City of Ypsilanti, Michigan - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You could. According to the False Alarm Ordinance, anyone who has a fire alarm go off when there is no fire could be charged according to the fee schedule listed below.
- First false alarm to which the police or fire department respond which cannot be attributed to a hold-up or burglary, other emergency, criminal act, or malfunction providing such hold-up alarm also cannot be attributed to the fault or negligence of the homeowner or any other person responsible to such licensee: No charge
- Second false alarm each year: As set by resolution of the city council
- Each false alarm thereafter: As set by resolution of the city council
- After four false alarms the licensing authority may at its discretion invoke the provisions of state law.
Failure to pay any such charges shall subject such owner, lessee or user to the penalty provisions of this article.

- A Knox Box a is a way for firefighters to gain entry to buildings without causing damage. During a fire alarm when no obvious signs of fire are apparent, firefighters can gain access to buildings to check whether an alarm is false or there is a problem. The advantage is there is no unnecessary damage caused by firefighters during a false alarm. You may contact Fire Services at 734-482-9778.

- Great Question!! See the job qualifications page to see the minimal job requirements.

- Our Fire Chief and Fire Marshal work a 40 hour week while our other staff, the firefighters, captains, and lieutenants, work 24-hour shifts. They work every other day for 5 days then get a 10-day break before doing another shift.

For more information on personnel check out our Fire Personnel and Job Qualifications page.