HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8438 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8438
October 15, 2002
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Report on the current condition of the Fire Department's
"Fire Safety House" Teaching Structure
The Department's Fire Safety House (FSH) is a scaled-down model of a, home used to educate
children in fire safety education and escape. To address the issue regarding the current condition
of the Fire Safety House, the Fort Worth Fire Department conducted a thorough examination of the
structure and found it in good operating condition and absent of structural or aesthetic defects.
Currently, the Community Relations Chief actively seeks donations for the maintenance and
refurbishment of the teaching structure. Donations vary each year; they are deposited in a Special
Trust Account. These donations accrue and currently, the account has a balance of$1,200. In the
past, Lowe's Home Improvement Stores, the Citizen's Fire Academy, and Wal-Mart Stores have
donated materials, funds, or staff time for necessary renovations. The staff in the Community
Relations Division of the Fire Department conducts frequent and thorough inspections of this
facility and initiates preventative maintenance on a regular basis. Before and after each use, the
Fire Safety House is inspected, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired to ensure it is an effective and
safe teaching device. Most recently, the Fire Department initiated the following repairs:
Painting (exterior) $1,000
o
Painting (interior touch ups) $400
Repair Air Conditioner Condensation and Upstairs Window Leak $800
Minor Roof Repairs $400
Steps and Rail installation for easier access $200
The Fire Department plans to initiate the following minor improvements to increase the life-like
appearance as well as functionality of the structure:
Addition of light weight plastic tables and chairs $120.00
Tablecloths $20.00
Adding traveling boxes/tubs $75.00
Picture frames and posters $40,00
The installation of new appliances and utensils $250.00
New Smoke Machine $100.00
Should the City wish to replace the Fire Safety House with a more modern unit, pricing begins at
$26,000 for a standard FSH with options available for purchase (up to $15,800) for a total of
$41,800. These options include but are not limited to heated door knobs, smoke generators, PA
system with speaker, television camera wiring, ramps, and numerous other smaller features.
The Fire Department continues to incorporate the Fire Safety House in its Fire Safety Education
presentations and demonstrations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. We see no need to consider
rep sing it at this time.
son
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS