Do I need smoke detectors?
Yes, smoke detectors are required in all residences. Inspection and certification by the Fire Department is only required at the time the property is sold or re-financed. With the proven value of smoke detectors in saving lives and protecting property at such a low cost, it’s hard to imagine anyone not having and maintaining them. The East Bridgewater Fire Department will assist any resident in the placement and maintenance information on home smoke detectors. The department also sponsors a program to provide and install smoke detectors for residents in need including the elderly, handicapped and those with financial need.
Due to different requirements according to age of home, it is best to contact the Fire Department at 508-378-2071 to determine the correct placement and type of detectors you need in your home.
My smoke detector is going off, but I don’t see anything – should I bother calling the Fire Department?
Yes, after assuring safe evacuation. Smoke detectors are sensitive to products of combustion in sizes and amounts often not seen by the human eye. That is why they work so well. Never hesitate to call.
Do I need carbon monoxide (CO) detectors?
Yes, CO Detectors are required in most residences and in all apartments. Inspection and certification by the Fire Department is only required at the time the property is sold or re-financed. Landlords are required to inspect, maintain and change the batteries in detectors on an annual basis or when a lease is renewed, whichever is more frequent. With the proven value of CO detectors in saving lives, it is hard to imagine anyone not having and maintaining them. The East Bridgewater Fire Department will assist any resident in the placement and maintenance information on home CO detectors.
Due to different requirements according to age of home, it is best to contact the Fire Department at 508-378-2071 to determine the correctplacement and type of detectors you need in your home.
My CO detector is going off, but I don’t see or smell anything – should I bother calling the Fire Department?
Yes, after assuring safe evacuation. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless invisible gas. CO detectors are very sensitive and designed to alert occupants prior to CO reaching deadly levels. If your detectors go off, call the Fire Department and evacuate the home. Be sure to notify the Fire Department if anyone in the home is experiencing flu like symptoms. The Fire Department has specialized equipment to detect and measure amount of CO in your home. Please DO NOT open doors and windows before the Fire Department arrives, it makes it difficult to determine the cause of any CO that may be present. Never hesitate to call. DO NOT leave a motor vehicle or generator running inside a garage or near an open window as this could cause the deadly gases to enter your home.
I had a little fire, but I’m pretty sure it’s out – should I call the Fire Department?
Absolutely, fire can be sneaky and hide very well. We know where to look and have equipment such as the Thermal Imaging Camera to find it. Always call just to be sure.
What about outdoor burning?
Outdoor burning is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection which allows outdoor burning of brush, cane, forestry debris, etc. during an annual period usually from January 15th through May 1st under the supervision and control of the Fire Department. Required permits are issued each year on request, which include the rules as to hours, procedures, requirements, and prohibited items. The Fire Department has no control over the dates outdoor burning is allowed and cannot extend a season for any reason.
How about campfires?
Campfires are not allowed per the Massachusetts General Laws, however outdoor fires for the purpose of cooking, as regulated by MGL C.48, S.13 are allowed year round if built upon sandy or gravelly land free from living or dead vegetation if the fire is enclosed within rocks, metal or other non-flammable material. You must be 18 years of age or older to start or maintain a cook fire.
I don’t feel well or I’m only hurt a little. I really don’t want to go to the hospital. Can you just check me out? Should I call?
Yes, please do call, but…except for very minor injuries or illnesses we are going to generally recommend transportation to the hospital for definitive care. We are equipped and trained to identify, stabilize, and treat serious and life-threatening conditions, and to provide safe transportation to definitive care. This is done strictly under Physician direction and control. We are not trained, equipped, nor authorized to provide care without definitive evaluation and follow-up care. Still, we emphasize, please call! If you even think you might need an ambulance, you probably do.
The East Bridgewater Fire Department Emergency Medical Service is the local entry point into the Emergency Medical System which includes Emergency Ambulance Response, safe transportation to the appropriate medical facility, Aero Medical transport, etc. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics administer care in accordance with training provided by and under the direction of Medical Control in accordance with the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) State-wide Treatment Protocols. Like the practice of medicine in general, the Emergency Medical Services system has come a long way since its inception and the success rate in terms of patient care and recovery speaks for itself.
How much is this ambulance ride going to cost?
By vote of the Board of Selectmen, Emergency Medical Services are billed in accordance with current government guidelines. Most all insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and automobile policies will generally cover emergency medical treatment and emergency ambulance transportation. Insurance coverage and ability/inability to pay is never a concern to the East Bridgewater Fire Department. We are here to help you whenever needed.
I’m seen at a Boston Hospital, can you take me there?
Not usually for routine care. In an emergency, treating physicians will normally advise their patients to be transported to the closest appropriate hospital to be evaluated, treated, and then transferred to a Boston hospital only if necessary in consultation with them. In an extremely unusual or serious situation, and only by a physician’s direct order and under that physician’s direct supervision, we will transport a patient to a special facility. This policy is truly in the patient’s best interest. Emergency care is obtained quicker and non-emergent direct transportation can be arranged, maintaining the two dedicated emergency ambulances to meet the needs of the entire town population. Any patient who has sustained a physically traumatic injury can be transported to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Boston or a Level 2 Trauma Center at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth or a Level 3 Trauma Center at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton. What trauma center you are taken to is based on the severity of your injury and transport may occur by medical helicopter if deemed appropriate.