
- Apple and Samsung safety guidance regarding the use of certified charging accessories with their devices.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #FirePreventionFridays #usfireadministration #UnderwritersLaboratories #USConsumerProductSafetyCommission #NationalFireProtectionAssociation #FederalTradeCommission #internationalelectrotechnicalcommission #apple #Samsung #LifeSafety #LithiumBatterySafety #rechargeablebatteries #ElectricalSafety #counterfeitproducts #ChargeSafely #CommunitySafety #fireprevention #CommunityRiskReduction ... See MoreSee Less
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Please plan on joining us on September 12th!
www.facebook.com/share/p/191cLwL1zG/?mibextid=wwXIfr ... See MoreSee Less
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Planned road closure announcement.
Please plan accordingly!
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty #RoadClosure #PlanAhead #indotsouthwest
www.facebook.com/share/p/1CfGuhmKmn/?mibextid=wwXIfr🚧 Road closure planned for State Road 261 in Warrick County 🚧
A road closure is planned for S.R. 261 near Paradise for a small structure replacement project.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/5nrn5yd7 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚒 When Seconds Count... Can We Get Through the Gate?
Gated communities provide privacy and security—but during an emergency, they can also delay firefighters, paramedics, and police officers if we can't get through the entrance quickly.
Every second matters when someone is having a heart attack, a fire is growing, or a rescue is needed.
Help us help you by making sure your community:
✅ Has an approved emergency access system (such as a Knox® Gate Key Switch or other fire department-approved access device).
✅ Tests gates regularly to ensure they open properly during power outages and emergencies.
✅ Keeps access equipment maintained and operational.
✅ Updates gate codes or access procedures whenever changes occur.
✅ Ensures emergency vehicles have enough room to safely enter and exit.
If you live in a gated neighborhood:
🏡 Talk with your homeowners association or property manager about your community's emergency access plan.
🚑 Never assume emergency responders have universal gate codes or remote openers.
A secure neighborhood is important—but a neighborhood that's secure and accessible to emergency responders is even better.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #communityriskreduction #FireSafety #EmergencyAccess #KnoxBox #KnoxGate #FirePrevention #CommunitySafety #whensecondscount
Stock Photo used so that we didn't provide specific information regarding anyone's personal residence. ... See MoreSee Less
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🔍 CAN YOU FIND THE FIRE HAZARD?
Can you spot what's wrong in this picture? Take a close look before reading the answer!
👇 Comment below with what you think the fire hazard is.
✅ Answer
The power strip is overloaded!
Power strips are designed for low-power electronics—not high-wattage appliances like:
• Space heaters
• Microwaves
• Coffee makers
• Air fryers
• Portable air conditioners
Overloading a power strip can cause overheating, melted wiring, and potentially start a fire.
Stay Safe:
✔ Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet.
✔ Never plug one power strip into another ("daisy chaining").
✔ Replace damaged power strips immediately.
✔ Use only UL- or ETL-listed power strips.
A few extra seconds of checking your electrical setup can prevent a devastating house fire.
Questions, visit www.ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/ or call 812-858-4200.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #LifeSafety #FirePrevention #communityriskreduction #FireSafety #ElectricalSafety #PowerStripSafety #CanYouFindTheFireHazard ... See MoreSee Less
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📱 Your Phone Could Help Save Your Life
Did you know your smartphone can provide first responders with critical medical information—even if you're unable to speak?
Both Apple iPhones and Android devices offer a Medical ID or Emergency Information feature that can be accessed from the lock screen. This allows firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency room staff to quickly see important medical details without unlocking your phone.
🩺 Consider Including:
✅ Your name and date of birth
✅ Emergency contacts
✅ Allergies (medications, foods, etc.)
✅ Medical conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.)
✅ Current medications
✅ Blood type (optional)
✅ Organ donor status (if applicable)
📱 How to Set It Up
🍎 iPhone
Open the Health app.
Tap your profile picture.
Select Medical ID.
Tap Edit and enter your information.
Turn on "Show When Locked."
Enable "Share During Emergency Call" if desired.
🤖 Android
The steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but generally:
Open Settings.
Search for Safety & Emergency, Emergency Information, or Medical Information.
Add your medical information and emergency contacts.
Ensure emergency information is available from the lock screen.
🚒 Why It Matters
When every second counts, having immediate access to accurate medical information can help first responders:
✔️ Identify life-threatening allergies.
✔️ Provide appropriate treatment faster.
✔️ Notify your loved ones quickly.
✔️ Make informed decisions during an emergency.
This simple step only takes a few minutes, but it could make a lifesaving difference for you or someone you love.
Take a moment today to set up your Medical ID—and encourage your family members to do the same!
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem ... See MoreSee Less
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