Rush Township Fire Department

03/17/2026

03/16/2026

Just a reminder,

Ohio is in its Spring Fire Season.

There have already been many Ohio wildfires this season!

Ohio law states that most outdoor debris burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in March, April, and May.

If you choose to burn within the permitted hours, use a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator.

03/15/2026

Does everyone know where to place smoke detectors in your home? Have you ever wondered why they are not installed in bathrooms?

Key reasons for avoiding smoke detectors in bathrooms:

False Alarms: Steam and high humidity can interfere with sensors, particularly ionization types, causing nuisance alarms.

Safety: Alarms should be installed away from bathroom doors to avoid issues with moisture.

Proper Placement: Detectors should be placed in hallways, bedrooms, and on every level of the home for maximum, effective coverage rather than in small, moisture-prone rooms.

03/14/2026

Lithium batteries are found in everyday items like phones, power banks, vapes, gaming controllers, e-scooters and e-bikes.
When they fail, fires can develop very quickly and produce toxic smoke.
Simple steps can reduce the risk at home:

* Don't leave devices constantly on charge
* Avoid charging overnight or while you sleep
* Use the correct charger and cable for the device
* Don't charge on beds, sofas or under pillows
* Stop using batteries that are damaged, swollen or overheating
* Store and charge e-bikes and scooters outside, or in sheds or garages where possible
* If a lithium battery overheats, smokes or catches fire - get out, stay out and call 911.

03/13/2026

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves. Multiple sclerosis can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes and other symptoms. It's also known as MS.

In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage of the nerve fibers.

There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, there are treatments to help speed the recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

Types

Some conditions are classified as stages, but multiple sclerosis is classified as types. MS types depend on the progression of symptoms and frequency of relapses. Types of MS include:

Relapsing-remitting MS

Most people with multiple sclerosis have the relapsing-remitting type. They experience periods of new symptoms or relapses that develop over days or weeks and usually improve partially or completely. These relapses are followed by quiet periods of disease remission that can last months or even years.

Secondary-progressive MS

At least 20% to 40% of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can eventually develop a steady progression of symptoms. This progression may come with or without periods of remission and happens within 10 to 40 years of disease onset. This is known as secondary-progressive MS.

The worsening of symptoms usually includes trouble with mobility and walking. The rate of disease progression varies greatly among people with secondary-progressive MS.

Primary-progressive MS

Some people with multiple sclerosis experience a gradual onset and steady progression of signs and symptoms without any relapses. This type of MS is known as primary-progressive MS.

Clinically isolated syndrome

Clinically isolated syndrome refers to the first episode of a condition that affects the myelin. After further testing, clinically isolated syndrome may be diagnosed as MS or a different condition.

Radiologically isolated syndrome

Radiologically isolated syndrome refers to findings on MRIs of the brain and spinal cord that look like MS in someone without classic symptoms of MS.

03/12/2026

Spring weather can change quickly. Now is a great time to get prepared.

Stay Alert:
Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts and follow trusted weather sources.

Prepare Your Home:
Secure outdoor items, clean gutters, and trim weak branches.

Storm Safety:
Charge devices, unplug electronics, and stay away from windows during storms.

Tornado Readiness:
Know your shelter location and move to the lowest, most interior room during a warning.

Flood Awareness:
Never drive through flooded roads — Turn Around.

Emergency Kit:
Have water, food, medications, flashlights, and batteries ready.

03/11/2026

MARCH is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death & disability in the U.S.

Approximately 166 Americans die everyday from TBI-related injuries. TBI is an injury caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating object that disrupts normal functioning of the brain at any age. TBI can result in serious damage to the brain that can lead to long-term complications and death. CDC reports that more than 2.8 million U.S. people sustain a TBI each year; of those, more than 55,000 die and more than 280,000 are hospitalized.

03/10/2026

Ohio’s seasonal 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. outdoor debris burning restrictions run in the spring from March 1st through June 1st. Be sure to check all state and local restrictions before kindling a fire.

Burning is limited in the spring due to the abundance of dry grass, weeds, and leaves on the ground. Gusty winds and low humidity can make a seemingly safe fire burn more intensely and escape control. If a fire does escape control, contact the local fire department immediately. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous.

03/09/2026

You could have less than 3 minutes to escape a home fire once the smoke alarm sounds.

Make your home fire escape plan for everyone in your home, including pets.

Draw a map of your home with all doors and windows, marking at least two for each room. Show how everyone will reach the designated meeting place outdoors, away from the home.

Practicing your plan twice a year, once in day and once at night helps ensure those escape routes can be used safely by everyone.

03/08/2026

TIME CHANGE IS TODAY. MOST IMPORTANTLY CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS.
If your smoke detector unit has batteries be sure to change them. If your units are over 10 years old, replace them. Always follow the manufacturers installation instructions.
Newer detectors have a 10 year battery life and cannot be change, the complete unit has to be replaced.

03/07/2026

Even though it’s wet out, this is the season for brush fires. A small controlled fire can quickly get out of control. The wind can quickly shift the flames from a field to a structure fire.

Open burning is prohibited in Ohio from March 1-June 1 in the spring from 6 am- 6 pm

Do not leave an outside fire until it is completely safe and put out.