After A Fire

There are a lot of emotions in play after an incident. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross has made available informational packets indicating items that will need to be taken care of after an incident occurs. This includes items needing to be acquired, people to contact and the reminder to contact your insurance company as soon as you can. This also includes information on how your insurance company can obtain a fire report if needed. We have added the Fire Escrow Ordinance to allow for an easier way of informing the insurance company that it is in place. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call. We will do our best to provide information and answer any questions you may have.

U.S. Fire Administration After the Fire is a document that discusses what to expect, next steps, and the first days of recovery.

• After the Fire

The American Red Cross has put together this pamphlet titled Picking Up the Pieces After a Fire which discusses the Important Steps for Your Safe and Speedy Recovery

• Picking up the Pieces After the Fire

Request for Fire Report

An incident report may be requested in writing with the correct fee attached. The fee is noted in the Township Fee Schedule. This would be the incident response with no investigative information.

A Fire Marshal investigative report is only available by SUBPOENA.

Fire Escrow Ordinance

• Fire Escrow Ordinance

Fire Safety Inspection

Every commercial property must be inspected annually. This provides a basic understanding and a list of things included in performing a fire and life safety inspection. During the inspection a list of code violations will be noted that may need correcting. The list will be issued to the location representative present at the time of the inspection. A period of time will be established for the repairs to be completed, with additional time available if deemed necessary. Re- inspections will be performed, and a revised Fire and Life Safety Inspection Report will be issued once all items have been corrected and full compliance is achieved. All reports for the fire protection systems, extinguishers, hood systems and hood cleanings are just a few things that must be entered into the Brycer Compliance Engine Software.

• Fire Safety Inspection Instructions
• Fire Alarm Systems, Sprinkler Systems and Kitchen Hood Systems Information Sheet
• Fire Extinguishers Information sheet
• Emergency Lighting and Exist Signs Information Sheet
• Brycer Compliance Engine Program Information Sheet
• Knox Box Information Sheet
• Fire Safety Inspection and Operational Permit Payment Reminder Letter

Fireworks

Every year numerous fires occur, and numerous injuries are reported from the use of fireworks. Fireworks are only allowed in areas where the required clear distance is available. The Township map shows the required 150-foot buffer zone and is available for review. There shall be no fireworks used in the 150-foot buffer zone.

If an organization would like to plan a fireworks display, an operational permit is required. The following information will be required; insurance information, site plan information, the fireworks company information with picture identifications and fall out plans, audience areas and safety zones.

There shall be no sky lanterns used anywhere in the Township.

• Fire Works 150 Foot Building Buffer Map

Food Trucks

Food trucks and food trailers need an Operational Permit and need to be inspected. The proper extinguishers, suppressions systems, exhaust systems and fuels must be in place. All extinguishers and hood suppression systems must contain inspection tags and they must be current. The exhaust hoods must also contain a hood cleaning sticker and it too must be compliant. The Department of Agriculture license must be posted with the Food Safe Certificate.

• Food Truck Safety Sheet
• Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Sheet

Holiday Safety

This currently includes Christmas Tree and Christmas Decoration safety. Additional holiday safety information may be added in the future. Do not hesitate to call us if there are any concerns.

• Holiday Safety Tips

Hydrants and Cisterns

Cisterns shall be cleaned, and all sediment removed annually. During this cleaning, an inspection shall be conducted, and any items discovered during the inspection shall be corrected. The unit shall then be refilled.

Fire hydrants shall be subjected to periodic tests and shall always be maintained in an operative condition. Inspections shall be conducted annually and after each operation. The Flow Test and maintenance are required annually. Results from the annual maintenance and flow tests must be entered into the Brycer Compliance Engine Software.

The area around all hydrants and around all cistern connections must be clear from all obstructions. This includes the buildup of snow and ice. There shall be no parking in front of or at the hydrants or cistern connections.

• Private Hydrant Information Sheet
• Cistern Information Sheet

Lithium Ion Batteries

National Fire Protection Association Safety Bulletin which briefly goes over the problem with the lithium­ ion batteries, safety tips, signs of a problem and battery disposal. Lithium-ion Batteries supply power to many types of devices. Lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. Lithium­ ion batteries may fail due to physical damage, electrical damage, exposure to extreme temperatures and product defects. At any time, a problem is suspected or found with a lithium-ion battery, the fire department should be called. The fire department can assist with removal and ensure the occupants and the structure are safe.

• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Information Sheet

Operational Permits

The International Fire Code requires Operational Permits for the operations set forth in the Code. The application with the correct fee must be submitted. A review would be done which could include a site visit. The permit will then either be approved or denied. There could be notes associated with the approval which will need to be followed.

• Fire Operational Permit Application
• Open Burning – Recreational Fires – and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces Information Sheet
• Public Gathering Application

Preparedness

Fire Safety Preparedness is very important and should be taken seriously. This includes Evacuation Guides, Escape Plan and two ways out information. The fire department and/or the fire marshal’s office will visit your home to help you plan if you request it. The fire department currently checks smoke detectors and installs new ones if needed. They also check carbon monoxide and if needed install those too.

• High-Rise Apartment and Condominium Fire Safety Sheet
• Emergency Evacuation Guide for People with Disabilities
• Plan for Two Ways Out Document
• Close Before You Doze Safety Sheet
• Fire Escape Plan Grid

Tents

Tents (canopies) over 400 Square Feet require an Operational Permit from the International Fire Code. There shall be NO cooking under any size tent (canopies) including the use of any type of open flame or heating device unless the tent (canopies) has a fire rating which includes a tag being affixed to the tent (canopies). This might be a California Patch with the standards noted. Tents (canopies) must be staked in place and secured. There are also safety concerns with the pounding of the stakes in areas where buried items could exist such as electric, plumbing, or other underground items. The use of a tent (canopies) during inclement weather could cause the stakes to pull, poles to sink, and for the straps to become loose. This could end as a collapse. If there are sides added to the tent (canopies) exit signs and emergency lighting must be added. Fire extinguishers should be installed under all tents (canopies).

• How to Stake a Tent Correctly

Websites

Consumer Products Safety Commission

• www.cpsc.gov

National Fire Protection Association

• www.nfpa.org

Underwriters Laboratory

• www.ul.com
• www.ulsolutions.com

International Code Council

• codes.iccsafe.orq/codes/pennsylvania

Berks County Department of Emergency Services

• www.berkspa.gov/departments/emergency-services

Brycer Compliance Engine

• www.thecomplianceengine.com

FEMA

• www.usfa.fema.gov/index.html

Red Cross

• www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html
• www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emerqencies/types-of-emerqencies/fire.html
• www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emerqencies/types-of-emerqencies/fire/home-fire­-recovery.html

Ready.Gov Fire

• www.ready.gov/home-fires

Office Of The State Fire Commissioner Fire Safety

• www.osfc.pa.gov/safety/Paqes/default.aspx