PreventionInfo

	Smoke Detectors
Our department's goal is to have a working smoke detector in every home. The first step in this program is our smoke detector city ordnance that requires every home to have a properly placed and functioning smoke detector before a change of ownership, and before the title work is completed. This city ordinance also requires wired in smoke detectors in all multi-family residential apartments of three or more units. But, this still leaves many homes unprotected, so the Beech Grove Lions Club is assisting us by providing smoke detectors and batteries. They are either loaned or given to those residences we respond to in an emergency, who do not have functioning smoke detectors in place. We intend not to leave any home that we have responded to in an emergency without a functional smoke detector. To schedule a smoke detector inspection please call Fire Headquarters between 8am-4pm weekdays at 782-4940. There is no charge for this inspection.
	No Open Burning
Open burning is prohibited in the city. No burning of leaves or rubbish on any Public or Private land. (City Ordinance, 94.266) The Fire Department can issue a special permit to those wishing to have a wiener roast or hog roast between the times of 6am to midnight. There is no cost for this permit and no burning after midnight unless authorized by the Fire Chief. You can obtain one by coming to the Headquarters Fire Station at 330 E. Churchman Ave. between 8am and 8pm daily. This permit may not to be issued at times due to the weather or neighborhood concerns. You may want to call ahead to see if someone will be at the station for you to pick up this permit at 782-4940.
	Learn Not To Burn
The Beech Grove Fire Department has long been active in our schools. We are actively teaching the children in our city, ways to protect themselves from the dangers of fire and the skills to help others. Starting in the 1996-97 school year, the fire department implemented the National Fire Protection Associations "Learn Not To Burn" program in all the public and private schools in Beech Grove. It is presented to kindergarten through third grade, and it teaches young children to protect themselves from the dangers of fire and burns. It teaches them that matches and lighters are tools and not toys. This year alone, we will be presenting this program to nearly 900 students. We know of no better way to protect our children from the tragedy of fire.
	Middle School CPR
We continue to teach fire safety and CPR to all eighth grade students at the Beech Grove Middle School. Click here for Program Information. This program has directly resulted in lives being saved, thanks to these students performing CPR in emergency situations prior to our arrival. 2002 pictures, 2004 pictures
	High School EMT Course
The fire department is preparing for its 7th year in being involved with teaching an Emergency Medical Technician Course at the Beech Grove High School, as a full-year class for credit. This program presents selected high school students with the opportunity to obtain a marketable skill as a State Certified Emergency Medical Technician. It is a very valuable skill to take to the job market upon graduation from high school.
	Knox Box
The Beech Grove Fire Department promotes the use of Knox Boxes for area businesses. Although initiated for businesses a growing number of private residences are using them. Loaner boxes are also available for resident's who may have medical problems who stay home alone, which would allow us to get to them quicker. A Knox Box is a " Key Safe " which is located outside the structure. The property owner places a key (s) to his property into this safe and the Fire Department using its own special secured key can open this box to obtain the properties key (s). This allows the fire department to gain entry into the structure with minimum damage and increased speed. These benefits alone can quickly outweigh the expenditure of the safe. To find out more about them you can go to their web site, The Knox Company.
	Fire Inspections
The Beech Grove Fire Department inspects businesses within our city for fire safety issues. We inspect businesses to improve safety to the customers, employees, and firefighters responding to an emergency. The State Fire Codes are the guidelines for these inspections. To schedule an inspection of your business please contact the Fire Department's Injury Prevention Bureau at 782-4940. The Injury Prevention Division has now instituted a Self-Inspection Program for small business that you can now do On-Line and it provides you a general idea of what an Injury Prevention Officer looks for to improve every ones safety.
	Fireworks and Summer Activities
Legal fireworks in our city are ones that do not leave the ground or explode. To sell class "C" fireworks in our city you need to obtain a permit from City Hall, which cost $276 and have a State permit. Fireworks are the leading cause of injuries in our country. See more summer safety tips. Ten states have banned all consumer fireworks—Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Other states allow only specific types of fireworks. OTHER RESOURCES: National Council on Fireworks Safety http://www.fireworksafety.com American Pyrotechnic Association http://www.americanpyro.com Click on the Directory of State Laws to find out what fireworks are legal in our state.
	Christmas Tree Safety
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires each year in the United States. And about 6,200 people are treated each year for injuries related to Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Click here for information on selecting, decorating, placement, and disposal of the trees.