Code Enforcement

The department currently has 14 state-certified fire safety inspectors who conduct annual inspections of all public buildings within the city. The inspectors utilize the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Basic Building Code to ensure that all occupancies used by the public are free of fire hazards. In addition, the inspectors work closely with the Summit County Department of Building Standards in reviewing fire detection and suppression plans for new or updated systems. It is the intention of this department to work with the business owners and to educate them in the recognition of unsafe conditions, and the actions needed to correct these hazards, to maintain a fire-safe environment for their customers and employees.

Public Education

Every year the Prevention Bureau goes to all of the elementary schools within the city to educate our children on the hazards of fire and to teach them how to be fire safe. This is done via the use of the Fire Safety Trailer, assemblies, and by interaction with both students and teachers. We also try to motivate the children with contests and take-home projects in order to involve parents and siblings. This way we not only reach our students, but also, we educate those at home.

The community has also excelled in the Annual Safety Artwork Poster Contest that is sponsored by the State of Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services. Since our participation began in 1999, no city, village, or township within the State of Ohio has had more children win prizes than ours. This contest is important because it educates our kids regarding ways to prevent injuries before they occur.

Throughout the year, we participate in a variety of activities in conjunction with civic groups located within our community. In addition, members of the fire department conduct tours of Station #1.

Car Seat Safety

Over 85% of all child passenger safety seats in our area are installed incorrectly. Your fire department recognized this as a problem that could be corrected through education. Several of its members are certified Car Seat Inspectors. They are able to safely and properly install car seats, to check for hazards in existing seats and to teach parents to install their seats properly. If you are interested in having a car seat installed, or if you have a question about an existing seat, please call the fire department for an appointment.

CPR Classes

The New Franklin Fire Department has six CPR instructors who conduct classes at various times of the year. Some of these classes are for special groups; however, public classes are offered as well. If your group is interested in holding a CPR class, please contact us. All public classes will be publicized in the local newspaper and will be announced at city council meetings. The fire department also speaks to the freshmen health classes at Manchester High School, annually, as part of a CPR awareness program recently added to their curriculum.

Department Activity

The department responds to over 1600 calls per year. Requests for emergency medical assistance constitute 74% of the department's responses, followed by public service calls, which make up 16% of the overall responses. Fire responses account for the remaining 10% of the department's total annual calls.