November 20, 2025 • 9 mins
As temperatures drop, the risk of home fires rises — especially in communities where space heaters, extension cords, and older heating systems are part of everyday life. Ensuring families stay safe is a year-round mission for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and this season they’re teaming up with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey through the United We Prepare initiative to bring fire-safety education and resources directly to residents. Joining us is Lisa A. Desamour, Fire Safety Compliance Manager for the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), to discuss the most common fire risks during the colder months, what families can do right now to prevent fires, and how PHA’s partnership with United Way is helping communities prepare, stay informed, and stay safe. Isa also shares practical safety tips, new initiatives rolling out this winter, and how residents can access free workshops and resources.
🌐 Resources, Website & Social Media Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Website: https://www.pha.phila.gov
Facebook: @PhilaHousingAuthority
X/Twitter: @PhilaHousing
Instagram: @philahousingauthority United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)
Website: https://unitedforimpact.org
Facebook: @UnitedForImpact
🌐 Resources, Website & Social Media Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
Website: https://www.pha.phila.gov
Facebook: @PhilaHousingAuthority
X/Twitter: @PhilaHousing
Instagram: @philahousingauthority United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)
Website: https://unitedforimpact.org
Facebook: @UnitedForImpact
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Ballter Tomorrow. Today we'll get you
holiday ready with gift ideas from Fine Wine and Good Spirits.
We'll also talk about the power of giving through Philly Gives,
and we'll take a look at Comcast in OIC, Philadelphia's
flagship Lift Zone, expanding digital access and job training in
(00:20):
North Philly. But first, I'm Lorraine Ballardmorrow. During the winter months,
we are more at risk for fires because of issues
related to how people heat their homes, sometimes in ways
that are hazardous. So we're going to be talking with
someone who's going to give us a lot of tips
on how to be safe fire safety tips especially during
(00:42):
these colder months, and also how United Way is helping
to provide the support that is needed to help make
us safer from a fire safety perspective. Lisa Decimore is
fire Safety Compliance manager for PHA. Lisa tell us about
the win why is it that people are often more
(01:03):
at risk for fires during these cold winter months.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, obviously because it's cold in the winter time. A
lot of times folks will supplement heating with space heaters,
all types of heating systems to make sure that they
stay warm. I mean, I know we're more technologically advanced
these days, however, it's still an issue. So whether it's
folks you know, plugging in a bunch of appliances into
(01:31):
one outlet or using you know, extension cords to supplement that.
Oftentimes it'll be something so simple. You know, someone may
put a heater on a rug or have the heater
close to something that's combustible. And again it sounds so
straightforward and simple, but unfortunately it's something that happens time
(01:51):
and time again.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Yeah, well, especially when you talk about kerosene heaters, because
a lot of people use those and those can be
very hazardous.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Very very hazardous, and a lot of times people will
get somewhat complacent, you know, that's something that they say that, oh,
I've done this in the past, I know how to
handle it. Complacency is the devil, I will always say.
Oftentimes people will fill the kerosene in their home or
put again things near it on top of it, or
(02:20):
maybe even have pets and little ones that may get
too close to it tip it over and there is
the beginning of a disaster.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Well, so obviously we need to make sure that people
understand what they need to do in order to keep
themselves safe. What are some of the top tips that
you tell people to ensure that they have a safe
winter as far as fire safety is concerned.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Well, as far as fire safety is concerned, mentioning the heaters,
making sure you use it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A lot of times I'm guilty of it myself. You know,
you throw those types of pamphlets away, Please don't. They're
there for a reason. Obviously. Making sure that you plug
certain appliances, especially larger ones, directly into the wall. Try
(03:10):
not to overload them. Actually, do not overload them. Making
sure that when you're turning on your heating system in
your home for the first time, making sure that you're
following what you're supposed to be following as far as
keeping anything vents clean, or if you need to reach
out to your utility company, make sure that you reach
out to them. Another one that I want to mention,
(03:33):
and I guess this is kind of relatable because obviously
we're also coming up on the holiday season. Candles. Candles
is another big one, So making sure if you do
use the candles where it actually has a real flame,
be sure to keep it on something that's glass where
it's not going to break or it's going to ignite.
(03:54):
Making sure again that if you have pets in the
home and little people, keeping it away from them, and
keeping ignition sources away from our little people as well.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Well, you know, one of the challenges, certainly during the
winter months is potentially fire and a lot of folks
have allowed their smoke detectors to go without batteries, and
I know that when the time change happens, the fire
departments always suggest that you test out your smoke detectors.
