Program Overview
The Housing-Based Injury Control and Prevention Program responds to service requests and complaints regarding housing issues that pose an immediate or sustained health or safety risk to occupants of a dwelling unit. Critical health and safety risks include: improper venting; sanitary sewer leaks; lack of heat or other utilities; blocked egress; and conditions conducive to lead poisoning.
ECDOH perform investigations to identify critical health and safety hazards, provide education and intervention materials to occupant families; notify property owners of issues to be corrected; and if necessary, pursue enforcement of the Erie County Sanitary Code in Housing Court or Commissioner’s Hearings.
Important Information about Housing Related Hazards
- Improper venting in a dwelling is a hazard because it can allow the carbon monoxide (CO) produced by burning fuel to build up in the home instead of venting safely to the outside. Carbon Monoxide is known as “The Invisible Killer".
- 'Egress’ means the exits and escape route out of a dwelling in the event of a fire or other emergency. Blocked egress could trap a person in a building during a fire. Regularly practice E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home).
- Download the free app Ready Erie Preparedness App. Through this app you can receive notifications, locate emergency shelters, view up-to-date evacuation maps, create a personalized emergency preparedness plan & more.
- Help with heating bills is available through Erie County Department of Social Services’ Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
- Help with repairs and renovations may be available in your area. For more information see the Erie County Housing Resource Directory.
Service Requests & Complaints
If you wish to make a service request for an inspection or to make a complaint, you may call our office at (716) 961-6800 from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday or use the online Residential Service Request/Complaint form.
Related Programs
FAQs
- I think I have mold in my house. Can the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) test it and clean it up?
- The building I live in or work in is making me sick. Can the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) test the building?
- I think I have bedbugs (cockroaches, other insects, spiders, other pests) in my home. Can the Health Department come out and exterminate them?
- I have bed bugs (cockroaches, or another pest) in my apartment and my landlord says I’m responsible for exterminating—is that true?
Contact
Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)
Environmental Health Division
503 Kensington Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-961-6800
Fax: 716-961-6880
Map of Location
Area Served: Erie County, NY