Sandusky Fire Department places an emphasis on community services and education as a means of fire and emergency prevention. The following services and programs are offered to the community: 

Community Programming/Fire Safety
The Sandusky Fire Department provides numerous public safety programs with the goal of reducing accidents and injuries. The content of the program can be tailored to your group or organization. Recommendations can be offered based on specific challenges. Some of the programs available include:
   - Presentation on life and fire safety to civic groups, churches, and other organizations
   - Fire/evacuation drill evaluations for schools, residential facilities or businesses
   - Child safety talks for elementary schools, day cares and camps on fire and life safety
   - Middle/high school presentations on public service and the fire service as a career

For more information, or to schedule a program, call 419.627.5823. 

Fire extinguisher training
The Sandusky Fire Department provides fire extinguisher training to businesses on an as needed basis. For more information call 419.627.5823.

Youth Firesetters
Children set fires for many reasons. If a child plays with fire, that does not mean they are a problem child. When children have repeated and intentional firestarting behaviors, fascination becomes a problem.

Though education, and in some cases counseling, affected children and their families can be given the skills to change this dangerous behavior.

Studies show that fires started by children playing with matches and lighters are the leading cause of fire deaths for pre-school children and account for more than 1/3 of their fire deaths. The United States Fire Administration offers more detailed information about what you can do to help prevent problems with Youth Firesetters.

Your local contact for Youth Firesetting help can be reached at 419.627.5823. 
 
Adopt-A-Hydrant Program
Working in partnership with the Sandusky Fire Department (SFD) and the City of Sandusky Water Department, the Adopt-A-Hydrant program encourages neighborhoods and civic organizations to participate in the preservation of fire hydrants in neighborhoods or other areas throughout the city. There are about 1,000 fire hydrants scattered throughout the city and some are in need of upkeep and maintenance such as painting. To participate in the Adopt-A-Hydrant program, call 419.627.5823

Program Terms

• SFD and the interested group will jointly identify hydrants that will be adopted and develop a locator of     selected hydrants.
• SFD will provide necessary training to clean, paint and clear hydrants for improved visibility.
• The Sandusky Water Department will provide the necessary paint, tools and materials to be used on the fire hydrant.
• Fire Hydrants will be painted no more than once every five years or as approved on an exception basis.
• The Sandusky Water Department will inspect and refurbished all fire hydrants. 

Maintenance Steps

• Clear vegetation and lose objects from around fire hydrant so it is visible from the street. There should be at least a three-foot cleared area around the fire hydrant.
• Remove loose material and debris from the hydrant, i.e., paint, weeds, dirt.
• Clean hydrant with wire brushes and rags to remove dirt and excessive or peeling paint. All loose paint must be removed prior to painting. Be sure to lay plastic sheeting or cardboard around base, so all paint chips can be collected. This will also keep paint off areas having grass or plants.
• Paint caps and bonnet (top) with white paint and let dry while you paint main body.
• Tape steamer cap threads, so no paint will get on them, and then paint main body of hydrant with red paint.
• Remove tape as soon as you are through painting the body with red paint.

Fire Hydrant Regulations: 2017 Ohio Fire Code
(d) 508.5.4 - Obstruction:
Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment for fire hydrants.

(e) 507.5.5 Clear Space Around Hydrants
A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved. 
 
To participate in the Adopt-A-Hydrant program, call 419.627.5823.