Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction

The intent of the ROSELLE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU is to save lives and prevent destruction to property by preventing fires and/or accidents.  Through education, engineering, and code enforcement, the Bureau’s focus includes conducting plan reviews prior to a building being constructed, conducting various types of fire inspections, and addressing complaints of unsafe conditions in public areas.

Fire can happen to anyone, at any time. There is much that can be done to lessen these incidents and increase your survival. Begin by going through your home and look for misuse of extension cords; spliced electrical cords; open flames near combustibles; combustible items near the stove or water heater; and:

Have working smoke detectors on each level of your home, and change the batteries every 6 months.  When you change your clock, change your battery. 

Have a home escape plan and practice it with your family.  Plan two ways out of each room in your home, and plan to meet at a pre-determined location. 

Sleep with bedroom doors closed. A closed door can suppress fire for 10-15 minutes.  A solid core door, such as between the garage and the house can hold fire back for much longer. 

Have a multi-purpose (ABC Type) fire extinguisher, and learn how to use it. 

When using any heat-producing devices such as a stove, grill, or fireplace, never leave it unattended. Something unexpected can always happen. Never discard hot ashes, hose down ashes before throwing them out. 

If you allow smoking in your house, use deep ashtrays and run water over ashes before throwing them out. 

Never leave a candle unattended, check the stability of the candle often.

Consider a video surveillance system. 

Keep exterior lights in working order and lit during the evening hours. Lights with motion sensors are a great investment.

Even when you are out of town, make sure your yard is tended to and kept neat. Don't leave yard refuse or yard waste near the structure of the home.  Do not store firewood along the structure of the home.  Keep this inside a shed or inside the garage. 

Be a good neighbor. Good neighbors will watch out for your home and can report suspicious activity to the police. 

If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, CALL 911. 

Use a commercial dumpster if you are working on a home renovation project, make sure the dumpster is not placed close to the home.  Debris should also be placed in the dumpster and not obstruct the top of the dumpster, if at all possible. 

If possible, park your vehicles in the garage.

Even with proper precautions, fire / accidents do happen. Have an inventory of all of your possessions, room by room, (including photographs) listing the date purchased and cost. This will be vital for any insurance settlement. If you are a renter, consider getting renter's insurance. It is a small investment for the many possessions that you have acquired.