What is the emergency telephone number in Bethlehem Township?
9-1-1 is the telephone number you should dial for Police, Fire and EMS emergencies in Bethlehem Township.

What number should I dial for non-emergency calls?
610-759-2200 will connect you to the Northampton County 9-1-1 center. This is for non-emergency calls for Police, Fire and EMS in Bethlehem Township.

I've heard about a device called an "Automatic External Defibrillator" (AED). What is an AED?
An AED is small, basic life saving device that is used to “jump start” your heart. This piece of equipment is carried on all fire and EMS apparatus as well as all police units.

Does Nancy Run Fire Company pump flooded basements?
Yes. Call 610-759-2200.

Does Nancy Run Fire Company drain swimming pools?
No. Only in emergency situations.

What is the open burning policy in Bethlehem Township?

Please visit the Bethlehem Township website for the current open burn ordinance. The current ordinance documents can be found here:

Open Burning - Bethlehem Township Air Pollution Control Ordinance

Burning Ordinance

What type of fire extinguisher is best suited for home use?
The ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher is probably the best choice for home use. This extinguisher can be used on class "A", class "B", or class "C" fires.

How are fires classified?

• Class "A" fires involve wood, paper, rags, etc.
• Class "B" fires involve flammable liquids such as cooking oils, gasoline, fuel oil, paint solvents, etc.
• Class "C" fires are any of the above classes of fire which are also involved with energized electrical circuits or equipment.
• Class "D" fires involved combustible metals such as magnesium, lithium, titanium, etc.
• Class "K" fires involve cooking products such as cooking oil.

What other types of fire extinguishers are available?
The 2 ½ gallon pressurized water fire extinguisher is for class "A" fires such as paper, wood, rags, etc..
Fire extinguishers rated for class "B" and "C" fires can be used on flammable liquids such as cooking oils, paint solvents, gasoline, fuel oil and energized electrical equipment. These fire extinguishers may be of the dry chemical type, compressed/liquified gas (CO2) type or other pressurized liquid type.

Where should fire extinguishers be located in the home?
There should be at least one fire extinguisher located on each floor of the home and in the garage. Also, it is advisable to carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. Your fire extinguisher should be mounted or stored in an easily accessible location close to an area where it is likely to be needed (kitchen, basement workshop, garage, etc.) and preferably along an exit path.

What size fire extinguisher should I purchase?
Purchase the largest size fire extinguisher that you can afford and/or effectively handle. Larger fire extinguishers can be quite heavy. The larger the fire extinguisher, the more extinguishing agent it contains and the more fire it can extinguish and the longer it will operate.

How long can I keep a fire extinguisher?
That depends on several factors. Good quality fire extinguishers can last many years as long as they are able to pass the required periodic testing. Some of the smaller, less expensive fire extinguishers have a maximum life specified (usually 12 years) after which they are to be discarded.

What maintenace is required for the fire extinguisher?
Periodic checking of the pressure gauge (at least annually) to verify if it is in the "OK" range. Other maintenance/recharge instructions can be found on the label on the fire extinguisher and also in the National Fire Protection publication NFPA No. 10. Maintenance/recharging can be performed by local fire extinguisher sales and service companies. However, some companies will not recharge or service a fire extinguisher that uses a plastic valve body.

What does it cost to properly maintain the fire extinguisher?
This depends on the company conducting the service and what materials or parts are required. Unless you have a large high quality fire extinguisher, it may be more cost effective to purchase a new fire extinguisher when it becomes time to service or recharge.

Where can I dispose of a fire extinguisher that is no longer serviceable?
You can call or stop by the fire station and request that we dispose of it for you.

Will the fire department provide advice and training on the use of a fire extinguisher?
Yes we will. We also have pamphlets to give to you which address the use of fire extinguishers in the home. We can show you videos on the use of fire extinguishers and can demonstrate proper usage using your own fire extinguisher. We also have a fire extinguisher training simulator for hands-on, live fire training. Please stop by the fire station or give us a call if you have any questions.

Know how to operate your fire extinguisher. Remember the word "PASS"

• P-----Pull the pin.
• A-----Aim low towards the base of the fire.
• S-----Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• S-----Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

KNOW WHEN TO GO
Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.