Additional Fire Prevention Resources
Arson Awareness Week
Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Gas Tubing (CSST)
National Fire Prevention Week Theme
Fire Safety Education Resources
Fire Extinguisher Information
KnoxBox Information
Arson Awareness Week
The U.S. Fire Administration is pleased to announce the theme for the Arson Awareness Week - "Preventing Arson at Construction Sites." For more information, visit their website at www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/arson_awareness
Flexible Corrugated Stainless Steel Gas Tubing (CSST)
Norwich Township in cooperation with the National Association of Fire Marshals urges all property owners with buildings and homes constructed after 1989 with yellow CSST installed to have the tubing checked for proper bonding and grounding. All are encouraged to have these systems checked by a qualified and licensed electrician.
Yellow CSST is a flexible metal gas tubing used in many homes and buildings since 1989. It is used to supply natural gas or propane to furnaces, water heaters and/or other gas appliances. We urge caution that you do not confuse yellow CSST with the flexible appliance connectors used in many homes.
Direct or indirect lightning strikes involving a structure have been shown to cause an electrical current to travel into the structure and upon reaching yellow CSST tubing, have in some cases caused a perforation in the sidewall of the tubing as it arcs to another metallic system seeking ground. This arcing can ignite the pressurized gas leaking from the perforation and in some cases has caused a significant fire.
The equipotential bonding of metallic systems in a structure reduces the likelihood of electrical arcing between those systems. Therefore, since 2009, new or modified installations of CSST have been required to meet the specifications for bonding and grounding as stated in the 2009 NFPA-54 National Fuel Gas Code (sec. 7.13.2) and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
Although previous installations of yellow CSST prior to 2009 were installed to code requirements at the time of their installation, it is recommended these systems be checked for proper grounding to meet the current building codes and manufacturer’s requirements and ultimately to enhance your safety. Licensed electrical contractors should be contacted to make the correct determination on proper bonding of the system. Costs associated with performing this inspection and potential repair vary between service companies. It is suggested to compare prices for this service before selecting a company to perform a safety check of your system.
For additional information, please go to www.CSSTSafety.com.
The following manufacturer’s links may be referenced in order to determine the manufacturer’s installation requirements:
www.wardmfg.com
www.gastite.com
www.tracpipe.com
www.tru-flex.com
www.metalfab.com
National Fire Prevention Week Theme
Fire Prevention Week for 2021 is October 3-9!This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm flashes or makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.
Fire Safety Education Resources
Discussing a Fire Safety Plan with your children is an important step in keeping your family safe in the event of a fire emergency. Our Fire & Safety Activity Book provides a fun and safe opportunity for parents or guardians to talk about the safety tips and facts that are included in it. If you need more information or have questions, call your local fire department, who will be glad to help.
The National Fire Protection Association offers a variety of educational resources. Their site provides a number of tip sheets and activity sheets for kids. Find them at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education.
Fire Extinguisher Information
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
The Norwich Township Fire Department recommends the PASS technique while using a fire extinguisher:
PULL the Safety Pin – AIM the nozzle – SQUEEZE the handles together – SWEEP from side to side.
Click HERE for video instructions presented by Norwich Township Fire Inspector Daryl Miller.
For more detailed information on the proper use of fire extinguisher refer to the Guide for Usage of Portable Fire Extinguishers from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal at https://www.com.ohio.gov/documents/fire_GuideToFireExtinguishers.pdf
KnoxBox Information
What is a KnoxBox?
The KnoxBox Rapid Entry System is a secure emergency access program developed for property owners and fire departments. When a fire breaks out or there is an emergency, the Knox Box Rapid Entry System allows firefighters and paramedics immediate entry into buildings and property without forced entry damage or delay. KnoxBoxes can be placed on a home or business.
KnoxBox for Business KnoxBox for Residential KnoxBox for Home
How do I order a KnoxBox?
For a residential KnoxBox, visit https://www.knoxbox.com/ and select your local fire department: Norwich Township Fire Department, Hilliard, Ohio. Select the KnoxHome Box and add to cart. Fill out installation address and purchase. Once purchased, contact the Norwich Township Fire Department at 614-876-3331 to schedule to have your keys locked in the box and to answer any questions you might have.
The KnoxBox should be installed at the front entrance of a structure. Anytime the door locks are changed or re-keyed, the property owner should notify the Norwich Township Fire Department to place a new key in the box.
For a commercial KnoxBox, visit https://www.knoxbox.com/Products/Commercial-KnoxBoxes and follow the above instructions. The cost varies depending on the selection of the KnoxBox.
Is a KnoxBox required?
A KnoxBox is required for a commercial business with an automatic fire alarm (per Section 506 OFC). A Residential KnoxBox is only recommended but not required.
For more information concerning the Knox Company, visit their website at www.knoxbox.com or contact the Norwich Township Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 614-876-3331.