Emergency Response

When should I call 911 vs. non-emergency?

Call 911 for emergencies requiring immediate response:

  • Fire, smoke, or smell of gas
  • Medical emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness)
  • Vehicle accidents with injuries
  • Any situation requiring police, fire, or ambulance immediately

Call our non-emergency number (817) 295-9539 for:

  • General questions about our services
  • Station tours or community events
  • Non-urgent requests (blood pressure checks, smoke detector help)
  • Follow-up questions about previous incidents

When in doubt, call 911. It's better to call and not need emergency services than to delay during a real emergency.

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
Two Ways Out of Every Room
Every family member should know at least two ways out of every room in the house in case one exit is blocked by fire. Practice your home escape plan at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including children. Pick a meeting spot outside — like a mailbox or tree — so everyone can be accounted for.
Candles Cause Over 7,000 House Fires a Year
Candles are responsible for thousands of house fires annually, most often in bedrooms and living rooms. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep them away from anything flammable, and consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles for a safer alternative.