Plover Fire Department 
Family Safety
Code Red U.S. Fire Administration Fire Sprinklers Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Do I need a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector?
Yes. Wisconsin State Law requires each residential home to have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector located on each floor level. Carbon monoxide detectors are required if a gas appliance (i.e. furnace, water heater) is in the residence.
2.) How often should I check my smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked monthly. Batteries should be changed twice per/year in conjunction with daylight saving time changes as per Change Your Clock/Change Your Battery program.
3.) How often should I clean my smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors?
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. NOTE: The detector may sound when you are cleaning it.
4.) Do my smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors ever need to be replaced?
Yes. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have a normal life expectancy of 10 years. If you are getting false trips from your detector, it may need to be replaced. When having problems with your detector, always remember to check the battery.
5.) My smoke detector light is glowing, do I still need to test it?
Electric smoke detectors still need to be tested monthly. Testing the smoke detector can be a great time for your family to test your fire escape plan!
6.) Should I clean the chimney in my wood burning fireplace or wood stove to help prevent chimney fires?
Yes. Professional chimney sweeps tell us that chimneys should be cleaned when the creosote has built up to 1/8" to 1/4". This will help prevent chimney fires. The fireplace or wood stove is not an incinerator. Do not burn trash or large amounts of paper (especially gift-wrap). The temperature this can produce can damage your fireplace or chimney.
7.) When I clean the ash from my fireplace, is it necessary to put them in a metal container?
YES! The Fire Department responds to 2 to 4 house fires EVERY YEAR because a homeowner has cleaned their fireplace or wood stove and placed the ashes in a paper bag or cardboard box. Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to seven days. To be safe place your ashes in a metal container and leave them outside until you know they are cold (at least seven days). If you dispose of the ashes in the trash, put them in the trash only after the seven days and then only when your can has been moved to the curb for pickup.
8.) When doing home refinishing projects where should rags used for staining be disposed of?
There are some stains that are capable of creating enough heat to start a fire as they dry (check the label). This is commonly known as spontaneous combustion. Rags should be laid flat or hung to air dry. They can then be disposed of when completely dry.
9.) What is the best way to display my address numbers?
Address numbers are very important to emergency responders. Having address numbers visible is not only required, but will help emergency personnel (fire, ambulance, or police) find your residence. The numbers should be reflective or a color that contrasts with the house. If your residence is set back 35’ from the roadway you must have the address numbers posted at the road. They should be near a light to help make them visible. Do not place them on the garage door as the door may be raised when the numbers are needed. You should check that the numbers are visible from the street.
10.) When can electric extension cords replace permanent wiring?
Extension cords can only be used as temporary wiring and for no longer than a ninety (90) day period. Extension cords cannot be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
If you have any concerns or questions for the Fire & EMS Department not listed here, please feel free to contact us anytime. Others may have had the same concern or question. The Village of Plover Fire & EMS Department can be reached at (715) 345-5310.