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Have a question about our services?
Check our FAQ section.
How does the 9-1-1 system work? What can I expect if I
call?
The 9-1-1 call is
received by a dispatch call receiver. The call receiver
prioritizes the call relative to its nature and sends FFPD/Emergency
Medical Technicians (EMT’s). The average time for a call to
be received and dispatched is five minutes.
As the call is received, the information is transmitted to
responding Firefighter/EMT’s by an additional dispatcher. If
deemed necessary, paramedics from Castro Valley or Hayward
are sent to provide advanced aid.
Can I get my blood pressure reading taken at the fire
department?
Yes. Fire department
staff members will take blood pressure readings at the
station. If you need your blood pressure taken after
business hours please ring the doorbell to alert fire crews
of your presence. If firefighters are not out of the station
on emergency calls, they will help you.
Does the fire department fill swimming pools?
The water contained in the
tanks of our fire engines, and pulled from fire hydrants may
contain dirt and other particulates, and is therefore
inappropriate for filling of swimming pools.
Does the fire department offer ride-a-longs for citizens?
Yes. Those wishing to ride
along with fire crews must be at least 16 years of age, and
complete a ride-a-long request form and waiver of liability.
The forms can be obtained at the Headquarters Fire Station
and must be returned at least fourteen business days in
advance of the date requested for the ride-along. The
ride-along cannot take place after 9 p.m. and the duration
cannot be more than eight hours.
What
type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?
A multi-purpose
fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating
to be at least 2A:10B:C on the label. This extinguisher can
be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It
will often be labeled A-B-C and may be located at many Bay
Area retail establishments.
Will the Fire
Department refill my fire extinguisher?
The Fire Department
does not refill fire extinguishers. An approved and
licensed vendor can by found in the Yellow Pages.
What Do
Parents Need to Know about Kids' Curiosity with Fire?
Most of us as have learned to control fire and take it for
granted. Children, however, are still learning about it and
do not possess the decision-making skills required to
control fire.
What Do Parents Need to Know?
What
Do I Need to Know about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
Carbon monoxide is often misunderstood. Because it is
a component of smoke found from a burning fuel, people often
equate it with fire and smoke emergencies. It can be deadly
and should be respected, but it is important to understand
it and how it affects humans.
Learn about the Truth and Myths about
Carbon Monoxide
Does the Fire
Department install and/or inspect child car seats?
Yes, car seat
inspection and/or installation is offered to Franklin
residents only. An appointment is required. Click here for
more information.
When an emergency vehicle is
approaching that is displaying emergency lights and sirens,
what should I do?
Please pull to the right and stop. This will allow
fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and
clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response.
Why does the emergency equipment run with lights and siren,
then just turn them off?
On occasion, the
fire engine and ambulance will be driving with lights and
sirens and then suddenly turn them off--perhaps only to turn
into a shopping center parking lot or side street. Be
assured that when this happens it means we have received
information through our 911 dispatchers that the caller or
incident is no longer a dire emergency. It is what we
call "being cancelled".
Why do so many fire department engines and aid cars respond
to a 911 call?
Fire department
response is based on the type of emergency, and how many
personnel may be needed to handle each incident. For
instance, a person suffering a heart emergency may have a
fire engine, an aid car, and a paramedic unit respond (seven
total personnel), in case CPR is needed. CPR is a physically
demanding skill, necessitating firefighter/EMT’s to relieve
each other as they become fatigued. Paramedics would be
needed to administer cardiac-related drugs intravenously.
What is the
difference between an EMT and Paramedic?
The difference
between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a
Paramedic is a significant amount of education. A Paramedic
goes through more education and training and can provide a
higher level of emergency care including invasive
procedures. A Paramedic is an EMT. There are different
levels of EMT training: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, EMT-Paramedic.
Each level requires more training and education than the
prior.
Do the
personnel on the ambulance fight fires also?
The personnel on
the ambulance are also firefighters. We all fight fires and
we all respond to medical calls.
I would
like to be a firefighter. How do I start?
It is highly
recommended, although not required, that those who wish to
be a firefighter investigate the job fully and acquire
training before applying for positions. The job is
demanding, both mentally and physically. In addition the
competition for the job can be daunting; it is not uncommon
for 500 people to apply for one firefighter position.
Training and job understanding will increase the chance of
attaining a firefighter position.
There are two main avenues that can be taken to learn the
job of a firefighter. The first involves becoming a
volunteer firefighter. The second involves attending
firefighting courses through technical colleges.
If you have a question about fire
protection services contact us
online or by calling 510-583-4900. |
