Rochester Hills, MI - Official Website

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1. Do you offer CPR classes and how do I sign up?: Yes, we offer American Heart Association Friends and Family (a non-certificate course), Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid. Information on classes, dates offered, and cost.

2. Do I need a permit to burn leaves?: Burning leaves and other yard waste for disposal is prohibited in Rochester Hills by city ordinance.

3. How do I get a Recreational Fire Permit?: A Recreational Fire permit can be obtained at the Fire Department Administrative Office (Station 1) at 1111 Horizon Court, Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays) between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. Recreational Fire Permits are $25, required to be renewed each year and expire on December 31st of the year of issue. Click here to view the burning guidelines. You must be the homeowner (or if renting, have signed permission from the homeowner) and present a valid ID when applying. Payment may be cash or check.

4. Who should I call if my neighbor is burning illegally? Will my name be given out if someone inquires about who complained?: If you feel that a neighbor is burning outside of the open burning guidelines, you may call the Rochester Hills Fire Department Dispatch Center at 248.656.4650, and press option 9 to be connected to the Oakland County Sheriff's Department Dispatch Center. Fire units do not disclose the caller's information to the person burning if asked. If you do leave your name, Dispatch is able to call with follow-up questions in the event the complaint cannot be located. All Dispatch records are public record covered under the Freedom of Information Act.

5. How do I safely dispose of old fireworks, gasoline, oil, or other hazardous products?: The safest way to dispose of these items is through the Oakland County NO HAZ days. These days are offered to Oakland County Residents during spring, summer, and fall. The events are held on Saturdays from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, and rotate throughout the County. Visit their website for information on specific items and quantities. No Haz Website

6. Can I drop off old medication/diabetic needles for disposal?: No. The Rochester Hills Fire Department does not accept medication or diabetic needles for disposal. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office accepts prescription medication (no Over-the-Counter and no needles.) There is a drop box located in the lobby of the substation located at 750 Barclay Circle. You must sign the desk log prior to depositing medication. Pills need to be in the original container or in a zip-lock style bag, and liquids must be in a sealed container. They accept drop-offs between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday only. Medications are picked up and disposed of by the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Taskforce and are incinerated at a secure facility. You may contact them at 248.537.3530. Map to Oakland County Sheriff's Office Substation

7. Do you give away free smoke alarms?: Yes. The Rochester Hills Fire Department has a limited number of 10-year, lithium ion battery smoke alarms available. Contact a member of the Community Risk Reduction Division by calling 248.656.4717 or via email to set up an appointment. We do not offer hard wired alarms at this time.

8. Do you give away carbon monoxide detectors?: No. The Rochester Hills Fire Department does not have any carbon monoxide detectors at this time.

9. Do you give away free bike helmets?: No. The Rochester Hills Fire Department does not offer free bicycle helmets at this time.

10. Why is the homeowner responsible for an illegal burn when someone else (ie: contractor) was burning on my property?: The homeowner is legally responsible for the house and property it sits on. As the homeowner, you hired someone to do work on your property and it is your responsibility to ensure that the persons you hired are following all local, state, and federal laws. When hiring contractors for landscaping, tree, or limb removal ensure that you are using a reputable company and ask prior to any work being done how yard waste and other items will be disposed of.

11. Who do I call regarding my ambulance bill?: For all billing questions, you may contact the AccuMed Group at 888.330.5405.

12. How can I get a copy of my Fire or EMS report? Is there a charge for a copy of the report?: Homeowners or patients may obtain a free copy of their incident report by visiting the Rochester Hills Fire Department headquarters at 1111 Horizon Court. Proper identification is required and HIPAA laws are followed regarding release of information. Insurance companies may obtain fire reports for investigative purposes for a fee which is set by Rochester Hills Ordinance. All fees are established via City Ordinance:

Sec 54-204. Fire Incident Report:
First page = $4.00
Each additional page = $1.00

Sec. 54-205. Patient Care Reports:
First page = $4.00
Each additional page = $1.00

13. Can I have a BBQ grill on my balcony?: No. The International Fire Code, 2006 edition, considers a gas or charcoal grill an open flame cooking device. Open flame cooking devices are specifically prohibited on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in section 308.3.1. This code refers to multi-family type buildings, whether apartments or condominiums. The fire code cannot enforce this requirements in single family homes, but we HIGHLY recommend that the 10 foot rule is followed throughout the City.

