1. Why is a fire
engine sent when I call for an ambulance?
The Department adopted the concept of Paramedic Engine Companies utilizing
dual-trained personnel in fire suppression and EMS many years. The fire truck
which arrives first on the emergency scene carries all necessary equipment to
provide advanced life support until the arrival of an ambulance. This means it
is no longer necessary to operate an ambulance from every fire station. When we
receive a call, the closest engine is dispatched to initiate care and the
closest ambulance is dispatched to provide transportation. By reducing the
number of ambulances, the number of fire fighters necessary to staff the
Department is also reduced. This method provides both fire and EMS services at
the lowest possible cost.
2.
Why was my ambulance ride to the hospital so bumpy and uncomfortable?
The patient cot has a thin, firm mattress that lays directly on an aluminum frame and
provides very little comfort. Unfortunately, the cot must be firm in order for us to
perform CPR on critically ill patients. In addition, we try to respond to medical
emergencies as quickly as possible in order to provide timely, life-saving treatment.
Consequently, this requires vehicles with good road-handling characteristics. If these
large, heavy vehicles had a softer, more "spongy" suspension that would provide
a smoother ride, they would not be safe to drive to the scene as quickly as possible.
3.
Why does the Department charge an ambulance transport fee to tax-paying citizens?
The Department charges $550 for residents of Plano and $635 for non-residents, plus $10 per mile from the emergency scene to the medical facility. The patient's medical insurance will usually pay this fee which is set in accordance with national ambulance standards. If we did not recover this from the people who use this service, this part of our operation would have to be funded entirely with tax revenue resulting in greater taxes for all citizens.
4.
I'm building a new home in Plano and the homeowner's association rules state that I must
put a wood-shingle roof on my home. Do I have a choice?
Untreated wooden shingles are no longer permitted to be built within the
City of Plano. The State of Texas recognized this many years ago by passing a law
which
superceded any deed restrictions requiring wooden shingles. Deed restrictions which allow for choices of roof types are
now common, and they are legal. Typical deed restrictions give homeowners a choice of wood shingle, slate, or tile roofs. However any wooden roofs must utilize fire resistant treated wooden shingles and be installed as required by the building code. The fire department encourages homeowners associations to relax deed restrictions to allow high quality composition shingles which are not only reasonably priced, but offer a much higher degree of fire protection than wood shingles.
5. 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 Plano retail establishments.
6. Do you
offer CPR classes?
We offer a class the third Saturday of each month. The charge is $55 and the classes
are held at Fire Administration from 8:30am to 3:30pm. To register for a class call (972)
941-7368. See Fire Safety section for further information on classes and programs.
7. Can I get my
blood pressure checked at the fire station?
Yes. We offer this service free at all fire stations in the City. Please
recognize that, from time to time, our personnel might be absent from the
station due to emergency calls or training activities.
8. Where can I
purchase biodegradable lawn debris bags?
To find out more about debris bags, please click here.
9.
Can I get a break on my insurance by putting a fire sprinkler system in my home?
The State of Texas has passed a law requiring insurance companies to give rate
reductions for those homeowners who have installed sprinklers in their homes. Check with
your agent for the amount of discount. There are many other GREAT reasons
to put sprinklers in your home. Call the Fire Prevention Division at (972)
941-5261 for
more information
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Send your comments or suggestions to: Feedback or call (972) 941-7421.