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Fire

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1. What should I (my family) do when our smoke alarms activate?

Have a plan and practice the plan. Sound fire prevention activities include developing a family escape plan that includes two ways out of your home and a family meeting place outside the home. Practice the plan so that it becomes second nature when the smoke alarm sounds.

2. Can our battery-operated smoke alarms go bad and how do I dispose of our old detector?

All standard 9-volt battery smoke alarms should be replaced with the new 10-year battery smoke alarms. These new smoke alarms will last 10 years and eliminate the need to remember to replace the batteries annually. New smoke alarms are also sold with carbon monoxide alarms in the same unit. This is a good way to provide the necessary carbon monoxide detection within the same area of the required smoke alarm(s). Smoke alarms are an inexpensive yet important defense against smoke and fire for your family and your house.

3. Does my landlord have to place and maintain a smoke alarm in my rental unit?

State law requires your landlord to provide a working smoke alarm in every residential unit, but it is your responsibility to maintain the battery. If the smoke alarm is not a 10 year device, you must replace the battery once a year to ensure you have a working smoke alarm.

4. Are carbon monoxide detectors required by law?

Carbon Monoxide detectors are required by State law to be installed within 15 feet of all sleeping areas.

5. Where do I pay an ambulance bill?

Ambulance bill payments should be mailed to:

Winnetka Fire Department
PO Box 457
Wheeling, IL 60090

Questions regarding ambulance billing can be directed to Andres Medical Billing at 800-244-2345.

6. Should I dial 911 even if I am not sure it is an emergency?

Yes, never hesitate to dial 911! We are here to serve and protect. Your fire department is composed of highly trained professionals who can best determine the safest course of action.

7. After I call 911, why is there a delay before the phone dials?

When dialing 911, a caller may become confused as to whether the system is working properly due to a 5 to 12 second delay that can occur just prior to the "ringing" signal. This silence is due to a component of the system called "call setup time" which is part of the 911 system. 911 is independent of local telephone networks. This was done to prevent 911 calls from being blocked when the local network becomes overloaded.

8. After I call 911, should I hang up?

No. Once the 911 Telecommunicator gathers the necessary information, wait until they tell you they are done before you hang up. They may need additional information or may direct you with pre-arrival instructions via the telephone while the Fire Department responds.

9. Why is there always a fire engine on an ambulance call?

A fire engine responds on every ambulance call for several reasons. With both units being dispatched, you will get the fastest possible response. The ambulance may not be the closest unit or may be on another call, and the engine is paramedic-equipped to begin treatment while an ambulance is en route. Secondly, in order to perform the quality of service one would expect, a minimum crew of five paramedics are needed on each ambulance call, as there are many tasks to perform, from patient treatment to patient movement to the ambulance for transportation to the emergency room. If the fire engine crew is not needed, they can always be called off by the ambulance.

10. Which hospitals does the Winnetka Fire Department provide ambulance transportation?

The Winnetka Fire Department provides ambulance transportation to the following hospitals:

• Evanston
• Glenbrook
• Highland Park
• Skokie
• St. Francis

11. What should be done with used diabetic needles and/or syringes?

We strongly recommend that you bring all sharp containers to the Winnetka Fire Department for proper disposal. The Fire Department participates in the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County’s (SWANCC) Residential Prescription Drug and Sharps Disposal Program. Sharps can be dropped off at the Fire Department. Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. This is a free service. Sharp containers are also available at no charge.

12. How do I dispose of my unused prescription medications?

Home prescription medications may be dropped off at the Fire Department Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Please note that the Fire Department cannot accept narcotics.

13. What is EMD and does Winnetka utilize emergency medical dispatchers?

EMD stands for “Emergency Medical Dispatch.” EMD allows the dispatchers to give life-saving instructions over the phone to assist the caller in caring for the patient until Fire Department arrives. All of our 911 Fire Dispatchers are trained in it.

14. What should I do when I see lights/sirens approaching?

We all share the responsibility of knowing and practicing proper driving behaviors. One of the most important "rules of the road" deals with yielding the right of way to emergency vehicles. Remain calm and move your vehicle appropriately. You can’t go wrong by pulling to the right and coming to a stop. That’s the general rule in all cases. When you are in the right lane, pull onto the right shoulder if there is room and stop or at least slow down significantly if you are on an open high-speed road.

15. Are open fires permitted in Winnetka?

Open fires are not permitted in Winnetka. Call 847-501-6034 to report a violation. If the fire is creating a hazardous situation, call 911.

16. Is a DNR the same as a medical power of attorney? Are there standard forms necessary for a valid DNR?

A Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) is not the same thing as a durable power of attorney for medical decisions. A DNR is a standardized State of Illinois form that is signed by the patient, the patient’s doctor and two witnesses, which states that the patient “Does not authorize cardiopulmonary resuscitation” if their breathing or heart stops. A DNR is not part of a normal last will as is a durable power of attorney, and a DNR is only issued by a physician to a patient who has a terminal illness and has no chance for recovery. Please consult with your attorney to determine the proper documents needed.

17. Are home fire sprinklers expensive?

No, current estimates suggest “on average” a home fire sprinkler system add only 1% to 1.5% of the total building cost in new construction.

18. How much will I save on my homeowner’s insurance policy if my house has residential sprinklers?

Insurance costs will vary depending on the type of coverage. The discounts for residential sprinklers now range between 5 to 15%.

19. Does the Fire Department offer blood pressure screenings?

A blood pressure reading provides an important and quick summary of an individual’s cardiovascular health status. Trained EMS personnel are available to take blood pressure readings at the Winnetka Fire Department between the hours of 8:30 AM and 12 PM and 1 PM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. There is no charge for this service. The Fire Department is located at:
428 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093

20. How can I learn to perform Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

Early administration of CPR to cardiac arrest victims increases their chances for survival. The Winnetka Fire Department conducts CPR recognition and re-recognition classes quarterly. These classes are available to Winnetka residents for a nominal fee. For a fee, classes may also be scheduled for special groups. To schedule a class, please call 847-501-6029.

21. Does the Department perform Fire Hydrant flow testing?

Each year the Winnetka Fire Department performs maintenance inspections and fire flow tests on more than 600 fire hydrants in the Village. Flow testing of fire hydrants aids the Fire and Water departments in determining the water system capacities and is used in pre-planning for emergencies.

22. How are fire hydrants maintained?

Help the fire department help you! You can ensure that fire hydrants are easily accessible if there is a fire in your neighborhood by keeping hydrants clear of all obstructions. Hedge rows, trees, bushes, snow, and fences located close to a hydrant can considerably slow or prevent fire vehicles from obtaining water. Please notify the Winnetka Fire Department at 847-501-6029 if you notice a problem with a hydrant, and in the winter, you can perform a public service by shoveling snow away from hydrants.

23. Does the Department conduct Fire Station tours?

Educational tours of the Winnetka Fire Station are available for scout organizations, school and pre-school groups, and other interests. To schedule a tour, call 847-501-6029. Residents may stop by (any day) during normal business hours for a tour, just ring the bell!

24. Does the Department perform home fire safety surveys?

Home fire safety surveys will be performed by Fire Department personnel who will identify potential fire hazards in the home and provide advice concerning general fire safety practices. To schedule an appointment for a free home safety survey, call the Winnetka Fire Department at 847-501-6029, or email the Fire Department.