Attention, architects, builders, developers, and homeowners!

Nothing is more frustrating than submitting construction or renovation plans only to have them rejected for minor oversights and small code infractions.

If you’re looking for a smooth process for you project, the Fire Prevention Division has the solution. We will review your plans, free of charge, and help save you the time and expense of re-drawing and re-submitting those plans.

By allowing our staff to review your plans before they are submitted we can offer our insight and possibly eliminate many of the common oversights.

We may also, depending on the situation, be able to provide you with more cost-effective ways of achieving the same goals.

To take advantage of this free service, please call 954-797-2150 during normal business hours to setup an appointment.

Each year, the Fire Department responds to almost 1,000 false alarms. More than half are system malfunctions. The City is asking its residents and businesses to help reduce this problem by following these helpful hints to avoid false alarms.

The Plantation Fire Department joins with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association in encouraging all businesses within the City of Plantation to install sprinkler systems in their buildings. It is a proven fact that sprinklers not only reduce the amount of damage caused by fire, but directly save lives as well.

Members of the Fire Prevention Division can guide you through the process of selecting your sprinkler system. For more information about sprinklers and sprinkler systems, visit firesprinkler.org.

Fire sprinkler systems are not limited to commercial buildings. Click the above video to see how effective sprinklers can be in protecting your home.

1. Watch your cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer.

2. Give space heaters space. Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

3. Smoke outside. Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach. Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords. Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles. Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

7. Have a home fire escape plan. Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8. Install smoke alarms. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. For the best protection, both ionization and photoelectric alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms (also known as dual sensor alarms) are recommended.

9. Test smoke alarms. Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace conventional batteries once a year or when alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.

10. Install sprinklers. If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain, and may even distinguish, a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

The KNOX-BOX® System is a secure, rapid entry program specifically developed for use by fire departments. With one master key, firefighters can gain access to your property, without having to force doors or windows. More than 7,500 departments nationwide use Knox key boxes and vaults, Haz-Mat cabinets, key switches, and padlocks.

The Plantation Fire Department also uses the Sentralok™ master key security system, which requires the dispatcher to release the master key via a radio signal. A record of all master key releases is kept by the Fire Department.

You can order your 4400 Series box by visiting knoxbox.com or contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at 954-797-2150.