| Q. Why do
fire trucks respond when I call for an ambulance? |
A. The Mulberry Fire Department,
like most fire departments in Polk County, responds
to assist the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The main reason is that your Mulberry firefighters
generally can reach the scene of the emergency
faster and start lifesaving procedures while
the ambulance is still responding. Another reason
is that some of the procedures that are carried
out such as CPR require more than one person.
If only one ambulance responds, there may be
no one left to drive the ambulance. Typically,
firefighters are cross trained in emergency care
at various levels in order to assist with these
medical emergencies.
|
| Q. Sometimes
I see a fire truck responding with its lights and
sirens going. Then, all of the sudden, they turn
them off. Why is this? |
A. Driving with lights and
sirens is a dangerous but necessary situation.
If at any time our crews are updated via radio
that they are not needed or can slow down, we
immediately turn off the red lights and sirens
and return to normal driving. A common reason
for this is when we are responding to an automatic
fire alarm and we receive updated information
that it is a false alarm. After returning to
normal driving, the fire truck then proceeds
to the location of the alarm to investigate the
cause and make a report.
|
| Q. Does the
Mulberry Fire Department give out smoke detectors? |
A. Yes, the Mulberry Fire
Department gives out free smoke detectors to
residents that need them. Just call the fire
station at 425-2912 or come by. If you need assistance
installing the smoke detector the firefighter
will be glad to assist you.
|
| Q.
My smoke detector keeps making a beeping sound
when there is no smoke around. What's wrong? |
A. The noise is to alert you
that your smoke detector's battery is low and
should be replaced. A good tip is to replace
your smoke detector's batteries at Daylight Savings
Time when you change the time on your clock.
Follow this motto: "Change your clock, change
your batteries." This will ensure that your
detector will work when you need it most.
|
| Q. What kind
of fire extinguisher should I get? |
A. Ask for a "2A 10 BC" five-pound,
multi-purpose extinguisher. This type of extinguisher
is available in rechargeable or disposable models
at most home improvement and hardware stores.
It is sufficient for home or business use.
|
| Q. Why is
my business inspected every year by the Fire Department? |
A. Annual inspections of businesses
are performed to ensure all fire safety regulations
are being met. For the safety of your customers
and yourself, we look for fire hazards and other
potentially dangerous conditions. As a result
of these inspections, firefighters who respond
to a call at your business will know your floor
plans and be aware of anything which might be
dangerous to your neighbors, like toxic chemicals
or flammable materials.
|
| Q.
I would like to get my blood pressure checked.
What do I do? |
A. Come to the Mulberry Fire
Station between 8 AM and 4 PM and we will check
it for free.
|
