1. What type of Fire Department do we have?
We have a all volunteer type Fire Department, which means that no one in the department receives a paycheck or payment of any kind for the hours and time we put in to respond to calls, go to training or the amount of gas we spend driving to and from the fire house for department related activities.
2. Is there always someone in both fire stations?
Both stations (Plattekill Ave and the corner of Henry W. Dubois/N. Putt Corners) are NOT manned with personnel. When a call for the fire department comes in from our county dispatch we leave our houses, school or places of business and go to the fire house and then respond to the location.
3. How do I contact the Fire Department?
In an emergency, call 911. This number will go directly to the Ulster County 911 Center. To reach the fire officers (Chief/Captain/Lieutenants) dial 845-255-1520 and to reach the social board (President, Vice President, Secretary) dial 845-419-2347.
4. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarm?
We recommend that it should be done in the spring and fall. A good rule of thumb is when its time to change the clocks, its time to change your smoke alarm batteries.
5. Are most of your calls false alarms?
No. Despite the fact that fire loss is significantly down in recent years, this is a direct result of the fact that almost everyone has either a fire alarm system or battery operated smoke alarms. Fires are detected earlier than in the past, and our response remains quick. Thus, what used to be a major kitchen fire is now quickly detected, reported and responded to by the fire department. Now, most of these fires are reduced to food burning instead of house burning. Unfortunately, because much of the alarm equipment is not sophisticated enough to differentiate between burnt toast and a real fire, or realize that the steam from a shower is not that different from the smoke from a burning wall, false alarms are definitely up, but do not constitute the bulk of our calls. These situations are treated as emergencies until we are either notified by the alarm company or the homeowner, and are checked out by us.
