When to Call 9-1-1

Call 9-1-1 only in an emergency such as:

• A fire
• A serious crime
• Any serious medical condition or injury
• Only when you need the Fire Department, Paramedics or the Police

What the 9-1-1 Dispatcher Will Need to Know:

• Phone number you are calling from
• Address of the emergency
• Nature of the emergency
• Try to stay calm and speak clearly.
• You will be asked a series of questions and you may receive instructions, do the best that you can.

Never hang up until you are told to do so by the Dispatcher.

Emergency Vehicles and You

What is an emergency vehicle? Any Fire, Medic or Police vehicle that has a siren and flashing lights.

You are required by law to pull to the right side of the road and STOP until all emergency vehicles have passed. When an Emergency Vehicle is responding with lights and sirens you must stay at least 500 feet behind it. NEVER drive over fire hoses. Drive carefully around an emergency scene. Follow all directions given by fire and police personnel.

At the scene of the Emergency

Make sure someone is at the street to direct the fire and police departments to the emergency scene. Stay at the scene to provide emergency personnel with information if you witnessed the incident. But if you are asked to move or leave the area, DO IT! The firefighters and police officers are looking out for your safety and you may be arrested if you do not follow their orders.

Some Other Tips:

Make sure your address is visible from the street, is reflective and a minimum of 4 inches in height.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Did you know that according to the US Fire Administration?

• 82% of all fire deaths occur in the home
• A working smoke alarm reduces one’s chance of dying in a fire by nearly 50%
• 40% of residential fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms

Smoke Alarms Life-Saving Tips

• Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area (bedroom).
• Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button. If you cannot reach the button easily, use a broom handle.
• Change the batteries in your alarms twice a year. Do this when you change your clocks, when you “spring forward” and “fall back.”
• Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
• Smoke alarms wear out over time. Replace yours if it is 10 years old or older.
• Keep smoke alarms clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation. Vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
• If you have questions or concerns about your smoke alarm, contact your local fire station.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

• Use the PASS system. PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
• First and foremost read the directions on your fire extinguisher BEFORE an emergency. There are a variety of styles that may have minor differences.
• Hold the fire extinguisher in one hand and PULL the pin at the top of the cylinder. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch or pressing a puncture lever.
• AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• SWEEP the stream from the fire extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out.
• Watch the burned area carefully because the fire may restart.
• Call 9-1-1 and explain what happened and ask for the fire department to check the fire area for you

GENERATOR SAFETY