About Fire Prevention Week

Written by

About Fire Prevention Week

Plan ahead
Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. Here are dates for future FPW campaigns:

2017: October 8-14
2018: October 7-13

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

Commemorating a conflagration
According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow – belonging to Mrs. Catherine O’Leary – kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you’ve heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O’Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.

The ‘Moo’ myth
Like any good story, the ‘case of the cow’ has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the barn where Mrs. O’Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O’Leary was in the barn when the fire broke out – or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O’Leary herself swore that she’d been in bed early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening.

But if a cow wasn’t to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O’Leary’s may have started the fire. Some people have speculated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on October 8, starting several fires that day – in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.


Listen as NFPA’s Casey Grant and best-selling author Lauren Tarshsis of the ‘I Survived’ book series talk about the lessons we learned from the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

The biggest blaze that week
While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area ‘like a tornado,’ some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.

Nine decades of fire prevention
Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they’d been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.  The commemoration grew incrementally official over the years.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

Fire Prevention Week themes over the years

1927 Why this Mad Sacrifice to Fire?
1928 FIRE…Do Your Part – Stop This Waste!
1929 FIRE – The Nation’s Greatest Menace! Do Your Part to Stop This Waste!
1930 Fight Fire Waste with Fire Prevention. Do Your Part
1931 Do Your Part to Prevent Fire
1932 Your Life. Your Property
1933 Your Life. Your Property
1934 Now War on Fire
1935 What Would Fire Mean to You?
1936 Stop It
1937 Help Prevent Fires
1938 Is This Your Tomorrow?
1939 Was Somebody Careless?
1940 Keep Fire In Its Place
1941 Defend Against Fire
1942 Today Every Fire Helps Hitler
1943 Fires Fight for the Axis! (to emphasize home fire prevention)
Feed Fighters Not Fires (farm and rural campaign)
The War’s Over for This Plant (industrial use)
Was Somebody Careless? (general purpose)
1944 To Speed Victory – Prevent Fires (general purpose)
Feed Fighters, Not Fires! (farm and rural)
To Speed Victory, Defeat Fire (town plaster)
1945 We Burned the Enemy – Now Save Yourself from Fire
1946 FIRE is the Silent Partner of Inflation
1947 YOU caused 1,700,000 Fires last Year!
1948 Help Yourself to Fire Prevention!
1949 Flameproof Your Future!
1950 Don’t Let Fire Lick You
1951 Defend America From Fire
1952 Be Free From Fear of Fire
1953 Fire Feeds on Careless Deeds
1954 Let’s Grow Up – Not Burn Up
1955 Don’t Give Fire A Place to Start
1956 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1957 Make Sure of Their Tomorrows – Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1958 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1959 Fire Prevention is Your Job…Too
1960 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1961 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1962 Fire Prevention is Your Job…Too
1963 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1964 Fire Prevention is Your Job…Too
1965 Don’t Give Fire a Place to Start
1966 Fight Fire
1967 Fire Hurts
1968 Fire Hurts
1969 Fire Hurts
1970 Fire Hurts
1971 Fire Hurts
1972 Fire Hurts
1973 Help Stop Fire
1974 Things That Burn
1975 Learn Not to Burn
1976 Learn Not to Burn
1977 Where There’s Smoke, There Should Be a Smoke Alarm
1978 You Are Not Alone!
1979 Partners in Fire Prevention
1980 Partners in Fire Prevention
1981 EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home)
1982 Learn Not To Burn – Wherever You Are
1983 Learn Not To Burn All Through the Year
1984 Join the Fire Prevention Team
1985 Fire Drills Save Lives at Home at School at Work
1986 Learn Not to Burn: It Really Works!
1987 Play It Safe…Plan Your Escape
1988 A Sound You Can Live With: Test Your Smoke Detector
1989 Big Fires Start Small: Keep Matches and Lighters in the Right Hands
1990 Keep Your Place Firesafe: Hunt for Home Hazards
1991 Fire Won’t Wait…Plan Your Escape.
1992 Test Your Detector – It’s Sound Advice!
1993 Get Out, Stay Out: Your Fire Safe Response
1994 Test Your Detector For Life
1995 Watch What You Heat: Prevent Home Fires!
1996 Let’s Hear It For Fire Safety: Test Your Detectors!
1997 Know When to Go: React Fast to Fire
1998 Fire Drills: The Great Escape!
1999 Fire Drills: The Great Escape!
2000 Fire Drills: The Great Escape!
2001 Cover the Bases & Strike Out Fire
2002 Team Up for Fire Safety
2003 When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!
2004 It’s Fire Prevention Week! Test Your Smoke Alarms
2005 Use Candles With Care
2006 Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat
2007 It’s Fire Prevention Week! Practice Your Escape Plan
2008 It’s Fire Prevention Week! Prevent Home Fires
2009 Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned
2010 Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With
2011 It’s Fire Prevention Week! Protect Your Family From Fire!
2012 Have 2 Ways Out!
2013 Prevent Kitchen Fires
2014 Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month
2015 Hear The Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!
2016 Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years

