I just wanted to pass some information on to our businesses about a white male who is representing himself as a fire inspector.
This male is not an Oberlin Fire Department or State of Ohio fire inspector and does not have any authority in Oberlin. All Oberlin Fire Department and State of Ohio Fire Marshal Inspectors will be in uniform and have proper ID!
On August 28th, this male entered a business in town and indicated he was a “Fire Inspector”. He never gave his name or who he represents. He was in a white van with the lettering “ Fire Protection Coverage Serving All of Ohio”. He looked at a fire extinguisher and told the owner that the fire extinguisher needed to be replaced and he had one in his van for $79.00. Excellent move on the business owner by telling the male that he would pass the information on to the management and after the male left the owner contacted the fire department to verify the information. Both Oberlin Fire and Oberlin police are following up on the incident. If you have experienced this type of visit or someone approaches your business with this tactic please contact Oberlin Police and/or Oberlin Fire immediately. Oberlin police: 440 774-1061, Oberlin Fire:440 774-3211.
Just to verify again with our businesses, the only two certified agencies to complete fire inspections in Oberlin is the Oberlin Fire Department and/or the Ohio State Fire Marshal. Both agencies will be easily identifiable and have proper IDs. Most inspections will be scheduled and these inspectors will not sell you any products. Depending on the type of business you have you will have to deal with certain fire protection vendors of you choice. These vendors will complete 3rd party inspections on items such as fire extinguishers, kitchen hood systems, fire alarms for example and do sell you items to stay current to the code that the fire inspectors enforce. There are several reputable vendors out there that complete these services and although we require you complete the service the vendor you use is completely up to you. You can get on a simi-annual or annual contract with the vendor of your choice but they normally will call and make an appointment prior to coming out to see you. Just like Oberlin and state inspectors, these technicians will identify themselves and the company they are with and will have a license from the state to perform the service they are providing you.
Please, If you have any questions or concerns please contact Chief Hanmer or Assistant Chief Streator at the Oberlin Fire Department (440)774-3211.
