F I R E P R E V E N T I O N
&
I N S P E C T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
For more information, Contact Lt. Justin Bakker
CRETE TOWNSHIP FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
FIRE PREVENTION FOR HOMES
More than 3,000 people die in home fires each year in the
United States; most of whom are in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working,
properly installed smoke alarm lowers your chances of dying in a fire. The Crete
Township Fire District encourages everyone to practice fire safety by 1) installing
and maintaining smoke alarms, 2) practicing fire escape plans, and 3) performing
a home safety walk-
Using Fire Extinguishers -
Watch This Video On Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher
When
to Fight a Fire
You should fight a fire with a fire extinguisher only when all the
following are true:
Everyone has left or is leaving the building.
The fire department
has been called.
The fire is small and confined to the immediate areas where it started
such as in a wastebasket, cushion, small appliance, stove, etc.
You can fight the
fire with your back to a safe escape route.
Your extinguisher is rated for the type
of fire you are fighting and is in good working order.
You have had training in use
of the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively.
Remember,
if you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight the fire -
There is a simple acronym to
remember to operate most fire extinguishers -
Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder. Some units require the releasing
of a lock latch or pressing a puncture lever.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze or press the handle.
Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of
the fire until it goes out. Shut off the extinguisher and then watch carefully for
a rekindling of the fire.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are labeled
according to the type of fire on which they may be used. Fires involving wood or
cloth, flammable liquids, electrical, or metal sources react differently to extinguishers.
Using one type of extinguisher on the wrong type of fire could be dangerous and make
matters even worse.
Traditionally, the labels A,B, C or D have been used to indicate
the type of fire on which an extinguisher is to be used.
Type A Label
A Type A label
is in a triangle on the extinguisher. This extinguisher is used for ordinary combustibles
such as cloth, wood, rubber and many plastics. These types of fire usually leave
ashes after they burn. Type A extinguishers for Ashes.
Type B Label
A Type B label
is in a square on the extinguisher. This extinguisher is used for flammable liquid
fires such as oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers, grease, and solvents. These substances
often come in barrels. Type B extinguishers for Barrels.
Type C Label
A Type C label
is in a circle on the extinguisher. This extinguisher is used for electrical fires
such as in wiring, fuse boxes, energized electrical equipment and other electrical
sources. Electricity travels in currents. Type C extinguishers for Currents.
Type
D Label
A Type D label is in a star on the extinguisher. This extinguisher is used
for metal fires such as magnesium, titanium and sodium. These types of fire are very
dangerous and seldom handled by the general public. Type D for Don't get involved.
Pictograms
Recently, pictograms have come into use on fire extinguishers. These picture
the type of fire on which an extinguisher is to be used. For instance, a Type A extinguisher
has a pictogram showing burning wood. A Type C extinguisher has a pictogram showing
an electrical cord and outlet. These pictograms are also used to show what not to
use. For example, a Type A extinguisher will show a pictogram of an electrical cord
and outlet with a big slash through it. In other words, don't use it on an electrical
fire.
Number Rating
Fire extinguishers also have a number rating. For Type A fires,
a 1 would stand for 1 1/4 gallons of water, a 2 would represent 2 1/2 gallons, 3
would be 3 3/4 gallons of water, etc. For Type B and Type C fire, the number represents
square feet. For example, 2 would be two square feet, 5 is five square feet, etc.
Fire extinguishers can also be made to extinguish more than one type of fire. For
example, you might have an extinguisher with a label that reads 2A5B. This would
mean this extinguisher is good for Type A fires with a 2 1/2 gallon equivalence and
it is also good for Type B fires with a 5 square feet equivalency. A good extinguisher
to have in each residential kitchen is a 2A10BC fire extinguisher. You might also
get a Type A for the living room and bedrooms and an ABC for the basement and garage.
Public
Safety Videos
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FIRE PREVENTION FOR BUSINESS
The goal of the Crete Township Fire Prevention Bureau
is to work in partnership with the businesses within the fire district to ensure
safety. The bureau will work with each business to achieve compliance with the Fire
Prevention Code. To accomplish this Life Safety Inspections will be conducted annually
and administered in a fair unbiased manner.