Fire Prevention Week October 9-15

Written by

Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.  Fulton Fire Department is a proud supporter of Fire Prevention Week and has seen the results of fire prevention initiatives over the past five years. Structure fires have been reduced by 75% and no injuries have been reported due to a structure fire in the City in the last 5 years.  We at the Fulton Fire Department believe that fire suppression begins with fire prevention so we will dedicate the month of October to putting fire prevention articles and information out on social media and the City website.  We encourage you to read these articles discuss it with family and friends and share them on your social media and websites.  Lets all take a minute and turn your attention to fire prevention.

Special Bulk Pickup Information

Written by

When are special pick days?
  • Bulk Pick up: Is done every second and fourth Mondays.  Per city ordinance items may not be placed on the curb for bulk pick up until the Friday before the Monday pick up.
  • Yard Waste such as grass and leaves may not be deposited on any sidewalk or city street.  There is a fall leaf collection done by Public works.

Fulton Police Department Hiring Notice

Written by

Fulton Police Department Hiring of a Police Officer Application dead line: September 28th through October 07th at 4:00 pm.

Pick up applications at the Fulton City hall and return to city hall 101 Nelson Trip Place Fulton Kentucky 42041.

Qualifications:

Must be 21 years of age High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Must be able to Meet the Peace officer’s professional standards; Polygraph test Psychological testing Back ground check investigation

Physical fitness testing Drug testing

Complete the Department of criminal Justice Training in Richmond Kentucky

Cannot hold a domestic violence conviction or a felony conviction.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Must complete a credit check history.

Anyone who that applies and makes application and has certifications of the Peace officer professional standards and has completed the certified training required at the Department of Criminal Justice training and meets the interview board recommendation will have preference over all other applicants.

Guide to Building Permits

Written by

Guide to Building Permits

 

Why is a building permit required?

The City of Fulton Building Code requires that permits be obtained for certain types of work to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Building Code establishes minimum safety standards for materials and construction techniques. Getting a permit means the work will be inspected by a certified building inspector for compliance with minimum Code requirements.

 

When is a building permit required?

Before beginning any project to construct, structurally alter, relocate, or demolish a building, it is important to check with the Code Enforcement Department to confirm whether a permit is required. Failure to obtain a permit prior to commencement of work can result in a stop work order and citation with a penalty. A building permit is generally required for the following:

  • New buildings, additions, or interior renovations/structural alterations to all residential buildings, including, but not limited to:
    • Single-family homes
    • Duplexes
    • Multi-family (3+ units) residences, such as apartments, condos, and townhouses
    • Mobile or manufactured homes
  • New buildings, additions, or interior renovations/structural alterations to accessory structures, including, but not limited to:
    • Yard sheds
    • Lean-to’s
    • Decks
    • Garages
    • Carports
    • Ramps
    • Outbuildings
    • Porches
    • Stoops
  • Plumbing work, including, but not limited to:
    • Installing, replacing or relocating the piping system
    • Installing new or replacing existing plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, dishwashers, water heaters,
  • Electrical work, including, but not limited to:
    • Installing new electrical service or equipment
    • Altering or adding to existing electrical systems, including service upgrades and panel replacements
  • HVAC work, including, but not limited to:
    • Installing new or altering any part of a heating or cooling system which has duct work or which must be vented into any kind of chimney or vent
    • Installing or replacing heating units (outdoor wood burners are permitted under a separate permit)
    • Installing or replacing air conditioning units
    • Installing or replacing chimneys
  • Construction or installation of fencing and retaining walls
  • Installation of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas
  • Installation of signage
  • Re-roofing work
  • Relocation or moving a building
  • Demolition or razing a building

 

When is a building permit not required?

