Fire Department FAQ’s

Since 2010, NY State Law has required every home having an attached garage or other source of carbon monoxide such as oil or gas burning heating equipment or a gas stove, to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors installed outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

As of April 1, 2019, NY State Law is requiring all existing homes to be equipped with 10-year sealed non-removable battery operated smoke detectors, or with a hard-wired interconnected smoke detection system.  The smoke detectors must be located in every bedroom or other room used for sleeping purposes, in the hallway adjacent to those rooms, and one smoke detector installed on every other level of the home including attics and basements.

There is no permitting requirement for installing battery operated devices, however a permit is required to install a line or low voltage, hard-wired interconnected smoke detection system.

Proper maintenance and venting all fuel burning appliances is crucial. Examples are your furnace, hot water heater, dryers and fireplaces. Never leave a car running in attached garages even with the garage door opening. Never run gas power tools or engines inside.

Any fuel burning appliance is a potential source of CO if not properly maintained, vented and in poor working condition.

Initial symptoms are flu like but without the fever. Other signs include headaches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness which may seem to last for days. If CO is detected in your home, have everyone leave immediately and call the fire department and wait outside or at a neighbors home.

CO is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas.

The responsibility for maintaining fire hydrants unobstructed and accessible to the Fire Department lies with the contiguous property owner. If there is a fire hydrant in front of your home or property, it is your responsibility to maintain the hydrant such that it is accessible to the Fire Department at all times, and to remove all vegetation, snow, or debris within 36 inches of the fire hydrant. If you see a fire hydrant that is blocked by vegetation, snow, or debris, please contact the Building Department.