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When To Call 911

In 2011 fire personnel responded to over 2515 calls for assistance. Most of these calls were responded to in less than 5 minutes.

 

Here are some ways you can help the fire department help you during an emergency.

 

Only Call 9-1-1 to Report:

  • A fire

  • A serious crime

  • Any serious medical condition

  • Any situation requiring immediate response of Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Personnel.

 

What the 9-1-1 Operator Will Need to verify:

  • Address of the emergency

  • Phone number you are calling from

  • Nature of the emergency

  • Stay calm, speak clearly, be prepared to answer questions, receive instructions and stay on the phone until you are told to hang up!

 

Emergency Vehicles and You:
When an emergency vehicle has its lights and siren on, it is responding to an emergency. It is YOUR responsibility to:

  • Pull to the right side of the road and STOP until the emergency vehicle has passed.

  • Give all emergency vehicles the right-of-way.

  • Keep back at least 500 feet from an emergency vehicle when it is responding with lights and sirens.

  • Do not drive over fire hoses.

  • Drive carefully around an emergency scene.

 

At the Emergency:

  • Have someone wait at the street to direct the fire and police departments to the emergency.

  • If you are a witness to the emergency, stay at the scene to provide emergency personnel with information.

  • If you are asked to move or leave the area, DO IT! The firefighters and police officers are looking out for your safety.

  • Remember, things can become very hectic in an emergency. Firefighters and police officers need to do their job in a safe way.

 

Some Other Tips:

  • Make sure your address is visible from the street.

  • Keep areas around fire hydrants clear of parked cars, fences, bushes, tall weeds and debris.

  • Keep bushes, trees, grass and weeds cut or trimmed to avoid the chance of brush fires.

  • If you have security bars on your windows, make sure they are fitted with inside quick releases.

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