helpful safety resources

311
311 is a resource for residents, businesses and visitors to get information, request non- emergency services and report problems within the City. Call 311 or phone 585-428-5990.

For the 311 Live site, visit the City’s website.

911 Incident Reports
Calls
Dialing 911 is for any emergency in Monroe County and can be used to receive help from a fire department, police department, or ambulance. When dialing 911, be ready to provide the caller’s name, address, phone number, and the nature of the emergency.

Texts
Calling 911 in an emergency should be your first choice, but if calling is not possible the Monroe County 911 Center now accepts text messages for local customers of the four major carriers - Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint. Open your mobile phone’s text messaging system. Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field. Send a message that includes the location of the emergency, what is happening, and whether police, fire, or medical aid is needed.

Certificate of Occupancy Program
The City's Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) program involves regularly scheduled property maintenance inspections for structures with residential rental units. These inspections are based on local, state, and federal code standards. 

For general information, click here 
For FAQs, click here

Fire Safety
If you have a fire in your home, get out and stay out, and call 911 from a neighbor’s house. Children should be reminded that if they are home alone and have a fire in their home, to get out and call 911 from a neighbor’s house or other nearby phone.

For general fire safety tips, click here.

Home Security Audit
You can schedule an appointment to have police do a security check of your home. Officer Adam Johnston usually does these checks and can be reached at 585-428-6487 or adam.johnston@cityofrochester.gov.  An ABC board member reports that at his home Officer Johnston walked around his property, both inside and out, assessed safety measures, and made recommendations for him to improve the home's security.

Or email Lt. Robert Wilson, robert.j.wilson@cityofrochester.gov, about scheduling this service.

Home Water Pipe Inspection
The City needs the help of homeowners to identify unknown water service lines in the City of Rochester's water system in order to help the City get the lead out. All residents who aren't sure of their service material should learn what to do by clicking on this link.

Landlord / Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
The City's Landlord Tenant Bill of Rights highlights key obligations and protections under local, state, and federal laws that ensure landlords maintain safe, habitable properties and that tenants uphold cleanliness and report property issues promptly.

Learn more about your rights here.

Lead Paint Inspections - Rental Units
The City of Rochester's Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Ordinance has been in effect since 2006 and focuses on residential units built before 1978. The law requires inspections for lead paint hazards as part of the city's inspection processes (Certificate of Occupancy, complaints, referrals, etc.) Protections are afforded to occupants before, during and after lead paint work is conducted in any unit. The City's Lead Paint Contact number: 585-428-6520.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
New York State law requires smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all types of housing. It is the responsibility of the property owner, including landlords, to ensure these devices are in place. The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) will provide home safety checks and install pre-purchased alarms upon request. The RFD will visit any city home to ensure smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are correctly installed and in working order.