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:
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A fire
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A serious crime
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Any serious medical condition
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Any situation requiring immediate response of Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Personnel.
What the 9-1-1 Operator Will Need to verify:
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Address of the emergency
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Phone number you are calling from
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Nature of the emergency
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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:
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Pull to the right side of the road and STOP until the emergency vehicle has passed.
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Give all emergency vehicles the right-of-way.
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Keep back at least 500 feet from an emergency vehicle when it is responding with lights and sirens.
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Do not drive over fire hoses.
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Drive carefully around an emergency scene.
At the Emergency:
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Have someone wait at the street to direct the fire and police departments to the emergency.
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If you are a witness to the emergency, stay at the scene to provide emergency personnel with information.
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If you are asked to move or leave the area, DO IT! The firefighters and police officers are looking out for your safety.
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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:
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Make sure your address is visible from the street.
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Keep areas around fire hydrants clear of parked cars, fences, bushes, tall weeds and debris.
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Keep bushes, trees, grass and weeds cut or trimmed to avoid the chance of brush fires.
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If you have security bars on your windows, make sure they are fitted with inside quick releases.