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Frequently Asked Questions

The material in this question and answer series is for your information only. It is not legal advice and is not designed to be used in place of legal advice. You should consult your own attorney for legal advice. The St. Joseph Legal Department provides this series to provide a general summary of procedures concerning violations of city ordinances in the City of St. Joseph, Missouri. It is issued to inform generally, not to advise of specific rights. As with any general information, the answers given here may not specifically apply to you.
Our alarm system keeps having false alarms. The alarm goes off but no fire is found. Can’t we do something about this?
Fire alarms seldom malfunction. Usually, if they are sounding, there is a reason. Sensing devices may need cleaning or replacement. Other reasons causing alarm activation may be as simple as a bag of popcorn that overcooked in a microwave, a co-worker smoking in an area where they shouldn’t be, or dust from re-modeling. In all of cases, even though big flames were not shooting from the building and hoses were not needed to put the fire out, the system was doing its job of alerting everyone in the building to a possible danger of a fire. If your system activates, immediately leave the building and do not re-enter until the proper authority investigated the alarm and gives the all clear to enter the building. Take every fire alarm seriously, follow your established evacuation plan, leave the building until someone of authority (building maintenance, security, the fire department, etc.) tell you it is safe to return.

Show All Answers

1. How can I become a firefighter in St. Joseph?
2. What programs are available from the Fire Department?
3. When are the burning periods?
4. The Fire Department has been inspecting my building for many years and has never mentioned a violation in the past. Why are they indicating a violation this time?
5. When I need a permit, whom do I call for an inspection?
6. What is a KNOX Box?
7. Can I purchase a rapid entry key system (Knox Box) for my business?
8. What code does the City of St Joseph Fire Department use?
9. My building has a sprinkler system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
10. My building has a fire alarm system. Are there things I should do to maintain the system?
11. Our alarm system keeps having false alarms. The alarm goes off but no fire is found. Can’t we do something about this?
12. I’ve heard quite a lot about carbon monoxide. Could I have this in my house and do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
13. Can I burn brush or yard waste in St. Joseph?
14. How can I get a fire truck to come to my event?
15. People completely disregard the fire lanes in my building. What can I do about it?
16. If during an inspection a violation is found how long do I have to fix it?