Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention

About Fire Prevention

There are numerous steps that you and your family can take to prevent a fire. The following section provides tips and safety information on how to reduce and prevent fires.

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Fire Prevention Tips

Here are a few pointers from the St. Louis Park Fire Department. Upon request, firefighters will visit homes to advise you on where to place smoke detectors or how to create an evacuation plan. Call (952) 924-2171 for more information.

• Install a smoke detector in every bedroom, in the hallway outside of bedrooms, and on every level of your home (including attics and basements).
• Test your detectors every month, and change the batteries twice a year.
• Buy a fire extinguisher (rated 2A-10BC) for the kitchen. (Some insurance policies offer lower rates for homes with smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.)
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Avoid the use of extension cords. Use a fused power strip instead.
• Power strips should be equipped with overload protection.
• Periodically check electrical cords for insulation cracks.
• Have your furnace properly maintained and change filters regularly.
• Don't store boxes too close to the furnace or water heater: leave at least three feet of clearance.
• Keep lint from accumulating in your clothes dryer.
• If you have gas appliances, learn where the shut-off valves are and check to make sure they're operational.
• If you have an attached garage, make sure the firewall between the house and garage is in good condition.
• Properly install and maintain wood burning appliances.
• Light bulbs get very hot: keep clothes, curtains and papers away from them.
• Don't leave burning candles or oil lamps unattended.
• Teach children what a smoke detector sounds like and what to do if they hear the alarm.
• Teach children never to hide during a fire. Tell them to call for help if they can't escape.
• Prepare and practice a home evacuation plan in case of fire. Set a meeting place so you can be sure everyone is safe.

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Smoke Detectors, Fire Alarms & Doors

It's illegal for tenants to tamper with fire alarms or smoke detectors. Some detectors become overly sensitive to steam from bathroom showers, cooking, dust or cobwebs. If your smoke detector frequently sounds false alarms, don't disconnect or disable the detector! Instead, call your building caretaker or manager to have the detector repaired or...

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Warning Sirens

Please remember that sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors - not indoors. While sirens can be heard inside many homes, they cannot be made loud enough to be heard inside every home-especially when air conditioners and televisions are on. To increase the likelihood that you're alerted about dangerous weather conditions, you can buy...

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Home Emergency Kits

It'd be a rare Minnesota summer without at least one trip to the basement because of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning. The St. Louis Park Fire Department recommends you keep an emergency kit in your basement that contains:

• Flashlight
• Battery operated radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Candle and matches
• Pillow and blanket
• Snacks and beverages with a long shelf life
• Deck of cards, books, toys, etc.
• Notebook with your doctor's name and phone number, names of all family members and their blood types and special medical conditions. It should also list your homeowner's insurance policy number and agent's phone number.

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Is Your Address Visible on Your Home or Business?

Every second counts when you're waiting for a fire truck or ambulance. Please help police and firefighters find your home or business quickly: make sure your address numbers are easy to read.

Address numbers must be a minimum of 4 inches high with a minimum width of 0.5 inches. These numbers must contrast with their background. Also, garages facing alleys are required to have visible address numbers with the same requirements as the primary buildings.

Please contact the Inspections Department at 952-924-2588 with any questions.

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Home Health Hazards

Formaldehyde is found in adhesives used in fabricating carpet and rug backing, curtains and particle board. It has a pungent odor and is easily noticeable. Formaldehyde is generally considered a health hazard until the resins have totally cured. Once the adhesives have cured, the vapors are eliminated and the health threat is over as long as the...

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Fire Protection Advice

Upon request, firefighters will visit businesses to advise you on where to place smoke detectors, how to create an evacuation plan or whether to install a sprinkler system. For more information, contact Fire Marshal Cary Smith at

• (952) 924-2171
• csmith@stlouispark.org

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Proper Care Prevents Chimney Fires

Chimney fires caused about $1 million in damage in 2004 and made up 60 percent of all the heating-related fires in our state (257). Chimney fires can start with a low rumbling sound and then explode onto the roof or they can smolder silently inside the chimney and build up intense heat that ignites combustible materials nearby. Chimney fires are...

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