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Public Safety

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1. Who is the Fire Marshall?

There is no Fire Marshall in Cranberry Township; however, the Fire Prevention Ordinance and other fire suppressions related ordinances are administered by the Community Development Department.
Community Development

2. Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?

No. Recreational fires are small fires that are used for cooking food.

3. Is open burning prohibited?

The Township will no longer issue permits for open burning. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has indicated that open burning is not to be permitted by Townships.
PA Department of Environmental Protection

4. Who do I call for the dispatch of police, fire, or emergency medical services?

You must call 9-1-1 anywhere in Butler County. This includes the dispatch of police officers to routine calls. Unlike some communities, whenever you need a public safety response, you dial 9-1-1. There is no “non emergency” number in the county to use to dispatch a police officer.

5. Is there a “leash law” in Cranberry Township?

Yes. All dogs and cats must be under control of their owners, and they are not permitted to run free.

6. Are cats permitted to run free?

No. They must be under control of their owner.

7. What rules apply to the curfew?

No one under the age of seventeen (17) is permitted in or on any public street or parks between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or going to or from work, school, or church activities.

8. If I have a Junior Drivers License, can I drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m?

Yes, for extremely limited purposes. Junior operators may drive between their home and place of work provided they have a certificate of authorization or affidavit from their employer documenting their work schedule. This also applies to teens involved in firefighting or volunteer charitable service. Teens must have the appropriate affidavit with them when operating during restricted hours. Teens may not drive to school-related activities during the driving curfew hours.

9. How do I request a criminal records check?

A Criminal Records Check form can be obtained from the police department or the state representative’s office. A criminal record check submitted to the police department will only cover arrests made by the Cranberry Township Police Department. Criminal history forms submitted by the applicant to the Pennsylvania State Police will cover arrests made anywhere in Pennsylvania. There is no charge for the Cranberry Township records check, but the State Police charge $10.00 which is payable to the Commonwealth by certified check or money order.
Cranberry Township Police Department

10. Where is the office of the District Judge?

Cranberry’s local District Judge is located at 213 Executive Drive Suite 120. Cranberry Township Pa 16066. The office phone is 724-772-1717.
Butler County District Judges

11. Where do I go to get a protection from abuse order?

At the Butler County Courthouse - Domestic Relations. Call 724-779-7633 for times and details. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should immediately call 9-1-1 for a police officer to be dispatched. During non-business hours you may obtain an emergency P.F.A. from a District Judge. You must contact your local police department to coordinate the process.

12. Are soliciting permits required?

Yes, if the person is going from residence to residence and speaking with occupants. No permit is required for soliciting businesses. If flyers are being placed on doors or mailbox flags no permit is required. Soliciting permits are issued by the Police Department. Times for soliciting are restricted, and there is a charge to solicit in neighborhoods. There is no fee for nonprofit organizations.

13. How do I get a “Children Playing” sign in my neighborhood?

Children playing signs are not erected in the Township since children play in all of the plans. If we installed the signs in all the plans we would have gained nothing except to declare the fact that children play in the plans. The Township policy is designed to prevent sign proliferation.

14. Why can’t I have speed bumps or speed humps on my roadway?

Cranberry Township does not install speed bumps or speed humps for several reasons.
• They make it more difficult to remove snow and ice. In fact, the water tends to collect at any low points creating slick roads.
•Children use the bumps and humps for skateboarding.
• Drivers can be surprised by the presence of the obstacles, creating potential dangers.
• There are liability concerns for the Township because of accidents that are allegedly caused by the obstacles or because of alleged damage to vehicles driving over the obstacles.
•Where would you draw the line on requests for speed bumps or humps?

15. What do I do about skunks, racoons, possums, or other “wild” animals living under my porch or in my attic?

Contact an animal removal service. Some suggestions are: Critter Control (724-775-5444), Critter Getter (724-772-1703), Marcin Animal Management (724-657-9856), Triangle Pet (412-771-7387), or other numbers listed in the yellow pages. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will not respond to these types of calls.

16. Who provides Cranberry’s animal control service?

Triangle Pet in McKees Rocks. They can be reached by calling 412-771-7387 or by calling 911

17. Where can I obtain a Cranberry Township Map?

Maps are usually available for $2.00 at the Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce office in the Municipal Center or in Cranberry Township Customer Service.

