1. When should I call 911?
First, 911 should only be used for true emergencies or public safety concerns. An example of this would be any time that there is an immediate risk of property damage or risk to human life or well being. If you do not have an emergency, you can call our non emergency number, (440) 235-3746.

2. How do I get a “Fire or Burning Permit”?
This is important for everyone to know. There is no open burning permitted in Olmsted Township. This is an EPA mandated County and the EPA does not permit open burning. Even though we are a Township, we are not exempt form EPA guidelines. There are a few exceptions to this rule however. The only fire permitted is for cooking purposes, and for construction sites to stay warm. Cooking fires have to be less than 3’x3’x3’. If we are called to your residence for open burning, these rules will be enforced. For a first offense, you will be issued a written warning. First offenses are permanent records that are kept on file in a computer data base at the Fire Department. This is not a year to year warning. You will only receive one warning for as long as you reside in Olmsted Township. If we come to your residence a second time for open burning, you will receive a citation and subsequent fine. Any more than this and there may also be police involvement and more fines.

3. Will the Fire Department come to our house and fill our swimming pool?
No. We do not fill pools for resident. We can however provide you with a phone number for a water hauler, or you can pick up a “Permission to Use Hydrant” form from the Fire Department. The Cleveland Water Department requires that before you use a public fire hydrant, the quantity of water that is going to be used, needs to be paid for before hand. After the water is paid for, bring us the form and proper paperwork back. The Fire Department will then loan you a few sections of some extra fire hose and the necessary hydrant tools and connections to fill the pool yourself. After the pool is filled simply return the borrowed equipment back to the Fire Station. We will not allow people to cross streets with fire hose. If the hydrant is on the opposite side of the street, you will have to use another method to fill your pool.

4. Where should I place my smoke detectors?
Smoke detectors should ideally be placed on every floor of the residence and outside of every bedroom. If you need assistance mounting these detectors, call us and we can assist you.

5. How often should batteries be replaced in smoke detectors?
Batteries should be changed once every 6 months. The easiest way to remember this is to change all batteries at Daylight Savings Time. When you set your clocks, change your batteries.

6. What is the most important point I can make to my children about fire and fire safety?
First, teach them that fire is not a toy. Lighters and matches should not be used by children, but if they are, they should be used only in the presence of a responsible adult. Second, when you go to be bed at night, keep your door shut. This will give you a barricade between the smoke and fire, allowing the fire department more time to help you if you can not leave the house. Third, everyone should have a home escape plan. Write a fire escape plan with your entire family, and hold drills twice a year to make sure everyone can remember what to do. Have a meeting spot outside the residence where everyone is supposed to meet. The best time of year to practice this drill is when you change smoke detector batteries. If you would like help developing an escape plan, or have other questions about fire safety, please feel free to contact us. We also provide a “Juvenile Fire Setters” program for children who have been caught playing with fire.