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1. Why do fire engines respond to medical emergencies?

All Brownsburg Fire Territory firefighters 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.

2. When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

A “Standard Response Plan” is utilized on all responses. The system is a predesignated 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.

3. How do I create an escape plan for my home or business?

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.

4. How should I plan for a disabled family member during a fire?

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.

5. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

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.

6. Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need?

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.

7. Why am I not supposed to drive over a firehose?

Firefighters are very concerned about running over firehoses 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.

8. What if I smell gas in my home?

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

9. What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires?

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.

10. What should I do when I see or hear an emergency vehicle coming towards me while I am driving?

When it is safe to do so, you should pull to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have safely passed.

11. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors?

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.

12. How much does it cost to have a fire truck respond to my home for an emergency?

Fire engines and ladder trucks are supported by taxpayer revenues and there is no charge for these pieces of equipment.

13. Will I be billed for emergency medical services?

The Brownsburg Fire Territory charges for emergency medical services and can bill your insurance directly.  See EMS Billing page for more information.

14. Where can I report suspicious arson activity?

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.