đźš’ 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.
đźš‘ 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.
âś… 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: âś” Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet. âś” Never plug one power strip into another ("daisy chaining"). âś” Replace damaged power strips immediately. âś” 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.
🍎 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!
www.facebook.com/share/p/1JvdcDGTPM/?mibextid=wwXIfrOne more day of extreme heat and humidity is expected today. Heat index values this afternoon will range from 108 to 114 degrees. Better conditions are expected Wednesday through the rest of the week. Tonight, drier and cooler air filters in from the north, and temperatures and humidity are expected to return to more normal summertime levels for the remainder of the week. ... See MoreSee Less
Outdoor Storage Against Buildings: A Hidden Fire Hazard🔥
Take a walk around your business. Are pallets, cardboard, combustible materials, or dumpsters stored against the building?
While it may seem convenient, outdoor storage placed directly against a structure can allow a small outside fire to quickly spread into the building—putting occupants, firefighters, and property at risk.
Help Reduce the Risk ✔️ Keep combustible storage away from exterior walls whenever possible. ✔️ Regularly remove excess cardboard, pallets, and combustible rubbish. ✔️ Keep dumpster areas clean and free of loose trash. ✔️ Do not block exits, fire department connections, or fire lanes with stored materials.
Why It Matters Fires involving dumpsters, discarded cardboard, wooden pallets, or other combustible materials often begin outside. When these materials are stored against a building, flames can spread into wall cavities, roof assemblies, or attic spaces before they're detected, resulting in significant property damage.
Indiana Fire Code The 2014 Indiana Fire Code (675 IAC 22-2.5), Section 304.2 – Storage, states: "Storage of combustible rubbish shall not produce conditions that will create a fire hazard that endangers the safety of persons or property."
Good housekeeping and proper outdoor storage are among the simplest—and most effective—ways to reduce the risk of fire.
If you have questions about outdoor storage requirements or would like assistance preparing for your next inspection, the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division is here to help.
Contact the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division at ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/ or call (812) 858-4213.
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana... Eastern Gibson County in southwestern Indiana... Pike County in southwestern Indiana...
* Until 1045 PM CDT/1145 PM EDT/.
* At 1006 PM CDT/1106 PM EDT/, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 7 miles east of Vincennes to 9 miles northeast of Patoka to St. Francisville, moving southeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include... Princeton, Fort Branch, Oakland City, Petersburg, Lynnville, Winslow, Patoka, Francisco, Somerville, Hazleton, Spurgeon, and Mackey.
This includes the following highways... Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 23 and 52. Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 33 and 45.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ... See MoreSee Less
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana... Northeastern Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana... Southwestern Spencer County in southwestern Indiana... Northwestern Daviess County in northwestern Kentucky... Northeastern Henderson County in northwestern Kentucky...
* Until 645 PM CDT.
* At 604 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Melody Hill, moving southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include... Evansville, Henderson, Boonville, Newburgh, Chandler, Melody Hill, Darmstadt, Stanley, Eureka, Elberfeld, and Hebbardsville.
This includes the following highways... Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 1 and 21. Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 28 and 31. Audubon Parkway between Mile Markers 3 and 21.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ... See MoreSee Less
⚡🔌 Don't Overload Power Strips—It Could Start a Fire 🔌⚡
Power strips make it easy to plug in multiple devices, but they are not designed to handle every appliance in your home or business. Overloading a power strip can cause it to overheat, melt, or ignite, leading to a devastating fire.
The Ohio Township Fire Department encourages everyone to use power strips safely and know their limits.
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Increase Fire Risk ❌ Plugging one power strip into another ("daisy chaining") ❌ Using extension cords as permanent wiring ❌ Connecting high-wattage appliances to power strips ❌ Running cords under rugs, furniture, or through doorways ❌ Using damaged or frayed cords
🔥 Never Plug These Into a Standard Power Strip
These appliances draw a large amount of electricity and should be plugged directly into a wall outlet whenever possible: • Space heaters • Microwaves • Refrigerators and freezers • Air fryers • Coffee makers • Toasters and toaster ovens • Portable air conditioners • Window air conditioners • Hair dryers and curling irons • Sump pumps
✅ Power Strip Safety Tips ✔ Use power strips that are UL or ETL listed. ✔ Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet. ✔ Inspect cords regularly and replace damaged power strips. ✔ Keep power strips in open, well-ventilated areas—never cover them with rugs, blankets, or furniture. ✔ Avoid overloading outlets by spreading electrical devices across multiple circuits. ✔ If a power strip feels hot, smells like burning plastic, or repeatedly trips its breaker, unplug it immediately and replace it.
🏢 For Businesses Businesses should avoid plugging office equipment, appliances, and multiple high-demand devices into a single power strip. Electrical loads should be distributed properly, and surge protectors should never replace permanent wiring or additional electrical outlets when they are needed.
Electrical fires can happen without warning—but many are preventable with safe habits.
đźš’ 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).
âś… Tests gates regularly to ensure they open properly during power outages and emergencies.
âś… Keeps access equipment maintained and operational.
âś… Updates gate codes or access procedures whenever changes occur.
âś… 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.
đźš‘ 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.
âś… 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:
âś” Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet.
âś” Never plug one power strip into another ("daisy chaining").
âś” Replace damaged power strips immediately.
âś” 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
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Overloaded power strip, space heater, and other heat sources sitting on carpet.
📱 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.
đź©ş Consider Including:
âś… Your name and date of birth
âś… Emergency contacts
âś… Allergies (medications, foods, etc.)
âś… Medical conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc.)
âś… Current medications
âś… Blood type (optional)
âś… 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.
