Q: Can I Arrange For A Tour Of A Station?
A: Yes. Westerville residents can call 901-6600 and let us know you are interested. We will work with you to set up a mutually convenient time, generally between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tours generally last about an hour and are tailored to the ages of the tour group. We request that there be at least one adult for every five juveniles in the tour group to supervise.
|
Q: Can A Fire Engine Come To A Block Party?
A: Yes. When you file a block party request with the city, indicate that you would like a fire company to come by specifying the approximate time. We will make every effort to accommodate the request, however, emergency calls take precedence.
|
Q: Why Does An Engine Follow A Medic On Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Calls?
A: On medical calls, the engine crew provides additional manpower to assist the medic crew with treating the patient, and in transporting needed supplies and equipment. On accidents, the engine crew insures that the scene is safe both for the patients and the medic crew treating the patients. Since implementation of the squad vehicle, dispatching an engine on EMS calls has dramatically decreased, helping the Division maintain fuel and maintenance costs on our larger apparatus.
|
Q: Can A Speaker Be Requested For A Local Citizen Group Meeting?
A: Yes. The Fire Division has several public education experts who can speak on a variety of topics ranging from home exit drills, to fire safety, to emergency medical procedures. To request a speaker for an upcoming event or meeting, call 901-6600.
|
Q: What Should I Do When I See An Emergency Vehicle With Lights And Siren Approaching?
A: Ohio State Motor Vehicle Code requires that you pull to the right and stop. Do not slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. Do not tailgate, follow an emergency vehicle too closely, or attempt to race ahead of an emergency apparatus attempting to benefit from the traffic cleared by its lights and siren.
|
Q: My Smoke Detector Is Going Off Constantly, But I Do Not See Any Smoke Or A Fire. What Should I Do?
A: Call 911 and report what you know.
|
Q: My Smoke Detector Is Beeping Intermittently. What Should I Do?
A: Replace the battery.
|
Q: My Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Activated. What Should I Do?
A: Call 911. If you have any symptoms or feel ill, leave the building and await the fire division's arrival.
|
Q: My Fire Extinguisher Tag Is Out Of Date Or Needs Recharged. What Should I Do?
A: Consult the Yellow Pages under Fire Protection Equipment Repair and Service and contact any listing.
|
Q: There Is An Animal (Dead Or Alive) In My House, Garage, Or Chimney. What Should I Do?
A: Contact Franklin County Animal Control at 462-3400.
|
Q: I Am Going To Be Testing My Fire Alarm Or Sprinkler System. Should I Contact Any City Department?
A: Notify the Communications Division (dispatchers) at 901-6790. This should be done before you begin testing and also once you have completed testing and the system is back in service.
|
Q: How Do I Dispose Of Old Paint Or Gasoline?
A: Call the Westerville Service Division at 901-6740.
|
Q: I Smell Smoke In My House, But I Do Not Know Where It Is Coming From And I Don't See Any Fire. What Should I Do?
A: Call 911 and have everyone in the house or business leave.
|
Q: I Hear A Tornado Siren. What Should I Do?
A: Seek shelter in the basement against a wall or in an interior bathroom or closet if there is no basement.
|
Q: To What Hospitals Are EMS Patients Transported To By The Westerville Division Of Fire?
A: The Fire Division will transport primarily to St. Ann Medical Center on Cleveland Avenue, however, transport will be provided to any appropriate hospital in the Columbus area including Ohio State University, Riverside, Grant, Mount Carmel East, and Children's should the need necessitate.
|
Q: Why Do I See Fire Apparatus Go Through An Intersection With Lights And Siren Activated And Then See Them Turn Them Off?
A: Lights and siren are only used when responding to an emergency call or when transporting a critical patient to a hospital. Apparatus responding to calls are often canceled by the first arriving unit once it is determined that the call is not actually an emergency.
|
Q: Why Do Firefighters Break Windows And Cut Holes In Roofs When The Fire Is Inside The Building?
A: Interior fires create a tremendous amount of smoke and heat. Firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs to ventilate or remove these fire products to reduce the heat and improve visibility for firefighters attempting to rescue trapped victims and to facilitate extinguishing the fire.
|
Q: Do You Get Cats Or Other Pets Out Of Trees Or Off Of Telephone Poles?
A: No. It is best to place the pets’ food in an open container at the base of the tree or pole and wait for the pet to get down on its own.
|
Q: How Do I Get A Copy Of A Fire Or EMS Report?
A: Call the Fire Division at 901-6600.
|