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1. Why do I see fire engines or ambulance units go through intersections with their red lights flashing, and then turn them off? Are they just in a hurry to go somewhere?

Emergency lights and siren are used only when responding to a call. Apparatus responding to calls are frequently cancelled when the first arriving unit determines that the call is not an emergency. Our firefighters shut off their lights and sirens when it is safe to do so and continue to the call in a non-emergency mode, or to return to their station.

2. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building? It seems that they are causing more damage than the fire.

Building fires create a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. 

Most fatalities are caused by breathing the smoke and not the flames. This strategy is a lifesaving technique for any occupants. It also improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke cause damage too, so ventilation will reduce overall damage to a building and contents.

3. If I were trapped in a burning building, would firefighters be able to rescue me?

This all depends on you and the fire protection features of the building you are in at the time of the fire. 

Relying on the expertise and resources of your local firefighters to save you in a fire is risky at best; the best rescue is self-rescue. 

• Install smoke detectors in your home, and check them monthly. 
• Have a fire escape plan that includes 2 ways out of each room/home, and practice it. 
• Learn what to do in the event of fire in your home. 
• Never re-enter a burning building. 
• If you panic, your chances of survival decrease drastically. 
• If you are trapped and you know the fire department is on scene, make your location known by yelling, opening a window and dropping something out, or calling 911 and relaying your location to the dispatcher. 
• Stuff bedding or towels under the door to keep deadly smoke and gases out of the room. 
• Do not hide under a bed or table! Stay near a window or doorway. Firefighters are taught to search under windows and doorways during rescue searches. 
• If you are on a second floor you may be able to hang from a window and drop to the ground without suffering significant injury. 
  • This option should be considered a last resort, when smoke and/or heat make the room you are in uninhabitable.

4. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?

Yes. State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. 

However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. 

If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop.

5. Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

Stop in at the Fire Station located at 185 West Sauk Trail, any day of the week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

6. Can we schedule a fire engine presentation or station tour?

Yes, check our web site under Public Education or contact our Public Education Coordinator Kristine Roszak by email or by calling 708-755-9589. Email is the preferred method. We are always glad to meet with you.

7. How are members of the Fire Department hired?

Firefighters are hired through the Assistant Chief Chad Vlietstra’s Office. Call the station at 708-755-9589 or email the Assistant Chief. 

You can stop in the station and pick up an application, or look through our online Employment Opportunities.

8. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. We base that response on the worst case scenario based on the information in hand. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. 

There may be three or more fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.