Q: What code is used by the Overland Park Fire Department?
A: The 2006 edition of the International Fire Code and referenced standards found in Chapter 45.
Q: How frequent are fire inspections?
A: Our fire inspectors go through all the buildings in the City of Overland Park in a 24 month cycle.
Starting Jan. 1, 2007, the fire department began charging service fees for fire inspections.
Q: The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?
A: Fire codes are updated regularly. Some of the things that cause changes in these codes may be a newer type of construction, a new construction method or maybe an event that occurred where people were injured. Whatever the reason, when the codes are updated, it is necessary to inspect your facility under the most current code. This may result in a change from the previous year in your inspection.
Q: Where can I find out what permits are needed in the City of Overland Park?
A: This information is available online or you can contact us by telephone. For information pertaining to Fireworks, Tents, Open Burning, Bonfires/Recreational fires call the Prevention Division at 913/438-8888, ext. 238. For all other permits contact the City of Overland Park at 913/895-6000.
Q: When I have a permit, whom do I call for an inspection on the installation of fire alarm and fire protection systems?
A: Call the Building Safety Division. It issues all building permits and maintains records for plan review tracking and inspection purposes.
Q: Where can I purchase a rapid entry key system for my business?
A: If your building already exists, contact the prevention division at 913/438-8888, ext. 238. If your building is not yet built or is in the process of being built, contact Brian Parsons at 913/438-4888 ext. 234.
Q: If I want to open a daycare in the City of Overland Park are there fire code requirements I need to meet?
A: That depends on the type of daycare you plan to open.
Q: Are fireworks allowed in the City of Overland Park?
A: There are no fireworks allowed in the city limits of Overland Park. This includes sparklers. If found, fireworks are confiscated and a citation can be written for as much as $500. If a fire results because of illegal fireworks use, the fire department will prosecute the person or persons involved.
Q: Can I cook on my wood deck or concrete patio?
A: The only people who can cook on their deck or patios are those living in single houses or duplexes. Even then, it is a good idea to be sure the device is away from the house and children are kept at a safe distance. Stay with the device while it is hot or a flame is present. If you live in a multi-family setting, such as apartment homes or town homes with more than two connected together, you cannot have an open flame device on your deck or patio within 10 feet of combustible construction (fences, wall of the building, wood deck of the home above you, etc.).
NOTE: Buildings that are fully sprinkled inside and have decks with sprinklers can have grills located and used on them.
Q: Can I have a Chiminea or small portable fire pit on my patio?
A: Yes as long as a 10-foot distance is kept from combustible construction. See Recreational Fire Regulations for burning.
Q: Can I build a permanent fire pit with a chimney in my back yard?
A: Yes if it is a wood burning fire pit and is built 10-foot from combustible construction.
NOTE: If a gasoline is required you must obtain a permit through the Building Safety Division at 913/895-6205. If a contractor will be doing the work, they need to be licensed through Johnson County 913/715-2233.
Q: Can I burn brush or yard waste in Overland Park?
A: A limited amount of burning is allowed in Overland Park and will be determined by an inspector from the Overland Park Fire Department. Included in the list are burning for land clearing, recreational fires, warming fires for construction crews and ceremonial fires. For more specific information on burning regulations contact Supervisor Mark Sweany at 913/438-4888 extension 238.
Q: On TV, when one sprinkler head begins to spray water, they all do. Is this how my sprinklers will work?
A: Probably not. With a few exceptions (and those are found only in heavy industry situations), sprinkler systems are designed to activate only where the fire is. The heat from the fire activates the sprinkler head closest to it. If the fire is large enough it may activate more than one head in the area, but it will not activate every head on an entire floor.
Q: My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
A: If you own the building, you are responsible to see that the system is tested annually by a reputable contracted agency. The documentation of this test should be kept on file for the fire department to view. Also, it would help if someone who is likely to be in the building on a daily basis knows where the alarm panel is located. If you are a tenant or owner-occupant, there are other things you can do to be sure your system is ready in case it is needed. Never paint a detector surface. Each detector is designed to cover a certain amount of area in your building so before you build walls or large shelving units or stack storage to the ceiling, check with your fire inspector. Also, never hang anything from a detector.
