Since November 24, 2007, fires in ten jurisdictions in Ohio have claimed the lives of 17 Ohioans; eleven of these were children. In each of these fatal fires, smoke detectors either were not present, were not functioning or were placed ineffectively to sound a timely warning. In the year just ended, almost 90 percent of Ohio’s civilian fire deaths occurred in homes that had no functioning smoke detectors. In the last 25 years, civilian fire deaths have been reduced almost in half by the installation and proper maintenance of smoke detectors. Sadly however many home dwellers fail to recognize the critical life saving role that is represented in the proper placement and maintenance of a smoke detector. Coupled with a functioning ‘exit-drill-in-the-home’ program, death from fires in the private sector could be reduced even more. Laws today mandate the placement of smoke detectors wired to the primary electric service in new homes and apartments. Local regulations in many communities such as North Canton require the placement and maintenance of smoke detectors in rental properties. The Fire Prevention Bureau monitors this requirement yearly by requiring that property managers replace batteries if applicable, test each detector in their rental units and notify the Fire Prevention Bureau in writing that this has been accomplished.
The year just ending has seen even more expansion at Walsh University with the completion and occupancy of the Towers II complex, a 150 bed dormitory. This building is yet another in the Walsh University alarm network. The administration of Walsh University has been a very responsible partner with the City in creating a culture of safety on campus. The North Canton City School system continues to work with the Fire Prevention bureau to assure the safest possible environment for students.
Fire Safety Education continues to be an increasingly important focus of the Fire Prevention Bureau in our community. This activity includes fire safety in educational facilities, public and parochial schools, day care centers, pre-schools, university buildings and dormitories and the annual Fire Safety House program hosted by the Fire Department each spring for second grade students in the public and parochial schools within the City of North Canton.
As fire protection specialists, the Inspectors work closely with the City Building Department to assure that new construction and building renovation projects comply with applicable fire and safety code requirements. Additionally, the Inspectors conduct annual (or as often as necessary) fire safety inspections of existing commercial buildings, residential apartment complexes, educational facilities, churches, and public buildings, including city owned buildings, to assure compliance with applicable fire and safety regulations. As a component of regular building inspections the fire department administration is advised of changes in structures or conditions that would impact on the safety and efficiency of the fire department response.
Additionally, pursuant to authority granted by the State of Ohio Fire Marshal the Certified Fire Safety Inspectors of the North Canton Fire Department are delegated the authority to inspect and issue permits for underground storage installations for motor fuel. The Fire Prevention Bureau regularly inspects all facilities having underground or above ground flammable or combustible liquid installations.
- Fire Prevention Activities for the year 2007 include:
- Child Safety Seat Inspections 172
- Hood Suppression & Sprinkler Inspections 179
- Inspections (compliance & follow-up) 820
- Consultations 132
- Public Education Events 84
- Fire Station Tours 56
- Plan Reviews 51
- Fire Investigations 11
- Recreational Fire Open Burn Permits 360
- Fire Alarm Drills 173
- Knox Box Introductions 45
- Flow Tests (out of City) 20
We are grateful to the concerned citizens of our City whose diligence in living a fire safe life contributes so much to keeping our city one of the 100 most desirable places to live.
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North Canton Fire Department · Fire Prevention Bureau
300 North Main Street
North Canton, Ohio 44720
PH: 330-499-3404
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