FAQ

 

Table of Contents

  1. How do I become a member of the Coatesville Fire Department?
  2. Where can I find information on smoke detectors and what should I do if mine goes off?  What is the difference between a smoke detector and a CO detector?
  3. Why doesn't one extinguisher work on all fires?
  4. Who is responsible to inspect my property?
  5. What is the number I call if I have a fire in my house?
  6. How do I become certified in CPR or first aid?

How do I become a member of the Coatesville Fire Department?

Fhelmet.gif (7141 bytes)To become an active member of the Coatesville Fire Department you must first join one of our 2 stations as an active member.  This can be done by contacting either station: Station 41(Washington Hose Co. #1) @ (610) 384-6464, or Station 43 (West End Fire Co. #3) @ (610) 384-9111.  Or, if you would like to stop by in person and pick up an application; the Washies are located at the corner of Lincoln Highway and 4th Ave. in Coatesville, the West End is located at the corner of Strode Ave. and Madison St. in the West End of Coatesville.  Once you are a member, if you don't have any training in the fire service, the respective stations will send you to the appropriate classes and get you trained.  If you do have adequate training we will get you geared up and you'll be on your way to helping us respond to emergency calls in the City of Coatesville.  If you have any problems or concerns on becoming a member, contact the webmaster for more information or assistance.

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Where can I find information on smoke detectors and what should I do if mine goes off?

The Coatesville Fire Department currently has a smoke detector program where any needy family can receive a free smoke detector or CO detector.  For more information on these programs, or to receive a free smoke / CO detector, contact the fire chief.  Unfortunately all dectors for 2004' have been used up, please check back with the Chief in 2005'.

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       In the event your smoke detector should go off, try and locate the source of the smoke, and then         call 911 and have the fire department dispatched to check out the origin of the smoke.  If your         smoke detector has just gone off because of cooking in the kitchen, try and air out the effective         area by opening a window or door and allowing the smoke to clear in the area of the detector. There is usually no need for the fire department to come to your house if you just were cooking and set off the detector. If you are concerned, don't hesitate to call 911 and let us check it out for you. 

If your CO detector should happen to activate, call 911 and have the fire department dispatched to investigate.  CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is potentially dangerous in large amounts.  We will come to your house with a special device  to measure the CO levels in your house and determine if it is safe or not.  CO usually comes from improper burning, or inadequate ventilation of an oil burner, gas furnace, or kerosene heater.  If you don't posses these items in your house it is unlikely you will need a CO detector for your home.

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Why doesn't one extinguisher work on all fires?extinguisher.gif (2389 bytes)

There are different types of extinguisher for different types of fires.  Not all fires are alike. 

Type "A" fires and extinguishers are for combustibles like wood, paper, clothing, rubber, cardboard, and any plastics.  This type of extinguisher uses water.  NEVER USE THIS TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER ON A COOKING FIRE OR ELECTRICAL FIRE!  This type of extinguisher will only spread the fire or cause the user an electrical shock.

Type "B" fires and extinguishers are for flammable liquids such as gasoline, grease, oil, paint, tar and lacquer.  These extinguishers are filled with carbon dioxide and will smother the fire by removing the oxygen from the fire.

Type "C" fires and extinguishers are for electrical wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, appliances, and audio/visual devices.  These type of extinguishers use a dry chemical that will smother the fire.

There is an multi-purpose extinguisher called a "ABC" which will handle all three types of fires.  This extinguisher is also filled with a dry chemical and is very popular due to its multiple uses.

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No matter what type of extinguisher you choice to use or operate, be sure you are familiar with the extinguisher, and you follow the manufacturer's instructions on the unit.  Always inspect the unit yearly to make sure it will operate if the need should arise. 

Try and remember this little saying:  PASS.

                Pull the pin  -  Aim low  -  Squeeze the handle  -  Sweep from side to side.

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Who is responsible to inspect my property?

If you have a rental property in the City of Coatesville, it is the responsibility of the Codes department to inspect your property prior to allowing any tenant to stay in your property.  If you use your house as your primary residence, the Codes department will do a home inspection for you if requested.  You can reach the Codes department by calling    (610)384-0270 during regular business hours Monday-Friday.

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What is the number I call if I have a fire in my house?

If you have a fire in your house call 911.                         dispatchcenter.gif (6578 bytes)

Please do not hesitate if you have a fire in your residence.   Call the fire department immediately and do not attempt to put the fire out yourself or save any material goods.  Evacuate the building immediately and call for help at a nearby neighbors house or another telephone.  We are trained professionals and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Everyone in the house should practice an escape route and be familiar where to meet outside your house to ensure all have gotten out safely.

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How do I become certified in CPR or first aid?

If you join the Coatesville Fire Department, this is part of your training and you will be certified when you become a member. 

If you are not interested in joining the fire department, but are still interested in being certified in either CPR or first aid, you can contact John Moravitz at Brandywine Hospital (610)383-8213. John is the Education Coordinator for the hospital, just ask him for course information and locations.

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Copyright © Coatesville Fire Department. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 3, 2004