  • Routine maintenance or repair of buildings or structures, such as re-siding, veneering, or repainting
  • Cosmetic improvements such as painting, cabinets, counter-tops, tile, floor covering installation, or nonstructural repairs
  • Replacement of windows and doors provided they are the same size as the existing opening
  • Retaining walls that are less than 3 feet tall
  • Erection of a portable swimming pool that is designed to be readily and/or seasonally disassembled, stored, and reassembled to its original However, all such pools are still required to meet setback requirements and barrier requirements.
  • Playground equipment
  • Any fence installed on a temporary basis, including but not limited to temporary garden fencing.
  • Paving a patio, walkway, or driveway. However, any new driveway access is permitted through the Public Works

 

Who can perform the work?

It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to obtain a building permit prior to the start of any work. If a property owner wishes to do his/her own home improvements, he/she is not required to be licensed. However, a property owner may only make electrical and plumbing repairs or installations if it is their primary residence. Any electrical, plumbing or HVAC contractor hired by the property owner must be licensed by the State of Kentucky.

 

What Codes do I need to comply with?

New construction, additions, and alterations to one- and two-family dwellings, and detached garages are subject to the provisions of the Kentucky Residential Building, Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing Codes.

 

New construction, additions, and alterations to multi-family buildings are subject to the provisions of the Kentucky Commercial Building, Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing Codes.  Depending on the size of the building, it may be required that plans be approved by the State prior to issuance of a local building permit.

 

Other Things to Consider

  • A building setback is the minimum horizontal distance between a building or structure and the property line. All buildings must meet setbacks as required by the Zoning Ordinance. Before beginning any construction activity, it is important to establish the location of your property lines so that the Building Inspector may verify compliance with the required setbacks. Please note the City of Fulton does not provide this service. It is the property owner’s responsibility to locate all property lines and ensure their project meets minimum requirements.

 

To establish your property lines, you will need to locate the survey pins at the corners of your property. A plat of your property will show the location of each pin and list the dimensions of all property lines. Check with the Fulton County Clerk for a plat of your property. If you are unable to find an original plat then you may need to have your property surveyed by a licensed land surveyor.

The zoning of your property determines the set back. If you don’t know the zoning of your property you can find it online at the City of Fulton website

 

 

Building Permit Application Procedure

A building permit shall be obtained before work may be started. The administration of all building permits will take place at the Fulton Fire Department by appointment Monday through Friday. If you have any question, on an existing or proposed permit or need to schedule an appointment you can contact Code Enforcement at 270-472-1423 or email [email protected]. Remember most building permits can take two to four weeks for approval.

 

The following submittals are required prior to issuing a building permit. Building permit applications can be found on the City of Fulton website.  Failure to submit all requirements at the time of application will delay the review process.

  • Single-Family/ Two-Family/ Multi-Family Dwellings
    • City of Fulton Building Permit Application State Building Permit if Required
    • Contractor’s Certification or Home Owners Liability
  • Two sets of blueprints, including:
    1. Elevation views of all sides
    2. Floor Layout
    3. Basement Plan
    4. Cross Section
  • Room Additions
    • City of Fulton Building Permit Application
    • Site plan of the lot showing the proposed structure and all distances to lot lines
    • Two sets of construction plans. Indicate where addition will attach to existing building, and include:
  1. Footing detail/foundation plan
  2. Floor layout
  3. Cross sectional detail
  • Interior Renovations/ Alterations
    • City of Fulton Building Permit Application
    • Detailed scope of work explaining all demolition areas and what is being rebuilt. Any HVAC work, plumbing work, and electrical
    • A floor layout drawing
  • Garages/ Yard Sheds/ Accessory Structures
    • City of Fulton Building Permit Application
    • Site plan of the lot showing the proposed structure and distances to other structures and lot lines
    • Two sets of construction plans, informational sheet, or a pamphlet showing:
  1. Footing detail & foundation plans
  2. Floor layout- including door openings, window openings and wall dimensions
  3. Materials used for the roof and exterior siding
  • Decks/ Porches
    • City of Fulton Building Permit Application
    • Site plan of the lot showing the proposed structure and all distances to the lot lines
    • Deck detail to include:
  1. Post size and spacing
  2. Beam size, spacing and spans
  3. Joist size spacing, and spans
  4. Footing size, and depth for corners and intermediates

 

  • Re-roofing
    • Roofing Permit Application
  • Fences
    • Fence Permit Application
    • Owner or contractor must verify lot lines prior to the installation
    • Site plan of the lot showing the proposed fence location and all distances to lot lines
  • Signs
    • Sign Permit Application
    • Owner or contractor must verify lot lines prior to the installation
    • Site plan of the lot showing the proposed sign location and all distances to lot lines
  • Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC Inspections
    • All of these are performed by Kentucky State Certified Inspectors.

