Fire Safety/Prevention
Fire Inspections
The following is a general list of requirements for business/residential fire inspections:
- Address has to be displayed on the house and visible from the street.
- Gas meter to the house needs to be accessible and protected if by a driveway.
- Must have a fire extinguisher that is accessible: Minimum of 2A 10BC is required.
- All circuit breakers in electrical panel must be labeled (no open blanks).
- Electrical outlets must not be overloaded with power strips.
- Smoke detectors have to be operational.
- The furnace and hot water heater should have a clearance of 18 inches free from any combustible materials.
- There must be adequate exits from the house.
- Flammable liquids must not be stored in the house.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
are for SMALL fires!
A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers, however, have limitations. They are not designed to fight large fires or fires that are spreading quickly. Most portable fire extinguishers sold for homes have a short range of 6 – 10 feet and discharge completely in a very short time of 8 – 10 seconds. They are appropriate for fighting fires such as a stove top or oven fire, or a fire in a wastebasket – if the fire is caught in its early stages. Portable extinguishers will do little against large or established fires.
As a general rule, fire fighting should be left to professionals, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that the fire department be called in the event of any fire. The NFPA does not recommend teaching children to use fire extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher Operation Instructions (P.A.S.S.)
- Pull the Pin
- Aim at the Base of the Fire
- Squeeze the Handle
- Sweep the Fire
By City Ordinance, it is required that the Fire Department investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of each fire occurring in the City by which property has been destroyed or damaged.
Home Safety
To learn more about Home Safety and how to protect your family, click on the link above. Find out about car seat safety, smoke detectors, home fuel storage, lightning safety and so much more.