• Fire Prevention Bureau Programs
• Public Training Programs
• Juvenile Programs
• Smoke Detectors Free to Seniors/Handicapped/Low Income

Fire Prevention Bureau Programs
The Bureau of Fire Prevention consists of one full-time Fire Marshal and one full-time inspector who administer the building inspection program, and also perform plan review, permit inspections, alarm and sprinkler system inspections, home safety surveys, and all other activities related to fire prevention and fire inspections. The Fire Prevention Bureau works very closely with the City's Building Division. All correspondence related to fire codes, fire inspections, plans, and fire safety should be directed to the Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 926-1075.

1. Business Inspections and Hazardous Materials Inspections
   The Highland Park Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention supervises the inspection of all Highland Park businesses on an annual basis. Inspections are conducted by members of the Fire Prevention Bureau, with re-inspections being conducted by the emergency response personnel while in-service, available for response. Inspectors look for violations of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Codes, and issue reports to business owners regarding what measures need to be taken to meet the Codes. The goal is to prevent fires from occurring, and prevent injuries and/or deaths should a fire start. In addition to general fire safety, those businesses which deal with hazardous materials are specially inspected to assure compliance with safe operating practices. Once an inspection is conducted, a reinspection is scheduled in three weeks. Compliance failures are addressed by the Fire Prevention Bureau in follow-up letters and inspections, as well as legal proceedings, if necessary. For more information, contact Assistant Fire Marshal, Duane Peacy.

2. Fire Code References
   The Fire Prevention Code of the City of Highland Park is Section 91 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968." This Ordinance Section adopts and amends the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code/2000 Edition of the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. and the 2000 National Life Safety Code. Also referenced in the Code are the most recent National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Codes and Tentative Interim Amendments.

3. Home Fire Safety Surveys and Escape Planning
   The Highland Park Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention offers residents assistance in identifying safety hazards within the home through home fire safety surveys. An inspector will come to your house and walk-through with you to identify potential dangers, and will offer suggestions on how to best correct hazards before they cause problems. While there, the inspector can make suggestions on how to develop exit plans for your family so that everyone is familiar with what to do should there be a fire. The service is free to Highland Park residents. The suggestions made by the inspector are merely recommended practices--there is no reinspection, and no citations are issued. A written report of findings is given to the occupant for his or her reference only. It is strongly recommended that the suggestions be implemented, however, for the safety of the residents. To schedule a home safety survey, please contact the Highland Park Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 926-1075.

4. Knox Boxes
   If you would like the Fire Department to come out to your business to confirm that you have the proper Knox Box key or if you have any further questions please read the attached letter regarding Knox Boxes or contact Assistant Fire Marshal, Duane Peacy.

Public Training Programs
The Highland Park Fire Department provides speakers on any fire safety and emergency medical-related topic. Fire Department personnel frequently speak to community groups, condo associations, clubs, and other organizations. Topics include what to do if the alarm goes off, fire prevention, first aid, hazards, and any other related topic. To schedule a speaker, contact the Highland Park Fire Department at (847) 433-3110 or by email. A department public education officer visits each grade-school classroom in the City at least once each year. Please come visit our booth at these events and feel free to ask us about fire safety.

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training
   The Fire Department offers classes to certify citizens in the use of CPR and AEDs to save lives. These classes and certifications are under the auspices of the American Heart Association. Classes are available in Adult and Infant CPR. Also covered is first aid for choking and other related topics. Class length is generally four hours. The cost is $25.00 per person. Classes can be arranged for groups of six or more at a location and date to be scheduled. The group classes are limited to groups based in Highland Park. Those wishing to be certified who are not part of a group are encouraged to call the Fire Department as there may be upcoming groups with spaces available. To schedule a CPR class for your group, or to inquire about the program, please contact the Fire Department at (847) 433-3110 or by email.

2. First Aid Training
   The Fire Department offers classes to local groups desiring training in basic first aid. Typically, scout groups, youth groups, and parent groups take advantage of this opportunity, but any Highland Park group is welcome to schedule a class. The classes include injury prevention, control of bleeding, choking, and handling injuries and illnesses. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), while discussed briefly, is not taught as it is a class in itself. The cost for a first aid class is $20.00 per person. For information, or to schedule a first-aid class, contact the Fire Department at (847) 433-3110or by email.

Juvenile Programs
Annually, third graders visit the Fire Safety House, where they learn how to plan home fire exiting, and where they practice fire-safe behavior. The classes culminate with students actually exiting a model home under simulated smoke conditions. Public fire safety displays are set-up at many of the community events throughout the year.

1. Burn Camp
   The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is a not-for-profit organization made-up of fire service and related industry professionals throughout the state. The goal of the alliance is to promote fire safety and awareness through education and other programs. One of the biggest programs conducted by the Alliance is the annual burn camp. Burn camp is an annual one week program where children who are burn survivors can be with other similar kids--where the scars don't make them different, and where people understand their unique experiences. This program has made immeasurable differences in many young lives, including those of the volunteer staff. In addition to contributions and other support, the Highland Park Fire Department has provided a staff member to serve as a counselor for this most worthwhile program.

2. Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program
   When kids set fires, it is a concern. Much of the time, parents want to bring the child to the fire station to "get talked to" by a firefighter--but research has found this is not the best way to handle the situation because the fire station is a fun place and this action is seen as a reward for the firesetting behavior. The Highland Park Fire Department has personnel that have been specially trained in talking to kids that have been playing or experimenting with fire. The focus of the interview with the child is in educating the child on the dangers of fire, and trying to determine if the firesetting behavior is mere curiosity or an indication of a greater concern. Discussions with parents and children are held in the home, or another agreed-upon location, but not in the fire station. It is suggested that the Fire Department be contacted whenever a child is found to be playing with matches or fire. The Highland Park Fire Department's phone number is (847) 433-3110.

Smoke Detectors Free to Seniors/Handicapped/Low Income
The Moraine Township Office purchases smoke detectors to be installed in homes of senior, handicapped, and low-income Highland Park citizens. These smoke detectors are provided to these residents free of charge by the Moraine Township Office, and the detectors are installed free of charge by the Highland Park Fire Department. Annual battery replacements for the detectors are also paid for by the Township and provided by the Fire Department. Those citizens in these categories who wish to have smoke detectors installed, or who need to have batteries replaced (the detectors warn of a low battery condition by "chirping" briefly once every few seconds), may arrange for such installation or replacement with the Fire Department by calling (847) 433-3110 or the Moraine Township Office at (847) 432-3240. The number and location of detectors installed in each residence are in accordance with Illinois law regarding the placement of smoke detectors in residences.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Medical Alert Devices Free to Low Income Seniors
The Moraine Township Office purchases Carbon Monoxide Alarms (now required in all residences in Illinois) and Medical Alerting Devices for low income seniors (those that meet the Circuit-Breaker threshold). These devices are provided free by the Township, and are installed free by the Fire Department. Additionally, Fire Department Key Boxes (to allow rapid, damage-free entry in emergencies), are provided free. Those Moraine Township residences who meet the requirements who wish to obtain these devices are encouraged to call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 926-1075 to arrange for installation. While in the house, the Fire Department conducts a safety survey, and provides suggestions to the occupants for ways they can improve their safety in the house.