Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Fire Marshal
Barbara Koffron

In the New Year, I resolve…

January kicks off the New Year and many of us make New Year resolutions. Often times I start the year with the best of intentions but fall back to my old bad habits by February. To counter my own nature I make a list of a half a dozen projects to do once and be done with. I don’t disappoint myself and I have accomplished something. If I can do that again in February with a new list, I’m pretty happy with myself.

If you think this would work for you; here are some projects that will make you safer in your homes and businesses.

• If you haven’t changed the battery in your smoke alarm in the last 12 months, do it now.
  
• Develop and practice a home escape plan. Make sure everyone can get out of the house and knows where to meet when the smoke alarm sounds.
  
  Post your address on your home and business so emergency responders can find you quickly. Make sure that you can easily see your address from the street.
  
  
• If you are protected in your place of business by fire protection systems that have not been serviced in the last year, call your service provider and make an appointment. In the City of Phoenix, companies that service fire protection systems are required to have a permit to do business from the Fire Department. Ask to see proof of compliance or call the Fire Prevention office at (602) 262-6771 for a list of approved contractors.
  
  
• January and February can be two of Valley’s wettest months. If you have roof drains, gutters or rain-spouts, clean them out to avoid problems during a storm. Flat roofs will collapse under the weight of water if not properly drained.
  
• Clear weeds and brush from your yard and washes. There should be 30 feet of clear space between buildings and natural vegetation.