Q: We keep having false alarms. The alarm goes off, I see the fire trucks come, they are here for just a few minutes and then they leave. They don't even take any hoses off the truck so I know there wasn't a fire. Can't we do something about this?
A: Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. The reason could be a simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in the microwave, a coworker smoking in an area where they shouldn't, or remodeling dust. In all of those cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing it's job of alerting everyone in the building that there was a smoke-like substance in the building and they should leave until the fire department checks it out. Even if you don't think anything is wrong, you should take every fire alarm seriously and leave the building until someone of authority (building maintenance, security, the fire department, etc.) tells you it is safe to return.
Q: We never have fire drills at work. Isn't there something that requires this?
A: There are no laws that require a business to have a fire drill but it is a good idea. The fire department does not have to be present for you to have a drill. All you need to do is contact your alarm company and be sure you have someone on site that can re-set the alarm system. We also strongly suggest you discuss this with the other tenants in your building beforehand. If you would like the fire department to come and observe, you can e-mail tricia.roberts@opkansas.org or call Tricia Roberts at 913/438-4888, ext. 239.
Q: I have a smoke detector in my house that is making a sound but there is no fire. What makes it do this?
A: First you need to know if it is battery operated, electric or electric with a battery back up. If it is battery operated it is probably making a chirping sound which more than likely means it needs a new battery. If it is electric, there may be a problem with it’s power supply or possibly the smoke detector is too old. The average life of a smoke detector is 10 years. If it is electric with a battery back up it could be any of the above problems. Also try giving it a good cleaning with the vacuum. All smoke detectors should be cleaned and checked once a month. For more information on smoke detectors call Michelle Brenner at 913/438-4888, ext. 235.
Q: I've heard quite a lot about carbon monoxide. Could I have this in my house and do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
A: There are many things that give off carbon monoxide. They include gas appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves. Fuel burning space heaters and wood burning fireplaces can give off carbon monoxide. Even warming up your car or barbecuing in your garage can fill your house with carbon monoxide. The problem is that it is an odorless, colorless gas so until you begin to see symptoms, you don know it's there. People experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning feel like they have a flu that came on suddenly. This also affects small pets and even plants. Carbon monoxide detectors will sense excessive levels of the gas early and warn you to leave. If your family is having symptoms or your detector is sounding an alarm, call 9-1-1 and the fire department will respond. We can take readings and provide medical help. Sometimes we can shut off the source of the problem but you will need to call out a technician to check the appliance and make repairs.
Q: If I'm out at a business in Overland Park and it seems to be overcrowded, what should I do?
A: Call 9-1-1 and report the problem. We will have an inspector or fire crew come out and evaluate the situation.
Q: How can I get a fire truck or ambulance to come to my event?
A: Contact Tricia Roberts at 913/438-4888, ext. 239 for assistance with scheduling public education programs, such as fire truck visits, visits to fire stations and other public education programs. Please call at least two weeks prior to your event. Large events or events that require a longer time of involvement may require more than two weeks notice.
Q: Where can I get my fire extinguisher serviced?
A: Look in the yellow pages under "Fire Extinguishers" for a listing.
Q: What can I do about my child who is setting fires?
A: We offer educational and support programs for youth firesetters and their parents. For more information call Tricia Roberts at 913/438-4888, ext. 239.
Q: I have a bunch of old paint and other hazardous materials that I need to get rid of. Who do I call?
A: Call Johnson County Environmental Department for an appointment at 913/492-0402.
Q: I don't think the fire lanes around our building are marked correctly. How can I find out?
A: Contact the fire prevention division at 913/438-8888, ext. 238.
Q: People completely disregard the fire lanes in my building. What can I do about it?
A: The Overland Park Fire and Police departments can both write fire lane violation citations. You can report this either to the fire department at 913/888-6066 or police dispatch at 913/895-6300.