Q. When should I call 9-1-1?
A. 9-1-1 should be called for any emergency which is threatening to life or property. This includes crimes in progress, medical emergencies, suspicious persons or activities, and fire emergencies.
Q. How do I schedule public education, a station tour, or a presentation for my group, organization, or school?
A. Call the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091 and speak to Billy Ferguson or Mike Pruitt.
Q. How do I get a copy of a fire incident report or patient care report?
A. Call the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091. For Fire reports talk to Bennie Russell and for patient care reports talk to Annette Law. Certain limitations apply and there may be a charge to obtain the report.
Q. Where can I learn about CPR, First Aid, or AED?
A. Call the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091 and talk to Mike Pruitt or contact the American Red Cross.
Q. Where can I learn about training opportunities?
A. Call the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091 and talk to Mike Pruitt.
Q. What types of things do I need a permit for?
A. A permit is needed for, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, the following: control burns, blasting, tank removals, fireworks, and public displays.
Q. How do I apply for a permit for burning, fireworks, and other things?
A. For burning permits contact the Franklin County Communications Center at 540-483-3091 and there is no charge for this. For all other permits contact the Fire Marshal, Bennie Russell, at 540-483-3091.
Q. How do I become a volunteer?
A. Call the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091 and talk to Mike Pruitt.
Q. Where should smoke detectors be placed in my home?
A. Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to alert persons to a potential fire. Smoke detectors should be placed in living areas of the home including each bedroom and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Contact the public safety department at 540-483-3091 if you have any further questions.
Q. If I am building a home, should I consider a residential sprinkler system?
A. Absolutely! Studies by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s United States Fire Administration indicate that the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems could have saved thousands of lives, prevented a large number of injuries, and eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars in property loses.
Q. Where should fire extinguishers be placed in the home?
A. Having a fire extinguisher in the home is a great idea. If you have an extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage. Hang it on the wall between 4 inches and 5 feet from the ground.
Q. Where can I see if my child safety seat is installed properly?
A. Call the Franklin County Perinatal Education Center at 540-489-1800.
Q. What should I do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights flashing and siren wailing?
A. By Virginia LAW, you are required to pull to the nearest edge of the roadway and stop, thereby yielding the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.
Q. How much does fire and EMS apparatus cost?
A. Our fire and EMS apparatus is custom designed to be multi-purpose, efficient, effective, and state of the art while keeping our personnel’s safety paramount. Fire engines cost approximately $300,000.00 range, ladder trucks in the $650,000.00 range and ambulances around $100,000.00. Please note these prices do not include the equipment but only the cost of the vehicle.
Q. How much does it cost to outfit and train personnel?
A. The approximate cost per person:
Personal Protective Equipment $1,900.00
Breathing Apparatus $3,800.00
Uniforms $1,400.00
Basic Training $1,500.00
Average Training per person $5,000.00
Q. What are the burning regulations in Franklin County?
A. You cannot conduct ANY open burning before 9:00 AM and you cannot add fuel to the fire after 9:00 PM and the fire MUST BE TOTALLY out by midnight. In addition someone must remain with the fire at all times, there must be a water source present and you must obtain a permit. Refer to State Laws also.
Q. Is there a charge for EMS service?
A. Yes, Franklin County does operate an EMS revenue recovery program. If you are a citizen of Franklin County and you have insurance you will never receive a bill, only your insurance company will be billed. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ABILITY TO PAY IMPACT SERVICE.
Q. Where does the money from the EMS revenue recovery program go?
A. The money is reinvested into the Public Safety system to continue to improve service to our citizens.
Q. Can I be taken to any hospital I choose?
A. No, due to limited resources and liability, department SOG’s require that you be transported to the nearest hospital that can handle your emergency.
