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1. Does the fire department install or check child safety seats?

Yes! The Fire Prevention Bureau installs and inspects installed child safety seats. The service is provided by appointment only, and is limited to residents of Liberty Township and the City of Powell. Contact Lt Tom Saunders to make schedule an appointment.

2. Does Liberty Township Fire Department change smoke detector batteries?

Yes! The Liberty Township Fire Department is happy to assist our residents who are unable change the batteries in their smoke detectors. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 740-938-2027 to request an appointment. For additional information visit our Residential Smoke Detector Information page.

3. Why does a fire engine come when I called for an ambulance?

In addition to fire protection, LTFD provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Like most fire departments across the nation, LTFD fire fighters are cross-trained as paramedics. This cross-training allows the department to dispatch the closest Advanced Life Support (ALS) apparatus to your emergency scene, this might be a fire truck depending on the availability of an ambulance.  Additionally, depending on the nature of the emergency, a fire truck may arrive with the ambulance to provide additional manpower.

All LTFD ALS apparatus can provide lifesaving measures such as oxygen, rescue breathing, CPR and advanced life support services including IVs, ECGs, and medication.

4. Why do fire trucks sometimes turn off their lights and sirens after going through an intersection?

Emergency apparatus use lights and sirens to warn the public and clear traffic while en-route to an emergency call. There is an element of risk every time an emergency apparatus drives through town with their lights and sirens on. When a fire department representative arrives on the scene and finds the situation is not as serious as they were led to believe, they will downgrade or cancel the rest of the fire department response. A downgrade means to have them slow down and continue without their lights and sirens, reducing the risk of firefighters and the public. This also reduces the disruption to normal traffic flow.

5. How do the Liberty Township fire fighters spend their days? Are they just sitting around waiting for emergencies?

It is important to remember, LTFD responds to far more than fires. The fire department responds to medical emergencies, hazardous materials responses and rescues and other emergency incidents. In addition to responding to emergency incidents, the fire department keeps busy with many other activities. When not responding to emergencies you may find us cleaning the fire station, checking our apparatus/tools, testing hose, taking training classes, conducting fire prevention activities such as building inspections and providing fire safety classes.

6. What is an “ISO” rating?

The ISO (Insurance Services Organization) is an advisory organization and the principal provider of rating and statistical information used by the insurance industry in the United States. Quality of public fire protection is one of the items of statistical information the ISO provides to the insurance industry. Liberty Township Fire Department was recently granted a rating of 4 out of 10, with 1 being the most desirable rating.

7. Does the Liberty Township Fire Department provide blood pressure checks?

Yes! If you need to have your blood pressure checked, stop by either fire station and one of our fire fighters will be happy to assist you.

8. What are the regulations for open burning?

Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and other enclosures designed for outdoor heating or cooking are permitted. When having an outdoor fire use only clean seasoned firewood. Material such as brush, construction debris, trash, and yard waste are not permitted to be burnt according to the Ohio EPA. Fires should only be started at a safe distance from any combustible materials, fires must be not be left unattended, and children and pets should be kept at a safe distance. For further information see the Ohio EPA “Before You Light It” informational bulletin.

9. How do I pick the correct type of extinguisher for my home?

The Liberty Township Fire Department recommends at least one, 5-10lb ABC extinguisher in the kitchen area. You may also consider a second 5-10lb ABC Type extinguisher for your garage. Mount extinguishers in a visible location, and be familiar with how to operate your extinguisher(s).

10. Why do I always see fire trucks at the local grocery store?

LTFD fire fighters work 24 hour shifts. During the shift, they cook lunch and dinner, and eat as a group. Fire fighters go to the grocery as a group so that they can (and often do) stop shopping, leave the grocery cart where it sits, and respond to the needs of the community.

Our firefighters are never far away from the engine or each other. They get no formal “breaks.” Even though they may be buying groceries, these firefighters are still available for 911 calls.

11. What do I do if I see a fire hydrant that is leaking?

The municipal water system in Delaware County is owned and maintained by DelCo Water. In some cases DelCo Water will leave a hydrant open to flush a new line or one that has been repaired. If you feel the fire hydrant should not be leaking, contact DelCo Water at 740-548-7746

12. Why aren’t the fire hydrants in my neighborhood red?

Fire hydrants in Liberty Township that are part of the DelCo Water system are painted red.  A fire hydrant that is painted green indicates that it is a private fire hydrant. When hydrants are new, they are yellow and will be painted in a timely manner.

