My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency and the documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector to be sure what you do won’t prevent the detector from doing its job. Also, never hang anything from a detector.

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1. What number do I call for an emergency?
2. How can I get Southside Fire Department at my Block Party?
3. Where should a Fire Extinguisher be placed in the home?
4. Are fireworks legal to discharge in the City of Southside?
5. My home has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
6. My building has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
7. The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?
8. What code does the City of Southside Fire Department use?
9. My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
10. Our alarm system keeps going off unintentionally, isn't there something I can do about this?
11. When I need a permit, whom do I call?
12. What if I smell gas in my home?
13. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detector?
14. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents - more lanes than are necessary?
15. Why do firefighters get upset when you drive over fire hoses?
16. What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me when driving?
17. My smoke detector or Carbon Monoxide detector is chirping, what does that mean?
18. Does the Fire Department fill fire extinguishers?
19. Why do firefighters break out windows and cut holes in the roof during a fire?