Hot Topics

This page is devoted to "Hot Topics" or issues that are of importance to you and your family.

- No Alarm, No Chance:
Effective April 1st, 2010, the State Fire Marshal is requiring all new residential construction to be equipped with dual-sensor smoke detectors.
Link to a PDF for more information on this "Hot Topic"

- Residential Sprinkler Systems Facts:
Some homeowners are reluctant to install sprinklers because they know the facts about their operation and/or are mislead by anti-fire sprinkler groups. This document addresses some of the myths about Residential Sprinkler Systems. Follow this link to the Fact Sheet.

- No Open Burning Policy for the City of Urbandale:
The Urbandale Fire Department would like to remind Urbandale residents that under an ordinance by the Polk County Board of Health and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, there is NO open burning allowed within the City of Urbandale. This includes the Dallas County portion of Urbandale. Under this ordinance, the use of patio fireplaces, chimineas, fire pits, bon fires, leaf burning and any other open burning are DEEMED ILLEGAL.

Fires for the preparation of food are allowed and this ordinance does not apply to charcoal or gas Bar-B-Que grills. Legal units for the preparation of food must have a grate for food preparation and provisions for holding the fire off of the ground. Natural gas powered fire pits that are NOT used to burn any other combustible materials are allowed.

For the Polk County area of Urbandale, any request for a variance of this ordinance should be directed to the Polk County Air Quality Control Division at (515) 286-3372. For the Dallas County area of Urbandale, any request for a variance of this ordinance should be directed to the Iowa DNR Regional Office at (515) 725-0268.

If you have any questions about open burning, feel free to contact the Urbandale Fire Department
at (515) 278-3970.

- Important Safety Tips for All Seasons:

Test smoke alarms monthly. Batteries need to be replaced at least once a year. You need at least one alarm on each level of your home.
Furnaces and fireplaces need to be inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
Develop a home escape plan and make sure the entire family practices the plan at least twice a year.
Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep candles away from items that can catch fire like clothing, books and curtains.
Never leave cooking food on the stove top unattended, and keep a close eye on food inside the oven.
Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles like towels, rags and food packaging.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Refrain from using devices that allow the connections of multiple appliances into a single receptacle outlet.