In 2004 the Kenosha Fire Department was awarded a FEMA Grant.  The Grant was awarded in the area of fire prevention.  Part of the grant was to assemble a team of firefighters to conduct 2,000 residential home inspections.

The inspections included going through the house with a checklist and finding fire violations that could make the home susceptible to fire and discussing them with the homeowner to get them corrected.  While one firefighter was doing the inspection another firefighter hung three (3) smoke detectors or replaced batteries in existing ones, hung a fire extinguisher close to the kitchen, installed outlet covers at ground level, tested the hot water to make sure the temperature was not too hot, and provided the occupant with an E.D.I.T.H. packet (Exit Drills In The Home) containing everything a homeowner needs to conduct a fire drill in their home.

The inspections were very successful.  We inspected 2,076 homes stepping on 10,376 porches to achieve that goal.  For the occupants that were not home at the time of the inspection we left “We Were Here” cards that enabled the occupant to call us back and make an appointment if they wanted to receive a free home inspection.  

Due to the success of this program, we will be continuing this service.  If you are interested in a home inspection please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 262-653-4100 for an appointment.

We also have a smoke detector and battery program established for the low income and elderly population within our community.  If you need a smoke detector or a battery for your smoke detector please come to the Fire Prevention Bureau, located in the Municipal Building, 625 52nd street, or you can go to a fire station in your local area. 

Don’t let this be your house: