Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Fire Department administrative offices?

The Fire Department administrative offices are located at 8150 Post Road (Route 1).   We are located
in the the Public Safety Building, just south of the RI State Police Wickford Barracks.  Enter the
parking lot via the south entrance, and drive around to the rear of the complex.  The NKFD Administrative offices are on the ground floor, roughly in the center of the complex.  The door is marked.  Regular office hours are weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

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How does 911 work?

When a person calls 911 for help, the call is routed through the E911 headquarters in Providence.  The call is answered "police, fire or rescue".  The operator confirms the location of the emergency and stays on the line while the call is transferred to the appropriate emergency service.

Rhode Island uses an enhanced 911 (E911) system which offers additional benefits.   The call is
automatically tracked, with the name and address of the caller appearing on the computer screen in 911
Headquarters.  The operator is able to summon assistance to the calling address, even if the caller
hangs up the telephone without saying anything.  For a hang-up, the operator will make a confirmation 
call to the calling party while transferring the call to the appropriate police department. 

There are two things that you can do to make this system work properly.  First, be sure that you are 
using the correct house number.  This can be verified by calling the North Kingstown 911 Coordinator 
(Tax Assessor) at (401) 294-3331.  Second, it is critical that your correct 911 address be clearly 
visible from the street so that emergency responders can locate your address quickly.  If you post 
the number on your mailbox, be sure that it appears on BOTH sides.  Use contrasting colors to 
improve visibility of your numbers.   Avoid the use of script numerals.

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How can I report a fire or emergency?

Report a fire or emergency by calling 911.  

A second emergency phone number for the Fire Department is (401) 294-3344. 

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How many smoke detectors do I need in my house?

Every house should have at least one smoke detector on each level.  A detector is needed for 
each sleeping area.  In addition, a detector should be placed inside each bedroom. 

The actual Fire Code requirements, based on the year your house was built, are found in
the Services section.

• Smoke detectors have a useful life of only ten years or less.  If your detectors are prone 
  to frequent "false alarms" or are approaching ten years...REPLACE THEM ALL !!!

• Smoke detector batteries should be changed twice a year.   When you change your clocks...change you smoke detector batteries.

• If you have hard-wired detectors and replace a detector, be sure they are still interconnected.  
  When one sounds, they all sound.  Replace detectors with compatible replacements.

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What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?

• Every house should have a working fire extinguisher.  Most households would be well served with a multi-purpose ABC dry-chemical fire extinguisher.  Every extinguisher is identified by symbols, indicating the type of fires they can extinguish. Be sure that all three symbols are there.  Read the instructions regarding the size of the extinguisher, and be sure it is not too large to handle comfortably.  A common size extinguisher for homes is rated (2A:10B:C). 

• Extinguishers should be installed above the reach of children, away from sources of heat, and near an escape route. 

• Read the instructions regarding how to operate your extinguisher BEFORE you need it !

• Always call the fire department FIRST, then attempt to extinguish the fire. 

• Keep your back to an unobstructed exit, and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.

• To operate most extinguishers, remember PASS:

        P      Pull the pin. 
        A     Aim low at the BASE of the fire.
        S      Squeeze the lever (or button).
        S      Sweep from side to side.

• Move carefully toward the fire. 

• Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire. 

• Beware of re-ignition.

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Do I need a fire inspection?

The Fire Department will conduct a Residential Fire Safety inspection upon the request of 
an owner or occupant.  Call 294-3346 to schedule an inspection.

Commercial occupancies are inspected for a number of reasons:

•     Change of tenancy, or the re-occupancy of an existing building.

•     New buildings and additions.

•     License-holders (liquor, victualling, education, daycare, body shops).

•     Reports of Fire Code violations.

•     Targeted risks (places of assembly, hazardous materials)

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Should I have a carbon monoxide detector?

All fuel-burning equipment produces carbon monoxide.  Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless,
colorless, and odorless poisonous gas.  Normally, the gas from the combustion process is 
vented safely up a chimney or flue pipe, but there are times when the gas can enter your 
home. 

Some common ways that carbon monoxide can enter your home are as follows:

•     Fireplaces and woodstoves with obstructed flues or down-draft conditions.

•     Attached garages with vehicles running.

•     Furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and gas-fired clothes dryers which are not properly 
      vented.

•     Space heaters fueled by gas, propane, or kerosene.

If any of these conditions could apply, you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed
in your home.  Follow the manufacturer instructions regarding proper placement.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, call 911.  If anyone is feeling ill, complains of a 
headache, or has "flu-like" symptoms, evacuate the house IMMEDIATELY.

The Fire Department has detection instruments that can assist you should your carbon 
monoxide alarm sound. 

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How can I request a fire safety presentation?
The Fire Department offers fire safety presentations to schools, civic groups, and businesses upon 
request.  Call (401) 294-3346 for more information regarding programs and scheduling.

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Can I listen to the Fire Department on my scanner?
The North Kingstown Fire Department operates on a frequency of 154.235 MHz.

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Should I report a small fire, even if it's already out?

YES! RI General Law requires that ALL fires be reported to the Fire Department.  This law exists 
for some good reasons:

• The fire may appear "out" but can re-ignite, or may be burning inside a wall or underground.
• The fire may have been set by an arsonist.  ALL fires are investigated by the Fire Department
  to determine the origin and cause.
• A child who is caught lighting a fire has often lit many others and should receive a professional 
  screening and education program.

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But it was only kids.........!

Some of the statistics regarding children and fire are staggering. Child fire deaths represent 23% of all 
fire deaths nationally. Of every 100 people who die in fires, 24 are killed because of children playing 
with fire. Of every 100 people who die in child-set fires, 85 are children. Ninety percent of these child 
fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors. In the first six months of 1995, referrals 
to Rhode Island Family Court for arson had increased 76.5 percent over a similar period last year.

A child who is caught lighting a fire has often lit many others and should receive a professional 
screening and education program.

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What is the ISO rating for the Town of North Kingstown?

The Town of North Kingstown has an ISO rating of 4.

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Do I need a burning permit?

The regulation of open fires is governed by Town Ordinance.

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What can I do to keep my business fire safe?

Review the fire-safe business check sheet and follow the recommendations.

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