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1. When do I need to replace my smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced. Some people think that their smoke alarm sits idle until smoke is present. But it is working every minute, constantly monitoring the air 24 hours a day. For example, an ionization smoke alarm goes through 3.5 million monitoring cycles in 10 years. In a photoelectric smoke alarm, a light operates 24 hours a day to check for smoke particles in the air.

Just like any electrical appliance, the components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially. Replacing them after 10 years reduces the likelihood of failure.

2. Is a permit required for a bonfire?

Yes. The Fire Department does grant permits for a controlled fire on the ground in the designated area with the following provisions:

• Adequate extinguishing material and equipment is available on site.
• The fire cannot be used to dispose of food or rubbish waste.
• The fire must be completely extinguished at the end of the event.
• The fire must be kept to an approximate size of no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
• The fire must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• The ground for 15 feet around the fire is cleared of leaves, straw, debris and other combustibles.
• If smoke, ash or particulate matter from any recreational fire remains visible beyond the property line of origin, or found on surfaces beyond the property line of origin, it shall be a violation of Missouri Air Pollution ‘Control Rule 10 CSR 10 - 6.170 “Restriction of Particulate matter to the Ambient air beyond the premises of Origin.” Such an occurrence can result in the issuance of a Notice of Violation from St. Louis County Department of Health to the violator. Any violation of the Missouri Air Pollution Control Rules can result in a fine from the State of Missouri
• If there is a change in date, notify this office immediately.
• Painted, creosoted, wolmanized or otherwise treated wood cannot be used to fuel the fire.
• The site is more than 15 feet from any structure.

A permit letter is issued from the Deputy Fire Marshal’s office. Request must be made in writing. Copies of permit letter are sent to the police department for their information.

3. When to call 911:

In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Emergencies need to be reported to 911.  Trained dispatchers have the tools to dispatch the CLOSET and most appropriate resources along with helping identify where the emergency is located.   Remember firefighters are not always in the fire station, so they may not be able to answer the phones.

An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the fire department, ambulance or police. Examples include:

- A fire
- A crime, especially if in progress
- A car crash, especially if someone is injured
- A medical emergency, such as someone who is unconscious, gasping for air or not breathing, experiencing an allergic reaction, having chest pain, having uncontrollable bleeding, or any other symptoms that require immediate medical attention

Important: If you’re not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, officials recommend calling 911 and letting the dispatcher determine whether you need emergency help.  Please remember, you are not alone and there is a trained and certified individual who will help you through the process.

When you call 911, be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions, which may include:

- The location of the emergency, including the street address
- The phone number you are calling from
- The nature of the emergency
- Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

Remember, the dispatcher’s questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly.

Be prepared to follow any instructions the dispatcher gives you. Many 911 centers can tell you exactly what to do to help in an emergency until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR.

Finally, do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to.