Tasks of the Fire Prevention Officer
TOWN OF HULL
OFFICE OF FIRE PREVENTION
253 ATLANTIC AVE.
HULL, MA 02045
CAPTAIN Roy W. Ahlquist III
rahlquist@town.hull.ma.us
TEL: 781-9251350
FAX: 781-925-2228
The goal of fire prevention is to preserve the safety of its residents and the resources of the community from the effects of fire. Hull Fire Departments fire prevention office follows a simple acronym when it comes to preventing fires. The “three E’s of fire prevention”
Engineering- buildings that are designed and built to resist the spread of fire
Education- by teaching the community how to prevent fires and what to do in case of a fire is the key to being successful for fire prevention
Enforcement- Enforcing fire codes, laws and life safety issues when building are designed, during construction and when the structure is completed.
Interacting With People
There is no doubt the key to success in every aspect of life is the ability to effectively communicate and deal with the public. The Fire Prevention Officer has an opportunity to educate the public on important safety issues while performing the inspection. When constructed correctly, a fire inspection is as much a public fire education program as it is a code enforcement program.
The Scope of Inspections:
The variety of properties a fire prevention officer is responsible for inspecting is extensive. There are a multitude of codes and hazards that he/she must be familiar with. By working closely with the building department, the officer ensures that properties are constructed to provide the occupants with the utmost safety. This is accomplished by reviewing plans and visiting the sites during and after construction. After the building is occupied he/she regularly inspects the property to ensure that it is being used as it was intended and within the design parameters. Code enforcement is part of the responsibilities of the fire prevention officer. However; a more productive way to ensure the public’s safety is to educate in ways to control hazards, evacuate properly, and to understand overall fire safety.
Plan Review for New Construction
The office of fire prevention works closely with the building department reviewing all plans for construction. The advantage of this cooperative relationship is it enables the fire department to raise concerns and point out discrepancies before construction begin.
Correcting these problems before the start of construction is the most effective way to ensure the project is compliant and completed in a cost efficient manner.
State-Required Inspections:
The fire prevention office conducts annual, semi-annual and quarterly inspections of occupancies licensed by the state, such as schools, restaurants, night clubs, daycare centers, medical facilities, rooming and boarding houses and foster homes.
Daily Activities
Fire alarm system review
Sprinkler systems review
Smoke detector inspections
Carbon monoxide detector inspections
Answering complaints
Oil burner installation inspections
Oil tank removal inspections
Propane tank installation inspections
Plan review (residential and commercial)
Annual / final occupancy inspections
Fuel leak investigation and mitigation
Permitting for numerous activities
Tank truck Inspections
Site visits to residential and commercial occupancies
Public awareness and safety presentations for school aged Children
Welding permits/inspections
Senior Home Safety Program
This program is specifically designed for our senior residents. For residents age 65 or older we offer a free home safety visit. During our visit we provide many services including installation of resident supplied smoke and CO detectors. Change batteries for your detectors. Install resident supplied house numbers. Check homes for general fire safety and trip hazards. Assist residents in organizing their emergency medical information and also address any concerns a resident may have.
Multi-Agency Coordination/Interagency Cooperation
In addition to working closely with the Town of Hull Building Department and Board of Health, fire prevention works with state and federal agencies in order to provide the highest level of protection to the Town of Hull.
In Conclusion:
All fires and natural catastrophes cannot be prevented. But, with a diligent program of education, training and enforcement this office can mitigate the effects of these disasters. This office has a web page where safety information can be accessed at any time. Fire Prevention can be found on the town’s website under Fire Department or Inspections.
http://www.town.hull.ma.us/Public_Documents/HullMA_inspections/fireprevent
I would also like to thank the Building Department as well as the Board of Health for their support and encouragement. Without continuity from all agencies, code enforcement would be virtually impossible. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Captain Roy W. Ahlquist III
Fire Prevention Officer
Town Of Hull
781 925 1350
rahlquist@town.hull.ma.us