For more information, visit the website or call 724-776-4949
Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce

18. Where is the nearest drivers license bureau?

The three closest centers to Cranberry Township are: Duncan Manor Shopping Center in Allegheny County (412-364-4793 photo) (412-366-3502 exam), Butler Mall in Butler (724-287-0973 photo) (724-284-1424 exam) or Beaver County (724-773-0305 photo) (724-773-7462 exam). Hours of operation vary, so it is best to call first. You may take your driver’s exam at each of these locations by appointment.
PA Driver and Vehicle Services

19. How do I get a learners permit?

Applications are located in the back of the Drivers Manual. Drivers manuals can be picked up at the police department, library, or state representative’s office, all located in the Cranberry township Municipal Building.
PA Driver and Vehicle Services

20. How do I obtain a copy of my driving record?

Required forms can be picked up at the Police Department or the state representative’s office in the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. The Commonwealth charges a fee of $5.00 to $10.00 for this service depending upon the number of years covered.

21. Where do I file a civil suit?

At the District Judge’s office if the amount in dispute is $8,000 or less. The office is located at 213 Executive Drive Suite 120. Cranberry Township Pa 16066. The office phone is 724-772-1717.
Butler County District Judges

22. Are dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles permitted to operate on private property?

No one is permitted to operate a dirt bike or a quad on private property without the permission of the landowner. To enforce this prohibition, the property should be posted, “No Trespassing.” If the property is not posted, police intervention must be requested by the landowner. It is not sufficient for a neighbor to complain about the activity.

23. Are children permitted to play on residential streets.

Children are permitted to play on residential streets when it is safe to do so. When vehicles approach, we insist the children move off of the roadway and remove any nets or other hardware that restrict traffic movement. If they fail to do so, the complainant should call 9-1-1 to have a police officer dispatched.

24. When I have a party, can guests park on the street?

Yes. Please contact the Police Department at (724) 776-5180 with information as to when and where the event will be held. Vehicles may be parked on one side of the street only, facing the proper direction so emergency vehicles can get through. Vehicles must not block driveways or cross streets. Permission may be denied if there is inclement weather or parking on the street creates a hazard.

25. Can I use fireworks in the Township?

Generally, fireworks which include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, aerial fireworks, or other explosive devices of like construction cannot be sold or used in the Commonwealth. This prohibition does not include sparklers, toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper caps are used. The law relating to the use of fireworks in Pennsylvania is very complicated. The best guidance is if you did not buy the item in Pennsylvania, do not use it in Pennsylvania. Illegal fireworks will be seized.

26. Where can I obtain a hand gun permit?

Applications can be obtained at the police department. They must then be taken, in person, to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at the county Courthouse.

27. Is hunting permitted in Cranberry Township?

Yes. Shotguns can be used in the Township unless the owner has posted his or her property. You may hunt with a rifle if you have written permission on your person from the property owner. You must have a valid hunting permit and follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Hunting in Pennsylvania

28. Who do I call when I observe a dead or injured animal on the roadway?

Dial 9-1-1 for any request for a public safety response. The dispatcher will notify the proper agency.

29. Who do I call about information concerning the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company?

Call the Fire Station:
Normal business hours, at 724-776-1196 Ext. 1800 – Mark Nanna- Administrator
Evenings or weekends at 724-776-1196 or 724-776-6130 and leave a voice mail for any Officer or stop by either fire station when volunteers are present. Tuesday evenings are the best time to speak in person with a volunteer.
Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company

30. Who do I call for fire station tours, to request a fire prevention program, or to request the Fire Safety House?

Call the Fire Prevention Coordinator (a volunteer) at 724-776-6130, Ext 1605. Leave your name, phone number, and nature of your request on the voice mail.
Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company

31. Does the Fire Company rent hall facilities, tables or chairs?

No, the Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company does not rent hall facilities, tables or chairs.

32. Does the Fire Company fill swimming pools?

No, the Fire Company does not fill swimming pools; however, in order to avoid paying sewer fees on the water used to fill your pool, call the Cranberry Township Customer Service Desk at 724-776-4806 to get the details.

33. What should I do if my smoke detector continues to beep in a non-emergency situation?

First, check to make sure the battery is good (batteries should be replaced twice a year). If the batteries are good and the problem continues, call 911.

34. Does the Fire Company provide CPR and First Aid training to the public?

No the Fire Company does not provide these types of training. Please contact the American Red Cross of Butler County at 724-779-6388 or the Cranberry Ambulance at 724-776-4480 for classes being offered.
Cranberry Ambulance

35. Does the Fire Company provide fire extinguisher training to local businesses?

When possible, the Fire Company will try to assist. You may check with them by calling 724-776-1196.
You may also check the yellow pages under “Fire Extinguishers” for a list of companies that provide this and related fire safety services.
Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company

36. What should I do if my CO Detector is alarming or making a beeping sound?

Call 911. The Volunteer Fire Company will respond to assist.
Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company

37. How do I contact a specific person in the fire department?

Call 724-776-1196 or 724-776-6130 and choose the appropriate option for the officer title listed or choose the operator function from the welcome message.
Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company

