- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Fire / EMS
- Fire Prevention Services
Fire Prevention Services
About the Bureau of Fire Prevention
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is established under Chapter 1505 of the City Ordinances. Under the supervision of the Fire Chief this bureau of up to three full time fire inspectors helps to keep our community safe form the dangers of both residential and commercial fire as well as enforce Ohio Fire Safety Code.
What do Fire Inspectors do?
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 requirements. Additionally, the Inspectors conduct periodic fire safety inspections of existing commercial buildings, residential apartment complexes, educational facilities, churches, and public buildings, including all City owned buildings. This assures compliance with fire and safety regulations. As a component of regular building inspections, the Fire Department administration is advised of changes in structures or anything that would impact the safety and efficiency of the Fire Department’s response. Each year, more expansion is coming to the city. Revitalization of the Hoover Company to the Hoover Business District, Walsh University continually remodeling and building, remodeling of the North Canton City School system, and any new or updating commercial businesses continue to work with the Fire Prevention Bureau, to assure the safest possible environment for everyone.
Authority
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 Safety Education
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 within the City of North Canton.
Fire Prevention Tools
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. Each year, almost 90% of Ohio’s civilian fire deaths occurred in homes that had no functioning smoke detectors. In each of these fatal fires, smoke detectors were either not present, not functioning, or placed ineffectively to sound a warning. Coupled with a functioning ‘exit-drill-in-the-home’, EDITH, program, death from fires in the private sector could be reduced even more. Building Laws today mandate the placement of smoke detectors, wired with battery backup, to the primary electric service in all new homes and apartments. Local regulations in many communities such as North Canton require the placement and maintenance of smoke detectors in rental properties.
File of Life
The File of Life Program provides North Canton residents with a form to record vital medical information that is easily accessed by first responders in the event of an emergency. The information included on this form contains, but is not limited to, current medical conditions, current medications, medical history, and any known allergies. The form should be filled out (in pencil to easily update the information as it changes) in its entirety and placed in the provided magnetic pocket-sleeve to be situated on the front of your refrigerator. Our safety forces would be provided with the information they need when caring for you during an emergency. Make sure to get one for each family member! There is no charge for this program.
In order to participate in the File of Life Program, please contact the North Canton Fire Department at 330-497-4899 and ask to speak with someone regarding the File of Life Program.
Knox Box
City Code Chapter 1508 requires all commercial or industrial structures, multifamily dwellings, and government structures to be equipped with a Key Lock Box system. This vital tool helps emergency responders enter buildings sooner and save lives in the event of a fire. The City of North Canton uses Knox Box systems to provide this important service. Knox box systems are available for single family homes as well.
If you are interested in or need a Knox Box system for your home or business, you can go online and place the order, or contact the North Canton Fire Department for more information.