FAQs
WHEN I CALL 9-1-1 FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, WHY DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOW UP?
Because the Carlinville Fire Protection District is a Medical First Response provider, firefighters undergo medical emergency response training. Most of our firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians or Medical First Responders. When a 9-1-1 call is received for a medical emergency, there are many times when the fire department can arrive before the ambulance and begin patient care. Other times, we help the ambulance crew by assisting with patient care, removing the patient from a dangerous area, or even riding / driving the ambulance to the hospital assisting the paramedics.
WHY DO I SOMETIMES SEE AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE GO THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WITH LIGHTS AND SIRENS ON, AND THEN, AFTER THEY GO THROUGH, TURN THEM OFF AND SLOW DOWN?
Many times, several units are dispatched to the same emergency incident. The first unit may have arrived on scene, surveyed the situation, and informed the dispatcher that it was under control, or that more units were not necessary. All other responding units were cancelled and placed back into service, ready to take another call. Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle go through an intersection “Priority One” (lights and sirens) and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on, or requested to continue “Priority Three” (non-emergent, normal traffic).
WHY DO FIREFIGHTERS CUT HOLES IN THE ROOF OF A BUILDING DURING A FIRE? DOESN'T THIS DO EVEN MORE DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE?
Cutting holes in the roof of a burning structure is known as ventilation. Ventilation helps firefighters inside the building by allowing smoke and superheated gases to escape, which can make conditions inside better for firefighters and victims, in addition it may also keep the superheated gases from igniting an attic fire. Unlike the movies, it is normally pitch-black inside a burning building because of all the smoke. Ultimately, ventilation helps firefighters who may be searching for someone trapped in the building by eliminating some smoke and heat. This helps us save people who may be trapped, and to put the fire out quickly, saving more of the building.
WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL SMOKE DETECTORS IN MY HOME?
Install a minimum of two smoke detectors per floor. If possible try to install a smoke detector in each bedroom, in addition to the corridors outside sleeping areas. Also install a smoke detector in the basement, and at the top of stairwells. Don’t forget to change batteries regularly! A smoke detector with dead batteries is the same as no smoke detector at all! Here is a great video presentation from the International Association of Fire Chiefs about smoke detector placement:
https://youtu.be/3VIJgil9_FQ
https://youtu.be/3VIJgil9_FQ
MY SMOKE DETECTOR EMITS A SMALL BEEP EVERY FEW MINUTES. DOES THIS MEAN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED??
Usually not. The “chirping” noise you hear usually means your batteries are starting to run low. Replace them as soon as possible.
my carbon monoxide detector is going off, what should i do?
Get everyone outside and Call 9-1-1. This is an emergency! Advise the dispatcher whether or not you, or anyone else in the building is exhibiting signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (headache, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue). This will help the dispatcher send the proper units to your location.
Do you allow visitors to visit the fire house?
Yes, we absolutely do. If you see the doors on the bay are open, come on in. We are more than happy to show you around anytime. If we are training or have some thing we are doing our time maybe limited, so you can always schedule a tour for yourself or a group. Contact our Tour Page!