Here are some answers to questions that may help you understand the fire
department a bit more.
Where are the fire stations located at?
How far is my house from a fire hydrant?
Why do fire trucks sometimes cut off the lights and sirens after going through an intersection?
Can I get my blood pressure checked?
What am I supposed to do when a vehicle is approaching with flashing lights?
Why do fire trucks respond to medical calls?
Why do firefighters break out windows at a house fire?
Where are the fire stations located at?
Station #1 is on Morrison Moore Pkwy next to Zaxby's.
Station #2 is on Hwy 52 East towards Cleveland just before the split with Hwy 115.
Station #3 is located in the R Ranch off Hwy 60 North at Stone Pile Gap
Station #4 is currently being constructed off GA 400 on Chesterra Rd.
Station #5 is located on Mill Creek Rd. off Hwy 9 South.
Station #6 is on Hwy 52 West going towards Amicalola Falls.
The Lumpkin County Fire Department is rated by the Insurance Services Office. The ISO makes an independent evaluation of many Departments every ten years or when major changes have occurred. Many home insurance companies use the ISO rating as one factor in setting the amount of premium that is paid on a particular property. Ratings of departments go from a Class 1 ( the best) to Class 10 (the least). Within the city limits of Dahlonega the rating is a 7 in the unincorporated areas of the county the rating is a 9.
How far is my house from a fire hydrant?
Fire hydrants are not located through out the county at this time. The best way to find out where the closest fire hydrant is would be to drive around and look for them. The fire department does have water tankers that they use to transport water to fires and they have the ability to get water from places such as lakes, creeks and swimming pools when possible. Just because there may not be a hydrant near you does not mean they can not get water to fight a fire with.
Why do fire trucks sometimes cut off the lights and sirens after going through an intersection?
It is not because they just did not want to sit at a red light. A lot of times when a call comes out for something there may be more than one truck that goes in route to it. It is not normal for them to have all the information about the call they need right away to know what it is going to take to handle the call. Once someone gets on the scene and determines what equipment is needed, they may cancel other units that are all ready on the way, at which time they will cut off the lights and siren. It's not a bad thing though, better to have more than you need all ready on the road than not to have what you may need to save a life. Especially when it could be yours.
Can I get my blood pressure checked?
Yes, as long as there are personnel at the station you can have one check your blood pressure for free and without an appointment.
What am I supposed to do when a vehicle is approaching with flashing lights?
Please pull to the right and stop where it is safe to do so. This will allow fire apparatus or other emergency vehicles adequate and clear lanes to safely and quickly continue its response. Also be aware that since the county utilizes volunteers that emergency vehicles may include every day vehicles. It is also state law to either move to the next lane over when there are two travel lanes the same direction or slow to a speed where you will be able to come to a complete stop if asked to do so when there are flashing lights on the side of the road. This is for the safety of those working at the scene that may be putting their attention to a patient or other matters.
A couple of tips to remember -
Do not slam on your brakes when the vehicle comes up behind you, fire trucks will not stop as fast you. That is a guarantee of basic physics.
Don't stop on the crest of a hill or in a curve. If you can't see if there is traffic coming in the opposite lane, chances are neither can they. If you can not get completely off the road, continue until they can safely get around you.
Drivers are trained to pass on the left even at intersections where they are turning right. Even if the truck has it's right blinker on, still move to the right.
If you are sitting in stopped traffic caused by an accident up ahead. Please do not try to do a u turn and go the other way. There is a pretty good chance that emergency vehicles are going to be coming down that lane to get to the accident and you could be hit. Traffic will be allowed to move as soon as it is safe to do so and usually takes just a few minutes.
Why do fire trucks respond to medical calls?
Firefighters are trained as First Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. Our primary mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering. Due to the size of the county, volunteers or part time fire fighters can arrive quickly and begin emergency medical treatment or life saving techniques such as CPR or begin treating trauma patients prior to the arrival of the ambulance.
Why do firefighters break out windows at a house fire?
Dangerous superheated gases need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire by releasing some of the trapped smoked that can make it impossible to see in the structure. By venting the window (horizontal ventilation) of a room that is on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire within that room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of the house. Breaking the window really prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause. Replacing broken glass is much less expensive than repairing structural damage from the fire.
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