The Fire and Burglar Alarm Monitoring System
Establishes and promotes recognized professional standards for fire agencies.
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Features a three-part plan. It shows you how to prepare, what to do during a disaster, and how to recover.Fire Prevention
The Park Ridge Fire Prevention Bureau works to prevent the loss of life and property from fire and explosion. The bureau inspects existing commercial, institutional, and multifamily residential buildings to check for fire and life safety hazards. It also reviews plans for new buildings and conducts site inspections to assure new buildings are built in conformance with fire codes and standards. Finally, the Fire Prevention Bureau oversees the fire department's public education programs.
The Fire Prevention Bureau conducts regular fire and life safety inspections of existing buildings to assure compliance with the fire code and accepted safety standards. The City of Park Ridge has adopted the 2006 version of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council. The city also has adopted the 2000 version of the Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. During an inspection, the inspector walks through the building with the owner or his representative and checks for such things as electrical or heating system problems, improperly stored combustibles and flammable liquids, blocked exits, and other hazards. The inspector also checks to make sure that emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler systems have been properly tested and maintained.
The Fire Prevention Bureau also conducts inspections of private residences upon request. These inspections are voluntary and homeowners can accept or ignore the recommendations made by the inspector. A special note: the fire department will provide free smoke detectors to resident's age 65 or older.
When plans for new buildings are submitted to the building department, drawings are forwarded to the Fire Prevention Bureau for review. The bureau is responsible for the proper installation of fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems as well as special fire suppression systems such as restaurant hood and duct systems. Fire Prevention Bureau personnel will review the construction documents to assure the proposed project meets the current codes and standards. They will then conduct site visits and to assure that systems are installed correctly and to answer any questions the building owner or contractors may have. Upon completion of the project, the Fire Prevention Bureau will conduct a final inspection of the property and test all fire safety systems.
Since March of 2001, the City of Park Ridge has required all new construction to have fire sprinklers. This requirement also includes new single-family homes. Park Ridge was the seventh community in Illinois to require residential sprinklers. Now there are more than thirty communities in the state that require them. Residential fire sprinklers are a new technology, and many new homebuyers as well as architects and homebuilders are unfamiliar with these systems. This lack of familiarity combined with the surge in new home building keeps Fire Prevention Bureau personnel busy conducting site visits and answering contractor questions. Bureau personnel also meet with new homeowners to explain the operation of the sprinklers.
The Fire Prevention Bureau coordinates the department's many public education programs. The fire department conducts a school fire education program, CPR and first aid classes, car seat checks, a fire explorer program, fire extinguisher training, and other community programs. The Fire Prevention Bureau has set up a hotline for information on its various public education programs. The hotline information number is 847-318-5313.
A firefighter, fire lieutenant, and a part-time civilian fire inspector staff the Fire Prevention Bureau. The bureau operates out of the south side fire station, Station 35, located at 901 W Devon. Hours of operation are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. To contact the bureau, please call 847-318-5312, or you can e-mail them at jsorense@parkridgefd.org.
Fire Department Building Requirements
Fire Prevention Bureau Useful Information
- Low Exit Sign Information
- FAQ’s
- Maintaining Fire Protection Systems
- Outdoor Cooking Safety
- Residential Sprinkler Article
- Sprinkler Pipe In Cold Space
- Fire Prevention Bureau Annual Inspection Form
- Violation Explanations
- Key Box Waiver
Fire Prevention Bureau Policies
- Residential Sprinklers--Closets Exceptions
- Residential Sprinklers--Cold Weather Flow Testing
- Residential Sprinklers—Cold Spaces
- Residential Sprinklers—Water Meter Connections
- Retro-fitting Sprinkler Systems In Commercial and Institutional Buildings
- Residential Sprinklers/Permit Process
- City of Park Ridge Sprinkler Requirements