Show All Answers

1. How do I contact the Fire Department for a fire or medical emergency?

Dial 911.

2. What do I do if there is a fire in my home?

Make sure everyone is out of the home and dial 911. Never reenter to rescue property or animals.

3. What do I do if my child swallows a poisonous substance?

Dial 911 immediately.

4. Where should smoke detectors be placed in my home?

Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to wake a sleeping person or persons. Smoke detectors should be placed in each bedroom (sleeping area) and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms.

5. Should I put a smoke detector in my garage?

No, a residential smoke detector is an early warning device to wake sleeping people.

6. My smoke detector is making a “chirping” noise. What’s wrong with it?

The battery is low. Replace it immediately. Remember to test your detector once a month and change the battery when you change your clock to and from daylight savings time.

7. Where should fire extinguishers be placed in the home?

Having a fire extinguisher in the home is a good idea. If you have an extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage, but rather hang it on the wall between 4 inches and 5 feet from the ground.

8. What is the best kind of fire extinguisher for my house?

A multi purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C.

9. How often should a fire extinguisher be serviced?

There are no regulations mandating the servicing of fire extinguishers placed in single family residences. However, the Longmeadow Fire Department recommends that fire extinguishers be inspected at least once a year.

10. Why are windows broken or holes cut in roofs during fire fighting operations?

As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) allows smoke and heat to escape the structure. This enables firefighters to operate safely and efficiently. Ventilation also limits the spread of fire and smoke, thus reducing damage.

11. My cat is in a tree. Will the Fire Department come get the cat down?

Contrary to anything previously seen on TV, the Fire Department does not remove cats from trees. They will come down by themselves.