38. What is the Cranberry Township Police Department office number?

724-776-5180 724-776-0237 (fax)

Dial 9-1-1 for any request to have a police officer dispatched
Cranberry Police Department

39. How do I get a stop sign installed?

Stop signs are installed on roadways only when they meet specific engineering criteria established by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Study and installation of stop signs is dependant on road ownership. On roads owned by the Township, a request can be made to the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department for a study to be completed to determine if stop sign criteria are met. If the roadway is State owned, then a request can be made directly to PA DOT or requests made to the Township’s Engineering Division of the Public Works Department for State roads will be forwarded to the State. Please note that stop sign requests purely for the purpose of “slowing” traffic do not meet the stop sign design criteria.

40. Can I get the speed limit reduced on a roadway?

Speed limits on roadways are determined based on a variety of factors including volumes and design. In general, a speed study can be performed by the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department for Township owned roads. Speed studies for State roads can be directed to PA DOT or request made to the Township’s Engineering Division for state roads will be forwarded to the State

41. Who regulates the traffic signals?

The Township owns, operates, and maintains the signals, however, PA DOT regulates and approves any changes.

42. Will A Lower Speed Limit Help Reduce Speeding?

A common myth holds installing a lower speed limit will cause drivers to slow down and reduce accidents.
Facts indicated otherwise. Research conducted throughout the country over several decades has shown that drivers are influenced by the type of street and the current traffic conditions, and not the posted speed limit.
When a speed limit sign is not posted, Pennsylvania’s basic law still applies. It requires that a person drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions. In every event, speed must be so controlled as to avoid colliding with any object, person or vehicle on the highway. It is the duty of ALL persons to exercise reasonable care for the protection of others.
Under PA law, the maximum speed limit in Cranberry Township is 55 miles per hour (mph).
Other maximum speed limits established by law include the 25 mph limit on local streets in residential areas and business districts.
Speed limits between 25 and 55 mph may be established on the basis of traffic engineering studies. These studies include roadway conditions, accident records and the prevailing speed of prudent drivers. If an unreasonable speed is posted, most drivers will ignore the sign while a few may try to stay within the posted speed limit. This causes real safety concerns, such as tailgating, due to the difference between faster and slower drivers.
Setting unrealistically low speed limits has two adverse effects.
• They make violators out of reasonable and otherwise law-abiding citizens.
• Most importantly, police enforcement is diminished, which plays a vital role in controlling the speed limit.
Unrealistic speed limits create a difficult situation for the police and the community. Citations are frequently not upheld in court because the police will not return to the site to reinforce the law.
Remember, unreasonably low speed limits:
• Do not change most drivers speeds
• Cannot be upheld in court
• Can reduce police enforcement

43. Will a Traffic Signal Reduce Accidents at Our Intersection?

Traffic Signals don’t always eliminate collisions.
In fact, in most instances, collisions and severe injuries increase after signals are installed.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices suggests that signals should not be installed under the premise of reducing collisions, unless five or more occur per year. This was predicated on a comprehensive California study which determined that of all signals installed over a five year period, the only ones that enjoyed a reduction in collisions were those that had at least five incidences annually beforehand. Another study, the Schoene Study, indicated that an increase in collisions should be expected at intersections having fewer than ten right-angle collisions per year prior to signalization.
The purpose of signals is to improve the overall flow of traffic. Signals can be helpful in reducing right-angle collisions under certain circumstances, but almost always increase other type of collisions such as rear-end and left turn collisions.
After many years of study, traffic engineers compare existing conditions against established guidelines throughout the country. Signalization could cause more collisions, congestion and delay, if conditions do not meet established guidelines. When these conditions are met, an engineer then needs to consider geometric conditions and spacing to determine whether or not a signal could be helpful.
Signals installed at collector and local street intersections may be necessary to improve access to major streets, but they can result in more neighborhood cut-through traffic.
Traffic engineers consider these points when deciding if a traffic signal will help more than it will hurt.
• Is congestion severe enough to create extraordinary frustration?
• Is traffic so heavy that drivers on the side street try to cross when it is unsafe?
• Is there a large number of pedestrians waiting to cross a wide, high speed and busy street?
Does the age and number of school children crossing the street require special controls? If so, is a traffic signal the best solution?

