Fire chief speaks to Steubenville Woman’s Club

STEUBENVILLE -- During the Steubenville Woman's Club meeting on Feb. 5 at Steeplechase Lodge, Treasurer Cookie West informed those in attendance she has paid the dues for its 17 members.

Those names were listed, the account discussed and the treasurer's financial report accepted.

Steubenville Fire Chief Carlo Capaldi served as the afternoon's guest speaker.

He spoke to the women about several issues regarding safety, including heating, dialing 911 in an emergency, carbon monoxide detection, the importance of smoke alarms and fire safety in the kitchen.

Capaldi brought with him pamphlets, Band-Aid holders and magnets, saying members could take what they wanted home and use the materials for informational purposes.

He began his presentation by explaining why the Steubenville Fire Department took over providing ambulance service in the city during 2020. He stated there are two ambulance stations in the city -- one downtown and the other at the West End. Numerous calls would come in but at times those ambulances were busy out on a call or on an emergency assist.

It was during those times that a firetruck was sent out to the emergency site until an ambulance could arrive. Capaldi said personnel are trained on what to do in emergency and can handle the situation until EMTs arrive on scene. The department has the necessary equipment, along with an AED machine on its trucks.

The fire department acquired three ambulances to help city paramedics. A mutual agreement is shared among fire departments and ambulance services, Capaldi noted. He said anyone with an emergency for fire, EMS or emergency services must dial 911 and the Jefferson County 911 Center will notify the proper officials, providing them with the address and the situation. They will send police and any other emergency personnel needed based on the cause of the call.

He noted there have been times when individuals have called 911 asking about the date for a parade.

"This only ties up the phone system for emergencies," he commented, adding not to call and ask when garbage pickup day is, either, as has previously occurred. "You would never believe how many people do not know their own address or the street they live on," Capaldi said. "If you do not know your address, at least know some landmarks around you in case you have to call 911." This will give the operator the vicinity where you are located.

The chief discussed the use of fire and carbon monoxide detectors in homes and the responsibility that comes with changing the batteries once per year. Capaldi said companies now make batteries with a lifespan of seven to 10 years, making it more convenient by not having to remember to change them annually.

Capaldi said those living in apartment buildings should walk to the lobby area if a smoke alarm goes off.

When dealing with carbon monoxide, there is no odor detected and the gas emitted will make someone sick and tired. Inhaling the gas could ultimately result in death if one cannot get out of the house.

A beeping of the detector can be an indication carbon monoxide is in the structure and all residents in the house should get out and dial 911. Only one carbon monoxide detector is required in a home, Capaldi said. He noted the life-saving warning mount should never be installed near the garage area, as many people park their cars in the garage. Those fumes could cause the detector to go off.

The women learned that smoke alarms should not be placed in the kitchen, but rather outside of it. Nor should they be installed outside the bathroom, as the steam from the shower will not only make the detector go off but could ruin the sensors.

"If your detectors are going off but you do not see any smoke, dial 911 and we will come make sure nothing is smoldering somewhere," Capaldi said. If the cause of the alarms going off is due to a low battery, the department will change them for you, he said. Detectors will begin to chirp when the battery is going dead. He said everyone should have a smoke detector on every floor.

One of the most important things one can do is ensure there are two ways out of your home should a fire break out, Capaldi said. During a fire, if a door is warm or hot, do not open it. Closed doors can buy you time, he exclaimed. Sleep with your door closed and have a smoke alarm placed outside the bedroom to warn you the house is on fire.

Capaldi then addressed the issue of home safety, including the importance of changing furnace filters regularly. If a filter should become clogged, the furnace will work harder and overheat. This could cause the furnace to smolder, he said, stressing to never put any paper, clothes or rags near the appliance. Capaldi said these items should be kept at least 3-feet away.

He commented on the importance of never plugging in a space heater to an extension cord because the cord could overheat and melt, resulting in a fire.

Capaldi continued his presentation by touching on the subject of fire extinguishers and the need for everyone to own one.

Every residence should have a fire extinguisher -- even if it is a small one, he said. One can be purchased in any department or hardware store, he added.

An ABC extinguisher is the type a homeowner should possess, Capaldi said, explaining "A" is for paper and wood, "B" is for electric and "C" is for fluid.

Capaldi told club members that once a year, someone should turn the extinguisher over and tap on the bottom to loosen its powder, which can settle in the bottom. Extinguishers will last several years, he told them. Extinguishers are not meant for you to put out the fire, he explained. The device is for ensuring you can get out of the home safely and not to attempt to put out a fire themselves.

When cooking on the stove top, make sure if you leave the room to take a kitchen item with you, such as a potholder or wooden spoon, he informed the group.

"This will remind you there is something on the stove," he stated. Unattended pots and pans can catch on fire, he continued, adding should this happen, simply put a lid on the pan and the flames will go out.

"Always have a lid nearby," Capaldi said. "And don't walk away. Turn handles to the side and do not leave combustibles such as paper towels or paper near the stove."

Oven doors should never be left open in order to heat a home, he continued.

Curn-Escobar asked about outlets changing color and if the discoloration meant the outlet was bad, to which Capaldi responded it is possible and an electrician should be called. He said if the plate area turns black it could mean a cord or plug is bad inside.

"I've been on the job 32 years and for 12 years I have been chief," Capaldi told his audience. "I have one year left and can retire in July."

The chief plans to continue helping the community by speaking about fire prevention and life-saving methods at area schools, organizations and area functions.

Residents are encouraged to call the fire department if they need assistance, he concluded.

"If there is a bat or a snake in your house, you can call us," he said. "If your cat is 30-feet up in a tree, we will come and take a look as long as we are not dealing with an emergency. We will come, but it may take a while for us to get there."

The women applauded Capaldi's presentation and thanked him for taking the time to speak to them about such important matters.

The next meeting of the Steubenville Woman's Club will be held at 1:30 p.m. March 4 at Steeplechase Lodge. Angela Lombardozzi from Fresh Twist will be the speaker. She will discuss nutrition education through a program entitled, "Food is Medicine."