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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a fire engine sent when I call for an ambulance?When I am driving and I am approached by an emergency vehicle, what should I do?
Why do we see fire department crews at the store?
How may I get a tour of a Fire Station?
Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?
How do I get a copy of a fire or emergency medical service report?
Is it legal to burn trash and limbs in Westlake?
How do I check my smoke detector?
What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?
How do I refill or check my fire extinguisher?
Why is a fire engine sent when I call for an ambulance?
Westlake Fire-EMS Department has a fire engine and an ambulance. All department personnel are dual-trained in fire suppression and emergency medical services. The fire engine carries all necessary equipment and medications to provide emergency medical treatment and advanced life support. The fire engine crew can assist the ambulance crew with complicated emergencies, extrication from vehicles, loading the patient into the ambulance, and riding in the ambulance to provide extra care to seriously sick or injured patients.
When I am driving and I am approached by an emergency vehicle, what should I do?
When you become aware of an approaching emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop (preferably one or two car lengths) back from the intersection. These simple maneuvers can result in seconds saved by the emergency vehicle and can translate into a huge difference for someone who is having a medical emergency or is experiencing a fire.
When I call for emergency assistance, why do I sometimes see an ambulance or fire truck from another city?
During the course of a day, it is not unusual for two or three emergencies to occur at the same time. If our ambulances or fire trucks are busy, we will dispatch a unit from another city. This method of mutual-aid works both ways, so our ambulances and fire trucks are commonly dispatched to other municipalities.
Since the Town of Westlake is surrounded by other cities, it is sometimes necessary for fire trucks and ambulances from other cities to pass through segments of Westlake while responding to emergency calls.
Why do I sometimes see fire trucks or ambulances running with their lights and sirens on, and then suddenly they turn them off?
Emergency lights and sirens are used only when responding to a call. Emergency vehicles responding to calls are frequently canceled. On some occasions, the first arriving unit may determine that the call is not an emergency and relays this information to other units to either respond in a non-emergency mode or to return to their station.
Why do we see fire department crews at the store?
Because the crews work a 48-hour shift, meals are often prepared at the fire station. In essence, the station becomes "home" for the crew during that 48-hour period. Just as you would prepare meals at home, our responders often do the same. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see emergency responders at the grocery store or having a meal together in a restaurant. During these mealtimes, crews remain in service to immediately respond to any calls.
How may I get a tour of a Fire Station?
You may contact us to schedule a tour. Remember, even when tours are scheduled, the tour may be cut short or canceled in the event that an emergency response is required.
Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?
Yes. Westlake Fire-EMS Department offers this free service at the fire station. Please know that crews might be absent from the station due to emergency calls or training activities.
How do I get a copy of a fire or emergency medical service report?
Fire/EMS reports can be obtained by calling the Assistant to the Town Secretary at 817-490-5741, or you can enter an Open Records Request by following this link.
Is it legal to burn trash and limbs in Westlake?
It is illegal to burn trash or limbs within the Town of Westlake limits. Outdoor burning is not allowed in the State of Texas. However, there are a few exceptions allowed. For more information on outdoor burning, you can go to http://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/gi/gi-391.html/at_download/file
How many smoke detectors do I need in my home and why is my smoke alarm making a funny sound (chirping)?
You should have at least one smoke detector in each bedroom, in the hallway outside each bedroom, and at the top of all stairways. Smoke rises, and the best place to install a detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall approximately 6-8 inches below the ceiling. However, do not install a smoke detector within three feet of any device that might blow the smoke away.
Anytime your smoke detector goes off, it's important to pay attention. If it's sounding its loud alarm, its because it senses the presence of smoke; so check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate a fire, call 9-1-1 and we'll send an engine to make sure that a fire isn't smoldering in a hidden area and it won't cost anything. If you don't smell smoke, the detector may be reacting to the presence of dust, steam, or a small insect or spider. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If steam from a nearby shower is affecting your smoke detector regularly, move the detector to a different spot.
If the detector is just chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means that the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job, and the risk of injury or death in a fire increases greatly.
How do I check my smoke detector?
Every smoke detector has a test button, usually in the center of the detector. Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?
A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for an extinguisher with a rating of at least 2A:10B:C on the label. These types of extinguishers can be used on any type of fire commonly occurring in the home. They will often be labeled “ABC” or “All Purpose”, and can be purchased in most large home-improvement or hardware stores.
How do I refill or check my fire extinguisher?
The Westlake Fire-EMS Department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. You may locate companies that perform these services in your local telephone directory or on the internet.