(04:27):
First of all, have a smoke detector number one and
number two. Make sure that the battery is current. And
that's a great time to be able to check. Is
at least twice a year, right.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
That is correct.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
I mean, it's the best time to remember because obviously,
you know, we're working with time differences so that it
kind of works. It goes hand in hand to remind
folks that, hey, listen during this time of the year,
make sure that you check your batteries. Don't take the
batteries out and use them for the remotes. Please don't
do that. So many people do that oh my.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Gosh, yeah, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Tell us how is United Way supporting the efforts that
you are involved in with in terms of fire safety.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
So fire safety and all things I would say emergency
preparedness related as well. They have partnered with Verizon and
several other local agencies and organizations to make sure that
neighborhoods that normally don't get the resources necessary to mitigate
these situations, to make sure they're not left out, because
(05:32):
oftentimes you may have families who don't have the support
in place, or who may just very well just not
be aware of what's available to them. And we want
to make sure that everyone stays safe.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Is there a website or places where we can get
resources to understand more about how to keep safe from
a fire safety standpoint.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
There are so many resources, And I say it in
such a way like, oh, I know that, But then
again I have to remind myself that not everyone does.
And our little people, our young folks, are also great
resources because I know the fire department goes out to
the school their fire prevention division, and you always have
little people teaching our older folks. You know, this is
(06:14):
what I learned today, or something as simple as Oh,
we can go onto Google and check that. So I
would always say making sure that you go on to
fill it, dot Gov, check the fire Department. There's so
many resources on there, going on logging into you know,
United Way. There's tons of resources, and it's just a
matter of being able to navigate that because everything on
(06:37):
those sites are pretty much straightforward, easy to find.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Yeah, and I have to get up close and personal
because you know, fire safety is very it's a very
specific thing to get involved with.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
How did you get into fire safety?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Ah, that's an awesome question because I love bringing up
my time in the Philadelphia Fire Department. Recently retired from
the PFD. I retired back in February with twenty years
of service.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Really you look young for that, Oh like a teenage
Damn my dash.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I will soak in every companiment I can get. Thank
you again. But yes, twenty years with the department. I
was I think twenty nine when I got into the PFD.
I was a firefighter in North Philly. When once I retired,
I was a lieutenant and I retired out of headquarters,
So I spent some time in the Fire Prevention Division.
(07:30):
Awesome division, good folks down there, even department wide, of course,
and we're always trying to make sure that we, you know,
conduct community engagement and making sure we reach out to
the community. That's why I always say, you know, everybody
loves us.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
That is amazing.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
I am so shocked because literally, you do not look
like someone who was twenty years in the fire department.
You really look like a teenage I'm telling you. I
know it's radio out there. You can't see this, but
take my word for it. She looks like a teenager anyway, Lisa.
If people want more information about fire safety, and particularly
(08:08):
through United Way, where do they go?
Speaker 2 (08:11):
They would go through United for Impact dot org.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
That's a very easy website to remember, United for Impact
dot org. And I'm gonna have to have you come
back in again because your story has got to be
really fascinating because, first of all, there was still relatively
few women and relatively few women of.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Color who are firefighters. That incorrect.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And I'm sure you have an amazing story to tell.
So I really want you to come back absolutely and
talk about it. But in the meantime, thank you so
much for the fire safety tips. We all need them.
Winter can be a very hazardous time when it comes
to fire safety and you want to go to that website.
United for Impact dot org and Lisa, a decimor fire
(08:59):
safety complying manager for PHA, thank you so much for
joining us.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Thank you so much. I definitely look forward to coming back.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
We'll have more insight after these messages
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Ballter Tomorrow. Today we'll get you
holiday ready with gift ideas from Fine Wine and Good Spirits.
We'll also talk about the power of giving through Philly Gives,
and we'll take a look at Comcast in OIC, Philadelphia's
flagship Lift Zone, expanding digital access and job training in
(00:20):
North Philly. But first, I'm Lorraine Ballardmorrow. During the winter months,
we are more at risk for fires because of issues
related to how people heat their homes, sometimes in ways
that are hazardous. So we're going to be talking with
someone who's going to give us a lot of tips
on how to be safe fire safety tips especially during
(00:42):
these colder months, and also how United Way is helping
to provide the support that is needed to help make
us safer from a fire safety perspective. Lisa Decimore is
fire Safety Compliance manager for PHA. Lisa tell us about
the win why is it that people are often more
(01:03):
at risk for fires during these cold winter months.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Well, obviously because it's cold in the winter time. A
lot of times folks will supplement heating with space heaters,
all types of heating systems to make sure that they
stay warm. I mean, I know we're more technologically advanced
these days, however, it's still an issue. So whether it's
folks you know, plugging in a bunch of appliances into
(01:31):
one outlet or using you know, extension cords to supplement that.
Oftentimes it'll be something so simple. You know, someone may
put a heater on a rug or have the heater
close to something that's combustible. And again it sounds so
straightforward and simple, but unfortunately it's something that happens time
(01:51):
and time again.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Yeah, well, especially when you talk about kerosene heaters, because
a lot of people use those and those can be
very hazardous.
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Very very hazardous, and a lot of times people will
get somewhat complacent, you know, that's something that they say that, oh,
I've done this in the past, I know how to
handle it. Complacency is the devil, I will always say.