 

Your submission will be reviewed by the Building Inspector to assure that all zoning and building codes are met. Once approved, a building permit may be issued. All permit fees are due at the time of permit issuance. When your permit is issued, you will also receive one set of approved plans, and a “Building Permit Placard” to be displayed at the project site until work is completed. Work should begin within six months, and may continue so long as forward progress is seen.  Forward progress is defined as calling for inspections typically four inspections are required.  A permit that is inactive for six month will become invalid.

 

Inspection of Work

The Building Inspector will make periodic inspections as the work progresses. You must, however, call to schedule inspections at least twenty-four hours in advance. A request for inspection shall be made to the Code Enforcement Office 270-472-1423.  The following is the sequence of inspections typically performed on a new home. If you are unsure of what inspections your specific project will need, please ask the Building Inspector before beginning any work.

 

  • First Inspection – (Footing and Foundation)

The excavation shall be inspected after the placement of any forms or required reinforcement, and prior to the placement of the permanent foundation material. Where damp proofing, exterior insulation, or drain tiles are required, the foundation shall be inspected prior to backfilling.

  • Second Inspection – (Rough-in)

A rough inspection shall be performed for the items listed below before the work is concealed. All work for rough inspections may be completed before the notice for inspection is given, provided the work has not been covered. The applicant may request one rough inspection or individual rough inspections. A separate fee may be charged for each individual inspection.

  • Basement floor area
  • General construction, including framing
  • Rough electrical
  • Rough plumbing
  • Rough heating, ventilating and air conditioning
  • Basement drain tiles
  • Third Inspection – (Insulation) An inspection shall be made of the insulation and vapor retarders after they are installed but before they are concealed.
  • Final Inspection the dwelling may not be occupied until a final inspection has been made that finds no critical violations of this code that could reasonably be expected to affect the health or safety of a person using the dwelling.

 

Certificate of Occupancy

Upon successfully passing a final inspection, the Building Inspector will issue the Certificate of Occupancy. The Certificate of Occupancy is confirmation that the building is in full compliance with all applicable codes and is safe for occupancy or use.

Deposit Information For Utilities

Written by

Do I have to pay a deposit for water, sewer and gas?
  • Yes, renters and homeowners must pay a deposit plus a $35 dollar service fee.  Deposits are based on the customers credit score red being the highest and green being the best.
  • Homeowners must have the recorded deed to the property.
  • Rental units must have a rental inspection done before a deposit can be made.

How much is the deposit?

Rental Deposits:  

  • Water Only   ($200 red) ($150 yellow) ($100 green)
  • Water & Gas ($500 red) ($400 yellow) ($300 green)
  • Gas Only       ($300 red) ($250 yellow) ($200 green)

Homeowner Deposits:

  • Water Only   ($200 red) ($150 yellow) ($0 green)
  • Water & Gas ($500 red) ($400 yellow) ($0 green)
  • Gas Only       ($300 red) ($250 yellow) ($0 green)

 

  • Reconnect Fee for non-payment ($50)

City Code Enforcement Launches Online Complaint Form

Written by

The Code Enforcement Department has a electronic form that can be filled out and submitted from the website.  The Form must be filled out entirely including your name and contact information for the complaint to be looked at.  To get to the complaint form follow this link City of Fulton Code Enforcement Page then look for the form about midway down the page.  Here is the link to the form Code Enforcement Complaint Form.

Online Police Vacation Watch Request Form

Written by

The Fulton Police Department website page now has a “Vacation Watch Request Form”.  Here is a link to the form Vacation Watch Request Form .  This form could also be used not only for vacation but anytime you are going to leave your home vacant for a period of time.  The form is filled out on line and sent confidentially to the Police Chief.  Here is also a link to the Fulton Police Departments Information Page  Fulton Police Department Information Page  the electronic form is about midway down the page.