Frequently Asked Questions

Where are smoke alarms required in my home?

The Building Code requires smoke alarms to be installed in conformance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The minimum locations include one in each sleeping room, in the immediate area outside the sleeping room and one per floor including the basement.

Are fireworks legal and can I have a display on my property?

Remember all fireworks are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury, death or property loss. Their use should be left to professional. All fireworks that fly and/or go ā€œBANGā€ are illegal in the state of Pennsylvania and the possession, sale and use requires a permit and licensing. This includes but is not limited to bottle rockets, with or without ā€œreportā€ and all firecrackers including M-80ā€™s and Cherry Bombs. All fireworks displays require a permit and licensing and shall conform to the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards, Amusement Ride Safety and Fireworks Division and the International Fire Code. Please visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=144763 for the law regarding fireworks.

Can I burn leaves, brush or have a campfire or fire-pit on my property?

No. The Fire Prevention Code of Lower Moreland Township and the Department of Environmental Protection prohibits any open burning. This would include burning in a 55-gallon drum or similar device.

Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

  • Install and maintain UL listed Smoke Alarms. For new construction, the Building Code requires a smoke alarm in each sleeping room, the area outside the sleeping rooms and one per floor including the basement.
  • It is highly recommended that smoke alarms be installed and maintained in existing residential buildings in all the required areas. Donā€™t forget to test the units and replace the batteries twice a year.
  • It is recommended that you replace smoke alarms every ten (10) years. Donā€™t forget to test the units and replace the batteries twice a year.
  • Have and practice a fire evacuation plan.
  • Always know at least two ways out of a building. Remember, the best way out may not be the way you entered the building.
  • If you have any fuel burning appliances, you should install UL listed Carbon Monoxide Alarms. One should be installed on each level and in sleeping areas.
  • Have your fuel burning furnaces and water heaters serviced to insure safe and efficient operation. Ask your service technician if the units have sufficient combustion air for proper operation and venting.
  • Do not store combustibles (wood, paper, plastics) in a furnace or water heater room.
  • Never use or store flammable liquids inside the building.
  • Keep all combustibles at least 3 feet away from space heaters and fireplaces and never leave them unattended.
  • Never leave candles burning if you leave the room and use them in proper holders and containers.
  • If you have and use a wood burning fireplace or insert, have the chimney cleaned once a year and burn only seasoned hardwoods.
  • Examine all power cords for cracks or signs of melting and replace all that show damage.
  • Do not overload your electric circuits. Ask a licensed electrician if you have questions regarding overloaded circuits.
  • Do not use extension cords for permanent power to any device.
  • Never run electric cords under furniture or carpets.
  • Consider having a fire sprinkler system installed if you are purchasing a new single family home or adding an addition. Click link: http://www.homefiresprinkler.org/Consumer/ConsHome.html