Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Yes. If you are interested in a tour, contact the fire department at 630-653-5050 to schedule a time.

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.