Remember, Traffic Signals:
• Can increase collisions
• Can increase neighborhood cut-through traffic

44. Will More Stop Signs Slow Traffic on Our Street?

STOP signs installed in wrong places usually create more problems than they solve.
Many requests are received for STOP signs to interrupt traffic or to slow speeding vehicles. Studies in Pennsylvania and across the country show there is a high number of intentional violations when STOP signs are installed as "nuisance" or "speed" breakers.
Studies show that speed is reduced in the immediate vicinity of nuisance STOP signs. Speeds are higher on road stretches between intersections with signs. This is caused by motorists "Making up for lost time."
Nuisance STOP signs also increase air pollution, waste fuel, and create more traffic noise.
Neighborhood streets with low traffic tend to operate best under the state right of way law.
Pennsylvania State Law applies to intersections with no STOP or Yield Signs. It requires the driver on the left to yield right of way to the driver on the right, when two vehicles enter a four-way intersection from different streets at the same time. This requires drivers on all four approaches to slow down to reasonable speeds.

When STOP signs are installed on one street, drivers on the other street tend to increase speeds since they have the right of way. Drivers tend not to care, since they feel others need to yield to them.
Under the right conditions STOP signs can play an important role in traffic safety.
National standards have been established to determine when STOP signs should be installed. These standards consider traffic speed and the number of gaps in traffic to allow safe vehicle entry or pedestrian crossing.
STOP signs used at intersections should stop vehicles on the street with less traffic. Four-way STOP's are helpful only when traffic is high and approximately equal on all four approaches. At least 500 cars per hour for a substantial portion of the day, is necessary to make four-way STOP's beneficial.
Most drivers are reasonable and prudent. When confronted with unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions, motorists are more likely to violate them. They usually develop contempt for all traffic signs, often with tragic results.

Remember, STOP Signs:
• Do not stop speeding
• Increase Air and Noise Pollution
• Waste Fuel

45. Will "Children at Play" Signs Help Slow Traffic?

STOP signs installed in wrong places usually create more problems than they solve.
Many requests are received for STOP signs to interrupt traffic or to slow speeding vehicles. Studies in Pennsylvania and across the country show there is a high number of intentional violations when STOP signs are installed as "nuisance" or "speed" breakers.
Studies show that speed is reduced in the immediate vicinity of nuisance STOP signs. Speeds are higher on road stretches between intersections with signs. This is caused by motorists "Making up for lost time."
Nuisance STOP signs also increase air pollution, waste fuel, and create more traffic noise.
Neighborhood streets with low traffic tend to operate best under the state right of way law.
Pennsylvania State Law applies to intersections with no STOP or Yield Signs. It requires the driver on the left to yield right of way to the driver on the right, when two vehicles enter a four-way intersection from different streets at the same time. This requires drivers on all four approaches to slow down to reasonable speeds.

When STOP signs are installed on one street, drivers on the other street tend to increase speeds since they have the right of way. Drivers tend not to care, since they feel others need to yield to them.
Under the right conditions STOP signs can play an important role in traffic safety.
National standards have been established to determine when STOP signs should be installed. These standards consider traffic speed and the number of gaps in traffic to allow safe vehicle entry or pedestrian crossing.
STOP signs used at intersections should stop vehicles on the street with less traffic. Four-way STOP's are helpful only when traffic is high and approximately equal on all four approaches. At least 500 cars per hour for a substantial portion of the day, is necessary to make four-way STOP's beneficial.
Most drivers are reasonable and prudent. When confronted with unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions, motorists are more likely to violate them. They usually develop contempt for all traffic signs, often with tragic results.

Remember, STOP Signs:
• Do not stop speeding
• Increase Air and Noise Pollution
• Waste Fuel
Q: Will "Children at Play" Signs Help Slow Traffic?
A: Signs are used to guide and direct motorists.
Unnecessary signs can confuse, distract and irritate motorists. Use of unnecessary signs can promote a disrespect for all signs. The best example is the "CHILDREN AT PLAY" sign.
While it may seem that this sign would protect neighborhood youngsters, facts indicate otherwise. Although some communities have posted these signs in residential areas, no evidence exists to prove that these signs help reduce pedestrian accidents or lower speed.
Studies have shown that many signs in residential areas, installed to "Warn" people of normal conditions fail to improve safety.
Pedestrians can get a false sense of security since drivers often disregard these signs.
Signs that encourage parents or children to believe they have added protection can do more harm than good. Children should not be encouraged to play in the street. Federal standards reject these signs because they openly suggest that playing in the street is acceptable.
Since children live on nearly every residential block, warning signs would have to be placed on each street.
Blocks with no signs might imply that no children live there, proving more opportunity to speed.
Because of the serious concerns, Pennsylvania law does not recognize "Children at Play" signs. Specific warnings for schools and crosswalks are available for use where they clearly serve a purpose.

Warning signs can be effective tools if used sparingly and only to warn motorists of uncommon hazards that are not apparent to drivers.
Remember, "Children at Play" Signs:
• Are generally disregarded by motorists
• Give pedestrians a false sense of security