Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why do fire engines respond to medical emergencies?
Answer: All Decatur Township Fire Fighters are trained to handle medical emergencies. In some areas, paramedics are assigned to the engines. In some instances, a fire engine can get to the scene of an emergency faster than an ambulance.
Question: When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?
Answer: A “Standard Response Plan” is utilized on all responses. The system is a pre-designated formula that determines the amount and type of equipment sent to the incident. If these units are not needed, they are released by the Incident Commander.
Question: How do I create an escape plan for my home or business?
Answer: The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a map of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your drill is realistic.
Question: How should I plan for a disabled family member during a fire?
Answer: Assure that you have a well defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.
Question: What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?
Answer: Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes.
Question: Do I need a smoke alarm in every room? How many do I need?
Answer: Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas. Remember to test smoke detectors regularly.
Question: Why am I not supposed to drive over fire hose?
Answer: Firefighters are very concerned about running over fire hoses because the hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water supply interrupted and possibly cause injuries or even death. Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service immediately until it can be tested.
Question: Can you get a cat out of a tree?
Answer: The fire department does not rescue animals as a primary function. You may contact Animal Control at 317-327-1397 for them to assist.
Question: What if I smell gas in my home?
Answer: You will need to get out of the house and then call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department from outside of the house or from a neighbor’s house. The use of a phone could cause the gas to ignite if you called from inside the house.
Question: What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires?
Answer: In addition to fighting fires, firefighters also respond to a wide variety of other emergencies. Emergency medical calls actually make up around 80% of the incidents that fire departments respond to. Other types of emergencies include hazardous materials releases, technical rescues, fire alarms, and other calls for public assistance. Besides emergency responses, firefighters spend a large amount of time, cleaning and maintaining their equipment, doing routine inspections, and training for all the different types of incidents they respond to.
Question: What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me while I am driving?
Answer: When it is safe to do so, you should pull to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have safely passed.
Question: How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors?
Answer: We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months. An easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clocks for daylight savings time.
Question: How much does it cost to have a fire truck respond to my home for an emergency?
Answer: Fire engines and ladder trucks are supported by taxpayer revenues and there is no charge for these pieces of equipment.
Question: Can I have a recreational fire in my backyard?
Answer: The regulations regarding recreational fires are laid out in the Open Burning Law. You can view the Open Burning Law by going to the Fire Prevention page on this web site.
Question: How can I get a job as firefighter?
Answer: Fire departments post hiring information through advertisements in local media and most often on the department’s web page. The hiring process is lengthy containing many different steps to complete.
Question: How do I arrange a fire station tour or have someone come speak to our group?
Answer: You can contact our Public Education Division either through email on our contact page or by calling (317) 856-5400 during business hours or by filling out the contact form on this web site.
Question: Where can I get fire extinguishers refilled?
Answer: The Decatur Township Fire Department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. Look in the Yellow Pages or on-line under “fire equipment” to locate companies that do.
Question: Will I be billed for emergency medical services?
Answer: The Decatur Township Fire Department charges for emergency medical services and can bill your insurance directly.
Question:Where can I report a leaking fire hydrant?
Answer: Indianapolis Water Company can be contacted at (317) 631-1431
Question: How can I file a complaint about Decatur Township Fire Department personnel?
Answer: Complaints can be made via email at parnes@decaturfire.org, by telephone at (317) 856-5400, or in person at fire headquarters. A map and address are available on this web site.
Question: Where can I report suspicious arson activity?
Answer: If you have reason to believe that a person is setting or has just set a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to describe the suspect, including physical features and clothing. If you have information regarding a recent fire that is under investigation, please call (317)856-5400.
Question:What steps should I take for a child with fire playing behavior?
Answer: Children who play with fire place themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods at risk. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at (317) 856-5400.
Question: Why is my smoke alarm making a funny noise?
Answer: Anytime your smoke alarm goes off, it’s important to pay attention. If it is sounding a loud alarm it is because it senses the presence of smoke. Check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate a fire call 9-1-1. If you don’t smell smoke, the detector could be reacting to dust, steam or even a small insect. Detectors can be vacuumed to remove this debris and get them back in working order. if the detector is just chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can’t do its job and increases your risk of being injured or killed during a fire.
Question: Can I have a recreational fire in my backyard?
Answer: To see the Open Burning Regulations, go to the Fire Prevention Page on this web site.