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1. The fire extinguishers at my business are due for annual inspection, how do I get them inspected?

Fire extinguishers are required to be inspected annually by a certified fire extinguisher technician. See the link below for a list of technicians in our area.

Certified Fire Extinguisher Technicians

2. When is a Commercial Building Permit required?

A Commercial Building Permit is required if any of the following are being newly installed, changed or modified for any reason:

• Automatic Extinguishing Systems (Kitchen Hood Systems)
• Automatic Fire/Smoke Alarm Systems
• Cooking Exhaust Hood Systems
• Sprinklers, Fire Pumps and Standpipes
• Permanent or temporary Outdoor Tents
• Underground Fire Lines

Commercial Building Permit

3. I recently opened a new business in Liberty Township, do I need to contact the fire department?

Yes! The Liberty Township Fire Department is a principle stakeholder in the community, with the goal of keeping our businesses and residents as safe as possible. It is important to provide the fire department with contact information for your business, by filling out LTFD Business Contact Form and submitting it to the Fire Prevention Bureau.  The contact information can be used to contact business owners after hours in the event of an emergency. Maintaining an open dialogue between businesses and the fire department provides a safer environment for business owners, employees, and customers.

4. My smoke alarm is beeping every couple of minutes, can I call the fire department for help?

The Liberty Township Fire Department is happy to help any resident with a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or other fire system issue. Before you call for assistance, make sure the smoke/carbon monoxide alarm has a new battery installed. Most of the time a new battery will fix your issue. If the issued continues, call 911 and explain to the operator that this is not an emergency and that you simply need assistance with your smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. Many people are hesitant to use 911 in non-emergency situations, the fire engine will not respond with lights and sirens in non-emergency situations, and it is the best way to get ensure that the correct station and truck are dispatched to your address. 

5. I have high ceilings in my house and cannot reach the smoke alarms to change the batteries, who can I call?

If you don’t have a ladder tall enough to reach your smoke alarms, or you are unable or uncomfortable climbing a ladder, we can help. The Liberty Township Fire Prevention Bureau is happy to change your batteries for you. You can contact us at 740-938-2027 to schedule a time for someone to assist you or fill out a Residential Smoke Alarm Assistance Request. 

6. I recently changed the locks on the doors at my business, who do I contact to update the key in the KnoxBox?

Contact the Liberty Township Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

740-938-2027

Email Fire Prevention

7. My building has a sprinkler system, what are the maintenance requirements?

A properly maintained sprinkler system will provide years of worry free fire protection. Fire Sprinkler systems are regulated by the Ohio Fire Code and NPFA 13. The items listed below will keep your system in good shape and it will comply with the Ohio Fire Code and NFPA 13.

• Weekly/monthly inspection of gauges depending on system. (dry, pre-action, deluge and wet systems) (Building Owner or Tenant)
• 3-month inspection of alarm devices, hydraulic nameplate and fire department connections. (Building Owner or Tenant)
• 1-year inspection of buildings, hanger/seismic bracing, pipe, fittings and sprinklers.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
• 1-year inspections and testing of control valves, alarm switches, gauges, backflow preventer, anti-freeze loops, fire department connections, and visible piping.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
• 1-year inspection and trip test of dry, pre-action, and deluge systems.(Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
• 5-year inspection of hoses, containers, and piping. (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
• 5-year standpipe testing. (including dry standpipe hydrostatic testing) (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)
• 5-year internal pipe inspections & obstruction investigations. (Licensed Sprinkler Contractor)

8. I am a restaurant owner, how often is my kitchen hood suppression system required to be serviced?

If a fire is going to start, it’s likely to start in a kitchen. Yet many business owners let their kitchen facilities go under-protected from fire, leaving their employees, customers, and properties vulnerable. Proper maintenance of appliances and a clean kitchen will greatly decrease the risk of fire.

A kitchen hood suppression system is required by the Ohio Fire Code to be:

• Inspected every 6 months
• 6 month blow-out test (NFPA Required)
• 12 year hydrostatic test