Oftentimes people will fill the kerosene in their home or
put again things near it on top of it, or
(02:20):
maybe even have pets and little ones that may get
too close to it tip it over and there is
the beginning of a disaster.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Well, so obviously we need to make sure that people
understand what they need to do in order to keep
themselves safe. What are some of the top tips that
you tell people to ensure that they have a safe
winter as far as fire safety is concerned.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Well, as far as fire safety is concerned, mentioning the heaters,
making sure you use it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A lot of times I'm guilty of it myself. You know,
you throw those types of pamphlets away, Please don't. They're
there for a reason. Obviously. Making sure that you plug
certain appliances, especially larger ones, directly into the wall. Try
(03:10):
not to overload them. Actually, do not overload them. Making
sure that when you're turning on your heating system in
your home for the first time, making sure that you're
following what you're supposed to be following as far as
keeping anything vents clean, or if you need to reach
out to your utility company, make sure that you reach
out to them. Another one that I want to mention,
(03:33):
and I guess this is kind of relatable because obviously
we're also coming up on the holiday season. Candles. Candles
is another big one, So making sure if you do
use the candles where it actually has a real flame,
be sure to keep it on something that's glass where
it's not going to break or it's going to ignite.
(03:54):
Making sure again that if you have pets in the
home and little people, keeping it away from them, and
keeping ignition sources away from our little people as well.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Well, you know, one of the challenges, certainly during the
winter months is potentially fire and a lot of folks
have allowed their smoke detectors to go without batteries, and
I know that when the time change happens, the fire
departments always suggest that you test out your smoke detectors.
(04:27):
First of all, have a smoke detector number one and
number two. Make sure that the battery is current. And
that's a great time to be able to check. Is
at least twice a year, right.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
That is correct.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
I mean, it's the best time to remember because obviously,
you know, we're working with time differences so that it
kind of works. It goes hand in hand to remind
folks that, hey, listen during this time of the year,
make sure that you check your batteries. Don't take the
batteries out and use them for the remotes. Please don't
do that. So many people do that oh my.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Gosh, yeah, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (05:02):
Tell us how is United Way supporting the efforts that
you are involved in with in terms of fire safety.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
So fire safety and all things I would say emergency
preparedness related as well. They have partnered with Verizon and
several other local agencies and organizations to make sure that
neighborhoods that normally don't get the resources necessary to mitigate
these situations, to make sure they're not left out, because
(05:32):
oftentimes you may have families who don't have the support
in place, or who may just very well just not
be aware of what's available to them. And we want
to make sure that everyone stays safe.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Is there a website or places where we can get
resources to understand more about how to keep safe from
a fire safety standpoint.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
There are so many resources, And I say it in
such a way like, oh, I know that, But then
again I have to remind myself that not everyone does.
And our little people, our young folks, are also great
resources because I know the fire department goes out to
the school their fire prevention division, and you always have
little people teaching our older folks. You know, this is
(06:14):
what I learned today, or something as simple as Oh,
we can go onto Google and check that. So I
would always say making sure that you go on to
fill it, dot Gov, check the fire Department. There's so
many resources on there, going on logging into you know,
United Way. There's tons of resources, and it's just a
matter of being able to navigate that because everything on
(06:37):
those sites are pretty much straightforward, easy to find.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
Yeah, and I have to get up close and personal
because you know, fire safety is very it's a very
specific thing to get involved with.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
How did you get into fire safety?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Ah, that's an awesome question because I love bringing up
my time in the Philadelphia Fire Department. Recently retired from
the PFD. I retired back in February with twenty years
of service.
Speaker 3 (07:02):
Really you look young for that, Oh like a teenage
Damn my dash.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I will soak in every companiment I can get. Thank
you again. But yes, twenty years with the department. I
was I think twenty nine when I got into the PFD.
I was a firefighter in North Philly. When once I retired,
I was a lieutenant and I retired out of headquarters,
So I spent some time in the Fire Prevention Division.
(07:30):
Awesome division, good folks down there, even department wide, of course,
and we're always trying to make sure that we, you know,
conduct community engagement and making sure we reach out to
the community. That's why I always say, you know, everybody
loves us.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
That is amazing.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
I am so shocked because literally, you do not look
like someone who was twenty years in the fire department.
You really look like a teenage I'm telling you. I
know it's radio out there. You can't see this, but
take my word for it. She looks like a teenager anyway, Lisa.
If people want more information about fire safety, and particularly
(08:08):
through United Way, where do they go?
Speaker 2 (08:11):
They would go through United for Impact dot org.
Speaker 1 (08:15):
That's a very easy website to remember, United for Impact
dot org. And I'm gonna have to have you come
back in again because your story has got to be
really fascinating because, first of all, there was still relatively
few women and relatively few women of.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Color who are firefighters. That incorrect.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And I'm sure you have an amazing story to tell.
So I really want you to come back absolutely and
talk about it. But in the meantime, thank you so
much for the fire safety tips. We all need them.
Winter can be a very hazardous time when it comes
to fire safety and you want to go to that website.
United for Impact dot org and Lisa, a decimor fire
(08:59):
safety complying manager for PHA, thank you so much for
joining us.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Thank you so much. I definitely look forward to coming back.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
We'll have more insight after these messages
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