The West Seneca Bee has asked me to write a column on a routine basis to inform the community of new or timely news from the Code Enforcement Office. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to share in this informational project with other town officials.

Our office has a new strategic plan with goals and objectives on how to better serve the community; our main goal is to better inform the community of new and existing codes.

I would like to touch on a few items, one that is timelier than others. When snow falls, we ask that property owners shovel their sidewalks to allow safe passage by pedestrians. Our office allows for time to clear walkways before any letters are sent; however, we all know the longer it stays, the more difficult it is to remove.

If you have a contractor cleaning your driveway, make sure the person does not block walkways by piling snow there. There may be someone who lives near you who is unable to clear them, or it may be a vacant structure; we should all pitch in and help clear those sidewalks. The Code Enforcement Office handles all public safety issues such as this.

Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your residence? These units are required in all dwelling units; there should be a detector on each floor of the residence.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless — and could be lethal. Most of the detectors that are out now are battery-powered; change that battery every year just as you do with the smoke detectors. Both of these life-safety tools should be in place and fully operational at all times. The detectors also have a life expectancy; check the back of the detector to see how old the unit is every time you change that battery.

In addition, air circulation is important for the carbon monoxide detector to operate properly. Do not place any furniture in front of it.

Smoke detectors are required in all residences as well as commercial buildings, which require hard-wired detectors. This means the detectors are powered by 110 volts alternating current so that they are always ready to alert employees and patrons of smoke conditions.

Anyone with questions to these requirements or other town ordinances should feel free to call and ask. We are currently in the process of updating our website so that there will be more information available for residents. Please check periodically for the finished site.

In case you haven’t been to West Seneca Town Hall lately, our office was relocated to the second floor last year, across from the Town Clerk’s Office. The Code Enforcement Office team can be reached at 558-3242. We welcome your questions and concerns.