đźš’ 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
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.facebook.com/share/p/1JvdcDGTPM/?mibextid=wwXIfrOne more day of extreme heat and humidity is expected today. Heat index values this afternoon will range from 108 to 114 degrees. Better conditions are expected Wednesday through the rest of the week. Tonight, drier and cooler air filters in from the north, and temperatures and humidity are expected to return to more normal summertime levels for the remainder of the week. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dh2iKmbCU/?mibextid=wwXIfr ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
🤦♀️
🚨Inspection Division Safety Reminder🚨
Outdoor Storage Against Buildings: A Hidden Fire Hazard🔥
Take a walk around your business. Are pallets, cardboard, combustible materials, or dumpsters stored against the building?
While it may seem convenient, outdoor storage placed directly against a structure can allow a small outside fire to quickly spread into the building—putting occupants, firefighters, and property at risk.
Help Reduce the Risk
✔️ Keep combustible storage away from exterior walls whenever possible.
✔️ Regularly remove excess cardboard, pallets, and combustible rubbish.
✔️ Keep dumpster areas clean and free of loose trash.
✔️ Do not block exits, fire department connections, or fire lanes with stored materials.
Why It Matters
Fires involving dumpsters, discarded cardboard, wooden pallets, or other combustible materials often begin outside. When these materials are stored against a building, flames can spread into wall cavities, roof assemblies, or attic spaces before they're detected, resulting in significant property damage.
Indiana Fire Code
The 2014 Indiana Fire Code (675 IAC 22-2.5), Section 304.2 – Storage, states:
"Storage of combustible rubbish shall not produce conditions that will create a fire hazard that endangers the safety of persons or property."
Good housekeeping and proper outdoor storage are among the simplest—and most effective—ways to reduce the risk of fire.
If you have questions about outdoor storage requirements or would like assistance preparing for your next inspection, the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division is here to help.
Contact the Ohio Township Fire Department Inspection Division at ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/ or call (812) 858-4213.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #fireinspections #indianafirecode #LifeSafety #FirePrevention #firecodeawareness #communityriskreduction ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.facebook.com/share/p/18gZoJvsgp/?mibextid=wwXIfrSevere Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
1006 PM CDT Sun Jul 26 2026
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana...
Eastern Gibson County in southwestern Indiana...
Pike County in southwestern Indiana...
* Until 1045 PM CDT/1145 PM EDT/.
* At 1006 PM CDT/1106 PM EDT/, severe thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from 7 miles east of Vincennes to 9 miles
northeast of Patoka to St. Francisville, moving southeast at 40
mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Princeton, Fort Branch, Oakland City, Petersburg, Lynnville,
Winslow, Patoka, Francisco, Somerville, Hazleton, Spurgeon, and
Mackey.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 23 and 52.
Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 33 and 45.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #otfd #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #WarrickCounty
www.facebook.com/share/p/1Fr6xiXWL3/?mibextid=wwXIfrBULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Paducah KY
604 PM CDT Sun Jul 26 2026
The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southwestern Warrick County in southwestern Indiana...
Northeastern Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana...
Southwestern Spencer County in southwestern Indiana...
Northwestern Daviess County in northwestern Kentucky...
Northeastern Henderson County in northwestern Kentucky...
* Until 645 PM CDT.
* At 604 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Melody Hill,
moving southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Evansville, Henderson, Boonville, Newburgh, Chandler, Melody Hill,
Darmstadt, Stanley, Eureka, Elberfeld, and Hebbardsville.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 69 in Indiana between Mile Markers 1 and 21.
Interstate 64 in Indiana between Mile Markers 28 and 31.
Audubon Parkway between Mile Markers 3 and 21.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fire Prevention Fridays
⚡🔌 Don't Overload Power Strips—It Could Start a Fire 🔌⚡
Power strips make it easy to plug in multiple devices, but they are not designed to handle every appliance in your home or business. Overloading a power strip can cause it to overheat, melt, or ignite, leading to a devastating fire.
The Ohio Township Fire Department encourages everyone to use power strips safely and know their limits.
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Increase Fire Risk
❌ Plugging one power strip into another ("daisy chaining")
❌ Using extension cords as permanent wiring
❌ Connecting high-wattage appliances to power strips
❌ Running cords under rugs, furniture, or through doorways
❌ Using damaged or frayed cords
🔥 Never Plug These Into a Standard Power Strip
These appliances draw a large amount of electricity and should be plugged directly into a wall outlet whenever possible:
• Space heaters
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Air fryers
• Coffee makers
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Portable air conditioners
• Window air conditioners
• Hair dryers and curling irons
• Sump pumps
âś… Power Strip Safety Tips
âś” Use power strips that are UL or ETL listed.
âś” Plug high-wattage appliances directly into a wall outlet.
âś” Inspect cords regularly and replace damaged power strips.
✔ Keep power strips in open, well-ventilated areas—never cover them with rugs, blankets, or furniture.
âś” Avoid overloading outlets by spreading electrical devices across multiple circuits.
âś” If a power strip feels hot, smells like burning plastic, or repeatedly trips its breaker, unplug it immediately and replace it.
🏢 For Businesses
Businesses should avoid plugging office equipment, appliances, and multiple high-demand devices into a single power strip. Electrical loads should be distributed properly, and surge protectors should never replace permanent wiring or additional electrical outlets when they are needed.
Electrical fires can happen without warning—but many are preventable with safe habits.
For questions, visit www.ohiotownshipfire.org/contact/ or call 812-858-4200.
#ohiotownshipfiredepartment #OTFD #newburgh #chandler #ohiotownship #warrickcounty #iamnothereformeiamhereforweandwearehereforthem #USFireAdministration #LifeSafety #FirePrevention #communityriskreduction #firepreventionfridays ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook