Fire Safety

Install and Inspect Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm is the best way of alerting residents to a fire. A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as no smoke alarm at all.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2003-2006, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. No smoke alarms were present in 40 percent of the home fire deaths. Smoke alarms were present, but did not sound, in 23 percent of the home fire deaths..

Smoke alarms should be located outside of all sleeping areas, and on each level of the home, including basements. For additional protection, it is recommended that smoke alarms be installed inside of all sleeping areas, as is required in new homes. Smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and tested at least once a month. Batteries in smoke detectors should be change, at a minimum, once a year.

Install Fire Sprinklers

Installing and maintaining residential fire sprinklers is also important to save lives. When both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present in a home, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82 percent, when compared to a residence without either.

Obtain Permits and Inspections

Fire inspections are required for any construction project for which a fire code plan review has been conducted or for any project for which a Fire Protection Systems (FPS) permit is required. Building permits will have a Fire Code Plan Review comments sheet attached, or noted "Subject to field inspection by fire marshal."

All fire protection system work requires an FPS permit and an inspection.

Fire inspections are required for initial license or license renewal for day care homes and centers, nursing homes and automotive repair facilities.