FAQ
Emergency Response
Why send multiple vehicles to a fire?
Each fire truck carries a specific complement of equipment and personnel. There are a number of specialized roles that firefighters undertake at the scene of a fire, and firefighting is a very labor-intensive activity. Firefighters must be rotated out periodically in order to change out air bottles and physically rest to maintain the ability to work on the fireground.
For this reason, it is essential to have enough firefighters on the scene of an incident so that our personnel can adequately recover between assignments. Even a small fire can be unpredictable and can become large and out of control quickly unless sufficient resources are available.
More Answers About Emergency Response
Emergency Response
What should I do when approached by emergency vehicles?
When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, immediately pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop, preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection if possible...
Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why use lights and sirens at night?
The purpose of emergency warning equipment is to let drivers and pedestrians know that an emergency vehicle is on the way to an emergency. Texas state law as well as our standard operating procedures require that our drivers utilize emergency warning equipment during emergency response regardless of the time of...
Read The Rest
Emergency Response
Why does a fire truck respond to medical calls?
A fire truck will sometimes arrive at an incident first because it is the closest emergency unit to the emergency scene and we are committed to getting help to your location as fast as possible. All emergency response personnel are well-trained in providing Emergency Medical Services. We have several personnel...
Read The Rest
A Firefighter's Gear Weighs Over 70 Pounds
A fully equipped firefighter carries more than 70 pounds of protective gear, including a helmet, turnout coat and pants, boots, gloves, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and tools. Wearing this gear while fighting a fire in extreme heat requires peak physical fitness and continuous training.
Check Your Smoke Alarm Placement
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Mount them on the ceiling or high on a wall, 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling. Avoid placing them near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts could interfere with their operation.