Life Safety Inspection Program
The purpose of the Life Safety Inspection Program is
to conduct a fire inspection in all commercial occupancies within the Fire District
on an annual basis. The annual fire inspection program provides the following benefits:
· To educate business owners of the dangers associated with fire.
· To find and correct potential problems before an emergency situation occurs.
· To update emergency access keys in the Knox Box.
· To update the emergency contact information which is stored in the fire dispatch computers.
· To provide fire fighters knowledge of buildings their construction attribute.
Fire Inspection Process
What is the Fire Inspection Process?
· Fire inspectors will advise the business owner of their presence before inspecting the occupancy.
· Fire inspections are conducted during business hours unless otherwise requested.
· Fire inspectors will explain the inspection process to the occupant.
· Fire inspectors will require access to all areas of the occupancy.
· Fire inspectors will ask the occupant to accompany them to all areas during the inspection.
· Fire inspectors will request the occupants to fill out an “Emergency Information Sheet”.
· Upon Completion of the inspection, the Fire Inspector will explain any violations noted, and the corrective actions that will need to be taken in compliance with the Fire Code.
· A copy of the inspection form will be left with the occupant. If no violations are found, the business will not be inspected again till the following year.
· If violations are found, the inspector will return after 15 days to do a follow up inspection.
Top Ten Common Violations
1) Exit Signs not functioning properly, Exit signs must
illuminate on AC & DC power.
2) Emergency lighting not functioning properly. Emergency
lights shall illuminate during loss of AC power.
3) Keys in KNOX box do not provide
access to building.
4) Fire extinguishers are the incorrect size. The fire code requires
fire extinguishers to be a 4a60bc classification with a current certification tag.
5) Improper storage near electrical and heating equipment. All storage shall be at
least 3’ away from appliances.
6) Improper use of extension cords. Extension cords
are for temporary use. If permanent wiring is needed consult a licensed electrician.
7) Storage to close to the ceiling. Storage shall be 24” from the ceiling and 18”
from a sprinkler head.
8) Missing ceiling tiles. All ceilings shall be continuous.
9) Exposed outlets and wiring. All out lets or electrical boxes shall have covers
in place.
10) Obstructed fire alarm pull stations. The fire alarm pull station must
be accessible at all times
The Crete Township Fire Protection District requests that all business in the district have a Knox Box Key Vault. Homeowners can also purchase a Knox Box for their home if they wish.
A Knox box is used for firefighters to gain access to a building, if a key holder is not available in case of an emergency. This will allow the firefighter to enter the building using the owners keys which have been placed in a secure key vault on the building. The Knox Box is a secure box made of thick steel (same type of metal safes are made with), which is mounted to the front of your home or business. The fire department is the only agency which has the ability to access these keys by using the departments master key, which is electronically secured in the fire engine and can only be released by a special radio signal sent by our dispatch center upon request.
If you would like more information, please contact our station at (708) 672-
Public Education
And
Public Awareness
Public Family and Friends CPR Classes are now available free to the residents of
the Crete Township Fire Protection District. If you are interested in taking a class,
please contact Captain Don Radtke at (708) 672-
We are current accepting applications for new cadets.
The Crete Township fire Protection District performs annual fire inspections on every business in the district. The following are some of the more common things we find that need to be addressed by most businesses:
Address Signs / Numbers
Is there one present and can it be seen
Sprinkler Systems
Are all connections accessible, valves working and at proper height
Fire Extinguishers
Proper amount in location based on your fire load, are they charged and is the inspection up to date
Utility Shut Offs
Where they are located and are they accessible so they can be shut off in case of an emergency
Electrical
Too many extension cords being used / too long of cords being used / too small of cords being used, inoperable emergency / exit lights,easy and open access to main electrical panel
Emergency Exits
All doors are clearly marked, free from obstructions and are unlocked
Will County Regulations Concerning Controlled Burning
Please follow the link to the Will County Regulation concerning open burning. If
you still have any questions, please contact our fire department at 708-