Our fire prevention and safety education programs work proactively to eliminate fire hazards before they become emergencies through community education, systematic fire inspections, and consistent enforcement of the Ohio Fire Code.
Community Education Programs
School & Daycare Fire Safety Education
Our department visits local schools and daycares each year to teach children essential fire safety skills. Our age-appropriate educational programs cover:
- Stop, drop, and roll techniques
- Crawling under smoke to escape safely
- “Close before you doze” – the importance of closing bedroom doors at night
- Knowing two ways out of every room and creating a family fire escape plan
Request a Visit: To schedule fire safety education for your school or daycare, please complete our public education activity request form found in the Forms section of our website.
Smoke Detector Program
Installation & Maintenance
Working smoke detectors save lives. We strongly recommend installing smoke detectors on every level of your home and in each bedroom.
Important Reminders:
- Change smoke detector batteries twice yearly (daylight saving time changes are good reminders)
- Test your smoke detectors once a month
- Replace smoke detectors every 10 years or according to manufacturer recommendations
Free Smoke Detector Installation
Through our partnership with the American Red Cross, we provide free installation of one smoke detector per level of your home.
Get Help: Contact us to schedule your free smoke detector installation appointment.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. Known as the “silent killer,” CO poisoning sends thousands of people to emergency rooms each year and causes hundreds of deaths nationwide.
What Produces Carbon Monoxide
CO is created when fuel-burning appliances and equipment don’t receive enough oxygen to burn completely. Common household sources include:
- Furnaces, water heaters, and boilers
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Fireplaces and wood stoves
- Portable generators
- Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
Prevention Tips
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas
- Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually
- Schedule annual inspections of all fuel-burning appliances by qualified technicians
- Never use generators, grills, or camping stoves indoors or in garages
- Never leave vehicles running in attached garages, even with the door open
- Keep vents and chimneys clear of snow, debris, and bird nests
Warning Signs of CO Poisoning
- Headache, dizziness, and nausea
- Confusion and fatigue
- Chest pain and shortness of breath
- Flu-like symptoms without fever
If Your CO Detector Sounds
- Get outside immediately and call 911
- Don’t re-enter until emergency responders confirm it’s safe
- Seek medical attention if anyone shows symptoms of CO poisoning
Remember: You cannot see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO detectors are your only protection against this deadly gas.
Home Heating Safety Guidelines
When temperatures drop, many households rely on various heating sources for warmth and comfort. While these systems are essential, they can present fire hazards if not properly maintained and operated. Follow these critical safety guidelines to protect your family and property.
Fireplace Safety
Fireplaces provide warmth and ambiance but require careful attention to prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified professional
- Never leave a fire unattended or go to sleep with a fire burning
- Use only seasoned hardwood and keep the fireplace screen closed while burning
- Maintain a three-foot safety zone around the fireplace – keep furniture, decorations, and other combustible materials away
Portable and Space Heater Safety
Space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires. Proper placement and operation are essential for safe use.
- Choose heaters with safety features such as tip-over switches and automatic shut-offs
- Place on level, hard surfaces away from foot traffic
- Maintain at least three feet of clearance on all sides
- Plug directly into wall outlets – never use extension cords or power strips
- Turn off and unplug when leaving the room or going to sleep
Wood Stove Safety
Wood stoves generate intense heat and require proper installation and maintenance to operate safely.
- Ensure professional installation with proper clearances from combustible materials
- Have the chimney and stovepipe inspected and cleaned annually
- Use only dry, seasoned wood – never burn garbage, treated lumber, or other materials
- Store cold ashes in a metal container outside, away from buildings and combustible materials
Emergency Action: If you suspect a fire or carbon monoxide leak, evacuate immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
Open Burning
Effective September 1, 1999, Howland Township does not issue burning permits.
Following a comprehensive review of Ohio EPA regulations, the Township Trustees determined that open burning is prohibited within our jurisdiction. Under state regulations, Howland Township is classified as a restricted area, defined as any area within corporation limits and extending one mile beyond any municipal corporation with a population exceeding 10,000 residents.
What’s Permitted
Recreational fires are allowed when conducted in strict compliance with Ohio EPA regulations:
- Campfires must not exceed 2 feet in height by 3 feet in width
- Fire containment is required (fire ring or properly cleared area to prevent spread)
- Water or extinguishing materials must be readily available at all times
- Constant supervision by a responsible adult is mandatory
- Barbecues and outdoor cooking are permitted under normal safety practices
Report Illegal Burning
If you observe someone burning prohibited materials such as:
- Garbage or household waste
- Rubber products
- Plastic materials
- Other non-permitted substances
Call 911 immediately. Our staff will respond to evaluate the fire and ensure Ohio EPA laws are being followed.
Important: For burning violations and emergencies, always call 911. Please do not call the fire station’s non-emergency line for these matters, as it may delay our response time and compromise public safety.