The Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department takes a very active role in fire prevention education.  In addition to our annual open house and fire prevention week activities, the department participates in various fire prevention presentations and events year round.  Some examples of these are:

Fire Station Tours: This program will start with the children gathering at the fire house. The session is approx. 45 minutes to an hour long session. The group will tour the fire house and seeing how the day-to-day operations work. The children are taught how to dial 911 for emergencies, smoke detectors and other fire safety education. Our team is trained to teach this class to adjust to different age groups so children understand the topic covered. The students will expereince the full suited firefighter where children will get to expereince what a firefighter looks like all dressed out. The children will get to expereince all the fire apparatus that the station has to offer with the the tools of the trade as well. Adults and children will benefit from this tour so all are encouraged to come.

On-Site Visits: In this program, we will come to your school or community center to teach a session in your environment. This program will teach children common fire safety tips and other common fire safety topics. If you request, we will also bring a fire apparatus if available.

Fire Safety Trailer: The Lower Swatara Fire Department owns and operates a Fire Safety Training House. This house is a 32 foot “house on wheels.” This unit can train anyone of any age on fire safety. The unit can also be used for hurricane training. We can put you in a realistic fire environment.

Fire Extinguisher Training:  Fire prevention eduction isn't just for children.  The Lower Swatara Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to offer fire extinguisher training to many local businesses.  This program involves a brief lecture on the different types of fires and fire extinguishers and concludes with a hands-on practicul exercise in which a simulated fire is extinguished using the department's Bullex Fire Extinguisher Simulator. 

If you are interested in scheduling a fire prevention presentation, please email us at fireprevention@lowerswatarafire.com

Smoke Alarm Education

Why should I have a working smoke alarm?

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

Every year in the United States, about 3,500 people die in house fires.

Most of these deaths occurred in homes that didn’t have a working smoke alarm.

What types of smoke alarms are available?

There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionizationand photoelectric.

It cannot be stated definitively that one is better than the other in every fire situation that could arise in a residence. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home.

The USFA recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with:

• Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR
• dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors

In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

What powers a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired alarms and may need to be replaced.

These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced at least once each year (except for lithium batteries). See the Smoke Alarm Maintenance section for more information.

Are smoke alarms expensive?

Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $6 and $20. Dual sensor smoke alarms cost between $24 and $40.

At Lower Swatara Fire Department we want our township residents safe. The Fire Department along with Dauphin County have teamed up with multiple news agencies to bring smoke detectors to your home. If you are needing a smoke detector just stop by our station and pick one up FREE of charge.

Where should I install a smoke alarm in my home?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Hardwired smoke alarms should be installed by a qualified electrician.

Smoke alarm maintenance

Is your smoke alarm still working? Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all.

A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke alarm is powered (9-volt, 10-year lithium, or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke alarm maintenance:

Smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries every 6 months.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (“long life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• The backup battery should be replaced every 6 months.
• The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking

A smoke alarm is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam.

• If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button,
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.