HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE A FIRE ENGINE TO GET TO A FIRE OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY AFTER 9-1-1 HAS BEEN CALLED?
It takes between 3-5 minutes for engines to arrive on scene after a 9-1-1 call has been placed.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MY HOME FROM WILDLAND AND GENERAL HOME FIRES?
To protect your home from wildfires you must create a safety zone or firebreak by reducing the amount of dead or dying fuel (vegetation) around your home. This does not necessarily mean all vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees around your home that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve as a firebreak. For a list of things to do to protect your home from home fires, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 530.257.1061. You can also visit www.firewise.org for more information.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT DRAWING UP AN ESCAPE PLAN FOR MY HOME/BUSINESS?
The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home includes:
1. Draw a floor plan of your home;
2. Agree on a meeting place;
3. Practice your escape plan; and
4. Make your exit drill realistic
You can also refer to www.survivealive.org for information including how to survive alive, tour the survival house, fire and life safety information, and kids and teachers information.
A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY IS DISABLED. WHAT DOES HE/SHE DO DURING A FIRE?
Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO DO FOR A BURN?
Cool a burn with water. Do not use ointments, butter or other substances. For minor burns contact a physician. For serious burns, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
WHAT KIND OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD I BUY?
Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. The should be designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes; including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires.
DO I NEED TO PUT A SMOKE DETECTOR IN EVERY ROOM? HOW MANY DO I NEED?
Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN MY SMOKE DETECTOR?
You should change your batteries at least annually. An easy way to remember to change your batteries is when you turn your clock back in the fall.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?
If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls or power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses or power lines. Remain inside until shaking is over. If you are in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do no use elevators.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIRE ENGINE AND A FIRE TRUCK?
Yes, there is. A fire engine has hose, a water tank, a pump (to pump water), hose, and a small assortment of ladders. A fire truck usually does not have a pump, hose, or water tank, but has a tall ladder fixed to the truck and over 100 feet of portable ladders along with additional equipment. The fire truck most often thought of is the 'Hook and Ladder' with a tiller-man steering the rear of the trailer section of the ladder.
WHY DO THEY ALWAYS SEND A FIRE ENGINE WHEN I ONLY CALLED FOR PARAMEDICS?
Most medical emergencies require multiple personnel to perform the various tasks associated with patient care.
