Below is a list of inspections and services offered by the Fire Department
FIRE INSPECTIONS
All buildings are inspected with the exception of one and two family dwellings on either a one, two or three year cycle as outlined in the North Carolina Fire Code. Inspections are free of charge unless fire code violations are not met within a designated period of time. Citations can and will be issued for non-compliance in accordance the Town of Valdese Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance. New businesses need to contact the fire department prior to opening up to customers for a new business inspection and general information.
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire Prevention Week has been observed since the early 1900’s remembering the “Great Chicago Fire” that occurred on October 8th, 1871 and ended October 9th. This tragic disaster killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 homes, and burned more than 2,000 acres. National Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday – through – Saturday period in which October 9th falls. During Fire Prevention Week personnel from the Fire Department go to local daycares and schools to educate kids on fire safety and let them meet the world renowned “Sparky”. At other times during the year groups of all ages come to the fire station for tours. Kids and adults alike get to see, behind the scenes, how our department works and what we do. These groups range from pre-schoolers to Boy Scout troops to senior citizens. If you would like to schedule a tour for your group or organization give us a call Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
HYDRANT MAINTENANCE
Each spring Valdese Fire Department performs annual maintenance on all 400+ fire hydrants in the town limits. This service insures that each hydrant has an adequate water supply and will, in times of emergency, function correctly. It normally takes four to six weeks, weather pending, to complete the task. The fire department will announce when the service will start via social media and Code Red. During this testing you may experience some discoloration in your water. If so, turn on an outside water spigot or inside faucet and let it run for several minutes. This should take care of your problem.
SMOKE DETECTORS
In 1998, the Valdese Fire Department established the smoke detector program. This program was started to insure that every household has at least one working smoke detector. If a house does not have a smoke detector, the Fire Department will install one or more free of charge and install batteries in detectors that need them. We also check to make sure that every home has street numbers posted on the front of the house. If none are present, numbers are installed with the permission from the owner, again, free of charge. This is our way of looking out for the safety of our citizens. This program will continue to be provided at the owner’s request. If a detector is needed, a battery needs to be replaced, or you need assistance in installing a detector call the Fire Department and we will be more than happy to assist you with this service.
SAFE KIDS/CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY
Since 2001, Valdese Fire Department has been a member of Safe Kids Burke County (https://www.safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-burke-county) and a registered permanent checking station through NC Office of State Fire Marshal. We have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians that will assist you with making sure your child restraints are installed properly. We can provide child restraints for a fee that is established by SKBC. Please call to make an appointment to make sure someone will be available to assist.
