Fire Department
Escape Planning
Key Contact
Chad Moyer
610-374-8273 Ext. 223
Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms, and advance home fire escape planning that everyone in your family is familiar with and has practiced.
Safety Tips
- DRAW a home escape plan and discuss it with everyone in your home.
- PRACTICE the plan at night & during the day, twice a year.
- OUTSIDE safe meeting place (pole, mailbox, etc.).
- PRACTICE using different ways out.
- TEACH children how to escape on their own.
- CLOSE doors behind you as you leave.
If the Alarm Sounds
- GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.
- GET LOW & GO under the smoke to your exit.
- FEEL the knob and door before opening a door.
- CALL the fire department from outside your home.
Can't exit your home?
If fire or smoke blocks your exit, seal yourself in for safety.
Close all doors between you and the fire. Seal cracks and vents with duct tape or towels. Open windows slightly for fresh air. Call 911 with your exact location. Signal rescuers with a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window.
Need Smoke Alarms?
The West Reading Fire Company can help! Free smoke alarms are being made available through a program coordinated by the Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner and WFMZ-TV, 69 News called Operation-Save-A-Life.
In order to apply to receive free detectors, please contact the West Reading Fire Company at 610-372-9621 and leave a message at ext. 100. Our priority will be to households of the elderly, low-income, or families with children. The fire company will install smoke alarms at no charge to Borough residents.