Community Risk Reduction

Our department's core mission includes protecting the lives, property, and the community from the destructive effects of all hazards. One pillar of this mission is Community Risk Reduction. Our department is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of the community with regards to fire and life safety. To help us with this mission the department utilizes the Community Risk Reduction model outlined below.

Education

We aim to educate the community so that everyone is aware of fire and life safety risks, as well as what can be done to to limit the risks. This includes public education events in schools and for civic organizations, health fairs, and participating in community-wide events.

Engineering

We work with the community to promote the utilization of fire safety technologies in the community. This includes assisting with fire sprinkler system installation in conjunction with Carrboro's affordable housing plan, implementation of a StoveTop FireStop program in multi-family dwellings, installation of smoke alarms, and multiple other programs designed to protect the community through the use of engineering and technology.

Enforcement

Code enforcement is not designed to be punitive in nature. Code enforcement allows code enforcement officials to identify potential hazards before an emergency with the aim to reduce the likelihood of an emergency occurring in the first place. Enforcement also allows our code enforcement officials to educate the community about why certain conditions or equipment may be hazardous. Enforcement of fire and life safety codes help keep all of us safe.

Economic Incentives

We work with the community to make choices that help to keep our community safe. This includes extensive work in education about fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems. Early fire suppression efforts through fire sprinklers, and early notification of a fire through fire alarm systems are two of the most effective methods for reducing risk, in both commercial and residential occupancies.

Emergency Response

Community Risk Reduction includes working alongside the suppression division to ensure firefighters have the equipment, knowledge, and training needed to maintain operational readiness. This includes education on current building practices, pre-incident planning, and our community risk assessment program.

In addition to being one of our nation's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin was also a founding member of the Union Fire Department in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is famously quoted as saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." In Carrboro our "ounce of prevention" is the multi-faceted Community Risk Reduction model outlined above.

If you have questions or comments about Community Risk Reduction please reach out to the department at (919) 918-7347 or via email at fire@townofcarrboro.org.

FAQs

Does your department check and install car seats for children?

Yes! Due to COVID-19 are currently inspecting and installing car seats for children on an appointment basis. Fill out the Child Passenger Safety Inspection Request form to schedule an appointment, or visit our Child Car Seat Installation page for more information.

How do I order a reflective address sign?

Reflective address signs are very important for emergency services. If we can't find you, we can't help you. Locating addresses can be especially tricky at night. Order a reflective address sign today. Signs are only $15 or $20 if mounted to a metal post. Use this form to order your reflective address sign. The signs are made at the fire-rescue department and you will be contacted once it is ready for pick-up.

Address_Sign_Mailbox

Does your department check and install smoke alarms and/or carbon monoxide detectors?

As a part of our Community Risk Reduction program the Fire-Rescue Department installs smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for residents of Carrboro and the South Orange Fire District. Smoke alarms provide early notifications increasing the likelihood that you and your family will be able to escape if there is a fire in your home. Submit this form to schedule installation or inspection of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

How can I apply for a fire prevention permit?

The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department issues construction and operational permits in accordance with applicable state laws and the currently adopted edition of the North Carolina Fire Code. For more information regarding permits, reference Section 105 of the North Carolina Fire Code and in Chapter 12, Article II, Section 12-10 of the Town Code. You can apply for a fire prevention permit by submitting this form.

Reminder: Any plans for review (electrical, remodeling, fire alarm, sprinkler system) should be submitted to Town of Carrboro Planning, Zoning, and Inspections through PIPER prior to contacting the Fire-Rescue Department.

How to I schedule a fire prevention education event or fire station tour? Birthday Party? Other events?

Public Education Event

We provide public education events, including fire prevention presentations. Use this form to request a public education event for your group or organization.

Station Tours

We regularly give station tours and safety talks to all types of groups, both formal and informal. Some of the groups we have had come through in the past include school classes, girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups, day care groups, after school programs, summer camp groups, home school students, and many individuals. Use this form to request a fire station tour.

Birthday and Block Parties

If you are planning a community block party or birthday party our department will stop by during the event with a fire truck for all to see up close - both adults and children. We can show and explain the use and importance of the many pieces of equipment, display our gear, discuss fire safety topics, and distribute fire safety information. Use this form to request the department come out to your birthday or block party.

Other Events

View our Community Services page to see what other services are offered by the fire-rescue department. Forms are available to request all of the services offered by the department.

View All FAQs

Community Risk Reduction

Education

Engineering

Enforcement

Economic Incentives

Emergency Response

FAQs

Fire-Rescue Department

Contact Us

Quick Links

Site Links