Kannapolis Fire Department FAQs

 

How many people work on a shift?

About thirty personnel work on a shift. Each of our seven companies consist of a captain, engineer, and one - two firefighters. There is also a Battalion Chief, and Safety & Logistics Officer on duty.

Why does the fire department bring more than one firetruck to a wreck?

1. Resource Allocation: Different fire trucks are equipped with specialized tools and equipment that may be needed to handle various aspects of the incident. For example, one truck might carry extrication tools (like the Jaws of Life) to rescue people trapped in vehicles, while another might carry firefighting equipment or medical supplies.
2. Personnel Needs: Vehicle accidents can require a significant number of personnel to safely manage the scene, provide medical assistance, and control hazards. Multiple fire trucks ensure there are enough firefighters on-site to handle different tasks simultaneously.
3. Safety and Efficiency: Bringing multiple fire trucks allows for a more efficient and coordinated response. Firefighters can divide tasks such as stabilizing vehicles, providing medical aid, controlling any fires or leaks, and securing the scene against further hazards.
4. Backup and Support: Vehicle accidents can be complex and unpredictable. Having additional fire trucks provides backup in case the situation worsens or additional resources are needed quickly.
5. Scene Management: Firefighters need to manage the scene effectively to ensure the safety of both victims and responders. Multiple fire trucks help in establishing a command post, setting up traffic control measures, and coordinating with other emergency responders.

Overall, bringing multiple fire trucks to a vehicle wreck enables the fire department to respond effectively, manage resources efficiently, and ensure the safety of everyone involved in the incident.

Why do you send a fire truck along with an ambulance (Medic Unit) to a medical emergency?

1. Rapid Response: Fire trucks are often strategically located throughout a city or region, which allows them to reach medical emergencies quickly. In many cases, fire stations are more numerous and dispersed than ambulance stations, enabling faster response times.
2. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training: Our firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. This training allows them to provide basic and sometimes advanced medical care to patients in critical situations.
3. Support for EMS: In emergencies where multiple patients are involved, or when additional manpower is needed to safely move patients, fire crews can provide essential support to ambulance crews. They assist in patient assessment, extrication from vehicles or buildings, and lifting and carrying patients to ambulances.
4. Equipment and Resources: Fire trucks are equipped with a range of medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen tanks, first aid supplies, and trauma kits. This equipment allows firefighters to begin medical treatment immediately upon arrival at the scene.
5. Public Service and Community Care: Fire departments often view medical response as part of their broader mission to protect and serve the community. Responding to medical emergencies allows them to contribute to public safety and improve community health outcomes.
6. Collaborative Response: Fire departments and EMS agencies often collaborate closely in emergency response. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive and timely response to medical emergencies, leveraging the strengths and resources of both agencies.

Overall, fire trucks respond to medical calls because they are equipped, trained, and strategically positioned to provide rapid and effective assistance in critical situations, complementing the services provided by ambulance crews and enhancing overall emergency medical response capabilities within a community.

What should I do if an emergency vehicle comes up behind me while driving with lights and sirens on?

1. Stay Calm
2. Check Surroundings
3. Signal Your Intentions
4. Reduce Speed Safely
5. Pull Over Safely
6. Stay Put Until the Emergency Vehicles Has Passes 
7. Be Aware of Others Around You

It's important to prioritize the safety of both yourself and the emergency responders when yielding to a fire truck with lights and sirens. By following these steps, you help ensure that they can reach their destination quickly and safely to provide assistance where needed.

What number do you call for a fire inspection?

The Kannapolis Fire Department Fire Marshal can be reached at 704-920-4260.

How can I schedule a fire truck to attend my community or school event?

Send an email to kfdoutreach@kannapolisnc.gov or follow this link.

Can I visit a firehouse for a tour?

Yes! We would be happy to schedule a firehouse tour. Please reach out to kfdoutreach@kannapolisnc.gov

Why do I see firetrucks coming down the street with lights and sirens on and suddenly they shut their lights and sirens off?

When you see a fire truck or other emergency vehicle traveling with lights and sirens on and then suddenly turning them off, it's typically due to one of the following reasons:

1. Call Cancellation: The emergency call may have been canceled.
2. Situation Under Control: The first responders already on the scene may have assessed the situation and determined that additional units are no longer needed.
3. Safety and Traffic Flow: Turning off the lights and sirens once it is determined they are not urgently needed helps to avoid unnecessary disruption to traffic and reduces the risk of causing accidents or confusion among other drivers.
4. Incorrect Address or False Alarm: The call might have been a false alarm, or they might have been heading to an incorrect address. Once they realize this, they might turn off their lights and sirens until they get the correct information.

How many calls does the fire department get in a year?

The Kannapolis Fire Department runs about 10,000 calls each year.

Where can I go to have my fire extinguisher serviced or disposed of?

There are several local fire extinguisher service companies you can call that would be happy to assist you with servicing or disposal of an old fire extinguisher.

What can I burn in my yard?

Small outdoor fires are permitted within the following requirements:

• No larger than 3' in diameter
• Minimum of 15' from home or structure
• Fire pit must be on the ground (no burn barrels)
• Must have a working means of suppression (such as a water hose) must be attended at all times by an adult
• Only to permitted to burn natural, unprocessed wood (no cut lumber, furniture, trash, leaves, etc)
• Any fires within these limits causing an unreasonable nuisance to neighbors are also not permitted.

Does Kannapolis Fire Department offer CPR classes?

Yes, the fire department offers free, non-certified CPR classes once a month. Sign-up here. 

I don't have any smoke alarms, what should I do?

Please send an email to kfdoutreach@kannapolisnc.gov or call the fire department headquarters at 704-920-4260 to schedule a time for someone to come out and install a free smoke alarm.

What's a Knox Box and how do I get one?

Sign up for a Knox Box using this link.