We believe we have a duty to be involved in the community we serve. Our responsibility is to protect life, property, and the environment. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibility and to deepen our involvement in the community we serve. No request or inquiry will go unanswered.

The Fire Prevention Unit is committed to public service excellence. We are committed to seeking out and implementing innovative and progressive thinking to effectively address those we serve.  Every effort is made to continually promote and deliver quality programs and services. 

The Fire Prevention Unit’s goal is to provide a proactive response to fire safety, injury prevention and severe weather awareness through education.  As a unit, we believe that fire is a costly but preventable tragedy that can be defeated by providing quality educational programs.

Plans Review:

The Fire Prevention Unit did not review any commercial building plans in 2008. These reviews would have included automatic fire sprinkler systems, manual and automatic fire alarm systems, and commercial cooking fire suppression systems.

Development Review:

Thirteen project submittals for building modifications, new subdivisions, zoning requests and commercial developments were reviewed during 2008.

School Inspections:

One annual school inspection was conducted in Hamlin Township.  A total of 19 fire code deficiencies were discovered, all of which were corrected on a voluntary basis. Each year, the Fire Prevention Unit assisted with evacuation drills (fire/tornado) at Island City Academy.  We provided more than 60 fire safety presentations for kindergarten through 8th grade classes in Eaton Rapids Public Schools. The Fire Prevention Unit also assisted law enforcement with a lock down drill at Island City Academy.

General Business Inspections:

The Fire Prevention Unit initiated an inspection program during January 2009 of the general businesses in Hamlin Township. 50 plus inspections have been completed so far with several fire code and life safety deficiencies identified. Many of the deficiencies have been corrected on a voluntary basis in cooperation with business owners and/or managers.

Day Care Inspections:

Twelve inspections were conducted in state licensed day care and adult foster care facilities in the Hamlin Township. The Fire Prevention Unit conducts inspections for all new day cares and annual inspections for all existing day care facilities in Hamlin Township.

Smoke Detectors:

Seven smoke detectors were given to Hamlin Township families. Fire Prevention Unit personnel also helped install detectors for those that needed assistance. This program is part of the Fire Prevention Units “Get Alarmed” Free Smoke Alarm program.  A total of 31 residential home safety inspections were conducted for Hamlin Township residents at no cost.  The number of residential home safety surveys over the past year has remained consistent with a slight increase over the past year. 

Open House:

Hamlin Township Fire Prevention Unit held their 6th Annual Open House at the Hamlin Township Fire Department bringing Fire Prevention Week activities to a close and encouraging our community to get involved in fire safety and awareness, developing home escape plans, installing smoke detectors and other fire safety tips. This year’s open house also included a fire extinguisher demonstration, Eaton County “911” operators, Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) demonstration, fire trucks on display, Island City Area EMS Ambulance service, live smoke house with smoke detector demonstrations, hose spraying and many new additions to our food menu including foot-long hot dogs and frozen slushes free to all visiting guests.  This year we had approximately 500 visitors.

Other Events and Programs

The Fire Prevention Unit participates in many community events and public education programs throughout the year. These events include 75 presentations and other events reaching about 3500 children and adults.  This is an increase from 2007 by about 200. 

In 2006, with support from the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant we successfully launched a Junior Forest Ranger Program/Club for children of all ages in our community.  We received continued support through the 2008 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant to further our efforts in educating young people to be environmentally conscientious citizens in the future.  The purpose of the program is to motivate children of all ages to explore the natural world and embrace their responsibility to it.

The Hamlin Township Firefighter’s Association collected monetary donations from its members, Hamlin Township Fire Board, Hamlin Township officials and some generous Hamlin Township residents to sponsor five Hamlin Township families in need this Christmas 2008.  A special thanks to other anonymous monetary sponsors who helped out this Christmas.  The Fire Prevention Unit went to work in May contacting local stores, writing for discount certificates and collecting material items (boxes, wrapping paper, tape).  Christmas 2008 for twelve children will forever be memorable. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Darlene L. Smith Cpt/EMT

Fire Inspector

Fire Prevention Coordinator