New Small Business Self-Inspection Program

Howland Township and the Howland Fire Department are instituting a voluntary Self-Inspection Program for small business or professional offices, small retail shops, and small personal service shops. These businesses would conduct their own inspection of their premises to check for various safety issues. This optional program alleviates the need for one of the formal, physical inspections by the HFD. With the current number of businesses in our community, the HFD has found it challenging to inspect every business as frequently as has been done in the past with the current staffing levels. Simply not inspecting some businesses as often impacts the safety of the business and its owners, employees, and customers. This program is an example of Howland Township and the HFD maintaining the high-level of quality service that our public expects while being conscious of our budgetary limitations, all while working with our business community to keep them and the public safe.

Howland Fire Prevention Bureau’s new Self-Fire Inspection Program is designed for light hazard commercial occupancies that do not have a high occupant load or would be expected to have a high level of risk. Light hazard occupancies are locations where there is a low amount of combustible materials within the occupied space, including furnishings, decorations, and contents. These occupancies may include: Small business or professional offices, small retail shops, small personal service shops (Barber, beauty shops, etc.), etc.

If your business fits into this type of description, you may be eligible to perform your own self-fire inspection(s) which may decrease the interval an actual fire department inspection is conducted. The department will conduct mailings of the self-inspection form to business who may qualify to participate in this program. Businesses are required to complete and return a completed copy of the form. Businesses who fail to complete the form will be subject to a formal inspection. Businesses who fail to correct violations or maintain a code compliant facility, in addition to having an unsafe facility, will be subject to additional code enforcement activities.

Performing self-fire inspections will promote a safer year-round environment for your business and the public.

We encourage any business or home owner to inspect your home or business for potential code and safety issues. A few minutes checking for problems can prevent a fire or other emergency situation.

A copy of the Ohio State Fire Marshals’ home inspection form and the Howland Fire Department Self-Inspection form are available on our web site. www.HowlandTownship.org

If you have any questions concerning this program or any questions about the Fire Department you can reach us at 330-856-5022.