14. Are space heaters allowed for commercial businesses?: No. The International Fire Code, 2006 edition, does not allow space heaters in a commercial business. Section 605.10.4 states specifically that space heaters are not allowed to be operated within 3 feet of any combustible material (ie: desk, chair, clothing, carpet, walls, doors, etc.) This is nearly impossible to comply with in commercial settings and therefore are not allowed.

15. Does the Fire Department have wheelchairs, crutches or walkers available for use or rent?: No. The Rochester Hills Fire Department does not have a rental closet or the ability to keep and loan these types of items. The Older Persons Commission has a small closet with items to loan. Check their website for details and information on availability. Rochester City Fire Department also has a small number of items available to borrow. You can contact them at 248.651.4470

16. Do you install child car seats? Is there a cost for this?: Yes. We have several members trained by the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Program. There is no cost for this program. To make an appointment, call the Administrative Office at 248.656.4720. Appointment times vary week to week based on the availability of our staff. The appointment takes approximately one hour per seat. Please bring the following items, if possible, to your appointment: car seat, car seat manual, vehicle manual, the child that is using the seat.

17. Can I use a car seat if it has been in a minor vehicle accident and my child was not in the car at the time?: No. When your vehicle is in an accident, the car seat may be compromised. There is no definitive way to tell whether or not the car seat was damaged in the accident, so the best thing to do is replace it. Contact your Insurance Company for possible reimbursement.

18. I received a bill for ambulance service that my insurance should cover. How do I get this fixed?: For all billing questions, you may contact the AccuMed Group at 888.330.5405.

19. How do I obtain a Knox Box?

COMMERCIAL: Please contact a Fire Inspector at 248.656.4717 to discuss a Knox Box installation.

RESIDENTIAL:
1. Visit www.knoxbox.com

2. Click "BUY" in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

3. Enter "Rochester Hills" into the search bar and click SUBMIT. "Rochester Hills Fire Department" should be displayed.

4. Click on the blue SELECT DEPARTMENT button.

5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you find the heading RESIDENTIAL KNOXBOXES. We recommend the Knox HomeBox for a single family residential home.

6. Click BUY NOW, and you will be directed to a second page.

7. Enter the required information (contact and address) and create an account.

*Once your information is entered, an email will be sent to the Fire Marshal, who will approve your request. You will receive an email stating that your Knox HomeBox is ready for purchase. You will need to go back onto the website to complete the purchase.

*Your Knox Box will come open and YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CLOSE IT. Once it is installed, contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 248.656.4717 to have an inspector come out. You will need to provide a copy of your house key to put in the box.

20. If I have a Knox Box (residential or commercial) from another city, can that box be used in Rochester Hills?: No. Knox Boxes are specific to each city.

21. How do I file a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request?: Freedom of Information Act application information can be obtained on the City Clerk's webpage.

22. Do you give tours of the fire department?: Yes! Please contact a member of the Community Risk Reduction Division by calling 248.656.4717 or via email to schedule a visit. Times and availability vary by day based on department schedules.

23. Can I put a generator in the garage when my power goes out?: No. Putting a generator (or running any combustion engine) indoors is extremely dangerous and should not be done; even in the garage. Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of this type of equipment and can build up in your home. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that replaces oxygen. This gas can cause headaches, drowsiness, and death in high amounts. Generators and other engines should only be operated in a well ventilated, outdoor area. The Rochester Hills Fire Department recommends that all residences have at least one Carbon Monoxide Detector located in or near your sleeping area. If you believe you have Carbon Monoxide in your home, call 911 immediately and wait outside if you are able.

24. How does PPC Information Affect Individual Insurance Policies?: ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC®) information plays an important part in the decisions insurers make affecting the underwriting and pricing of property insurance. In fact, most U.S. insurance companies — including the largest ones — use PPC information in one or more of the following ways:

- to identify opportunities for writing new business
- to manage the quality of community fire protection across their book of business
- to review loss experience in various rating territories
- to offer coverages and establish deductibles for individual homes and businesses

Insurance companies — not ISO — establish the premiums they charge to policyholders. The methodology a company uses to calculate premiums for property insurance may depend on the company’s fire loss experience, underwriting guidelines, and marketing strategy.

Here are some general guidelines to help you understand the benefits of improved PPC ratings for residents and businesses:

- PPC may affect the underwriting and pricing for a variety of personal and commercial insurance coverages, including homeowners, mobile home, fine arts floaters, and commercial property (including business interruption).
- Assuming all other factors are equal, the price of property insurance in a community with a good PPC is lower than in a community with a poor PPC.