To help ensure the safety of all residents and property, there are fire safety codes that all must adhere to. When a new occupant moves into an apartment, private residence, or business, the property must be inspected by the Fire Prevention Bureau to ensure all fire safety codes are met.

Elmwood Park’s Interim Fire Official offers a good general reminder for all residents:
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are placed in proper areas (in hallway near bedrooms, on first floor away from kitchen, at bottom of stairs of the basement and if there is any storage in attic). Test all alarms weekly and change detectors’ batteries when you change your clocks. Location requirements can be found in the forms under “Residential Smoke-CO-Fire Extinguisher Requirements”

As winter approaches and barbecue season ends.  DO NOT store propane tanks inside the house or garage.  They should be stored and secured outside at least 5 feet away from a window, door or structure.  NEVER store them in a trunk of a car or closed van.  

The holiday season is just around the corner and many of our homes and businesses will be decorated.  Make sure that all wiring and accessories do not overload your electrical outlets.  Limit the use of extension cords.  Every electrical device must be UL listed with a label on them or don't use them.

Keep all combustible materials far away from a heat source or open flame.

Never leave lit candles unattended ... EVER!

If you have not change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide batteries recently, DO IT NOW, and do it every time you change clocks.

Business owners and property managers:

Contact the Interim Fire Official at 201-796-1457 x221 for a Knox Box application, at this time you need a signed application form the fire official, but soon you will be able to order directly on line.  These boxes are mounted on the exterior of the building and contain entry keys for fire department access; they are required by local ordinance.

For additional information or concerns about fire safety, call the Interim Fire Official at 201-796-1457 x221.