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Frequently Asked
Questions
| Q. |
How do I report a fire, medical, or other
emergency call? |
| A. |
Dial 9-1-1 |
| Q. |
Where is the best place to place the smoke
detector? |
| A. |
Place smoke detectors in the corridors leading
into bedrooms. Mount the detector in the middle of the ceiling
or twelve inches down from the ceiling if mounted on a wall.
If you live in a two-story home, place the detector at the top
of the stairwell. Never place the detector close to a kitchen
or bathroom. If possible, place a smoke detector on every level
of the home. |
| Q. |
Are carbon monoxide detectors really needed? |
| A. |
Absolutely! Carbon monoxide is a silent, deadly
killer. Potential carbon monoxide sources in the home are clogged
or blocked chimneys, portable heaters, gas or wood burning fireplaces,
a leaking chimney pipe or flue, gas clothes dryers, and vehicle
exhaust. These detectors are well worth the investment. |
| Q. |
Why does a fire truck come to my house with
the ambulance? |
| A. |
The "engine" company arrives with the
ambulance to help the paramedic crew move a patient outside
of their residence and also assists with patient care inside
the ambulance. Many firefighters on the "engine" company
are certified paramedics and can assist the crew with medications
and advanced procedures. |
| Q. |
What do I do when I see an emergency vehicle
approaching when I am driving? |
| A. |
Always remember to safely pull your vehicle to
the right when you see an emergency vehicle approaching. Never
stop in the middle of the road or precede though an intersection
against the signals. An oncoming vehicle going through the intersection
might not see you in time. Always pull to the right whenever
possible. |
| Q. |
Why does the ambulance sit in front of my
house after they get the patient into the back of the ambulance? |
| A. |
In many ways, an ambulance is like a mobile emergency
room. The ambulance carries the same equipment as the emergency
room has - and even does the same procedures as the emergency
room. Sometimes, a patient needs some medication or a special
procedure prior to going to the hospital. Some medical conditions
need to be addressed rapidly to ensure a positive outcome for
the patient. |
| Q. |
Why does the fire department punch a hole
in the roof of a house when it is on fire? |
| A. |
When there is a fire in a closed structure, the
fire and smoke build up and move upward until it cannot go up
any farther. Smoke travels upward until something stops it like
a ceiling or a roof. At this time, the smoke mushrooms outward
filling the structure. If the firefighters punch a hole in the
roof, the smoke is able to escape. If there are victims inside,
this could better enable them to breath and be more easily located
by the firefighters. If the firefighters ventilate the structure,
the heat will dissipate and the firefighters can more easily
locate the fire and extinguish it. |
| Q. |
If I were trapped in a burning building, would
firefighters be able to rescue me? |
| A. |
This all depends on you and the fire protection
features of the building you are in at the time of the fire.
There are ways to improve your chances of escaping a fire
such as:
- Installing smoke detectors in your home, and check them
monthly.
- Having a fire escape plan that includes two ways out
of each room/home and practicing it.
- Learning what to do in the event of fire in your home.
- Never re-enter a burning building.
- Don't panic. When you panic, your chances of survival
decrease significantly.
- If you are trapped and you know the fire department is
on scene, make your location known by yelling, opening a
window and hanging something out, or calling 9-1-1 and relaying
your location to the dispatcher.
- Stuff bedding or towels under the door to keep deadly
smoke and gases out of the room.
- Do not hide under a bed or table! Stay near a window
or doorway. Firefighters are taught to search under windows
and doorways during rescue searches.
- If you are on a second floor you may be able to hang
from a window and drop to the ground without suffering significant
injury. This option should be considered a last resort,
when smoke and/or heat make a room uninhabitable
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| Q. |
Can we schedule a fire engine presentation
or station tour? |
| A. |
Yes. If you are interested in a tour, contact
the fire department at 630-653-5050 to schedule a time. |
| Q. |
What is the best kind of extinguisher for
my house? |
| A. |
A multipurpose fire extinguisher is best for
the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B,C on the
label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly
found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.
For further questions, call the Fire Department at 630-653-5050.
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