Teen's quick thinking prevented more fire damage

Staff report

BOARDMAN

While Sarah Pavalko, 14, was home alone on Thursday night, she smelled smoke in her family’s Cathyann Drive home and went to investigate.

When she reached the top of the stairs on the second floor, where her sister’s bedroom is located, she detected smoke coming out of the room as a smoke alarm began to go off.

She felt heat on the door, but instead of opening it to investigate further, she did what she learned from her elementary school fire education: she immediately left the house and called 911. Before she escaped, she also grabbed her cat.

Fire officials say Sarah’s reaction helped save the rest of the family’s home.

Read the complete story in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.