Fire Inspections

Mandatory Fire Safety Inspections for Businesses

The Liberty Fire Department conducts fire safety inspections of businesses to ensure that they are compliant with adopted safety codes.

The City of Liberty currently uses the 2018 Edition of the International Fire Code with amendments to enforce fire safety requirements regarding businesses. Under this code, businesses in Liberty are required to be inspected annually for fire safety hazards.

Inspections focus on general fire safety hazards that can be found in any business including the absence of fire extinguishers, the improper use of electrical extension cords, the closure of emergency exits, etc. Fire hazards that are specific to certain business, like the storage of hazardous materials, the location of smoke alarms, or the presence of high voltage electricity, may require a more detailed inspection than what is required of general businesses.

If any hazards are found during the inspection, the owner of the business is given a limited amount of time to make corrections. The amount of time given is dependent on the severity of the hazard and may range from immediate correction, up to 30 days. Any business that fails to comply with the findings of the inspectors will be turned over to the Division Chief in charge of Fire Prevention for further action.

For questions concerning fire inspections or fire hazards in businesses, contact the Liberty Fire Department at 816.439.4310.

Conducting a Voluntary Fire Safety Inspection in Your Home

A home fire safety inspection can significantly reduce your chances of having a fire in your home. The inspection is intended to alert you of potential fire hazards so that you can have them checked or repaired or have the appropriate safety equipment installed. The Liberty Fire Department will conduct an inspection of your home at no charge if requested. However, you can reduce your chance of having a fire by using the following tips. 

  • Have your chimney and central heating system inspected and cleaned each year for fire safety and carbon monoxide problems.
  • Keep your attic and other storage spaces free from combustibles such as old papers, magazines and discarded rags and clothing.
  • Install and maintain working smoke alarms on each level of your home and outside the sleeping areas.
  • Use portable and space heaters with care. Keep combustibles at least three feet away from them at all times. Clean them regularly and fuel them properly.
  • Never store gasoline or gasoline run equipment inside your home. Always keep gasoline and other flammables in approved containers and away from heat, sparks or flames.
  • Never leave cooking unattended. Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles.
  • Store matches and lighters up high and out of the reach of children.
  • Identify your house with large address numbers that the fire department can see easily.
  • Never overload electrical outlets or override/ bypass fuses or circuit breakers. Never run extension cords under carpets or across doorways. Check the cords on your appliances for fraying or breakage. Use surge protectors for items like televisions, stereos or computers.
  • Use sturdy non-spill ashtrays and check for smoldering butts in furniture after someone has been smoking. Leave butts in the ashtray to cool overnight, and place the ashtray in the sink. Never allow anyone to smoke in bed!
  • Make sure to develop and practice a home escape plan. Make sure that there are two clear exits from each room. Always sleep with your bedroom doors closed.

This list addresses some of the major causes of fires, however it is not a comprehensive list. If something produces heat or a spark, it can cause a fire so you should keep anything that can burn away from anything that can cause a fire. 

For more information on home fire safety inspections, or to schedule an inspection, contact the Liberty Fire Department at 816.439.4310.