Do I need smoke alarms?
Yes, smoke alarms are required in all residences. Inspection and certification by the Fire Department is required at the time the property is sold/re-financed. Smoke alarms are reliable, cost-effective, and proven to save lives and property.
What about CO detectors? Do I need those?
Since March 31, 2006, carbon monoxide alarms have been required in all residences that have either fossil fuel burning equipment or an attached enclosed garage. This law applied to all such residences whether or not the residence is being sold or transferred.
My smoke alarm is going off, but I don’t see or smell anything. Should I call the Fire Department?
Yes, after assuring safe evacuation. Smoke alarms are sensitive to products of combustion in sizes and amounts often not seen by the human eye. This is why they work so well. Never hesitate to call.
My CO detector is going off, but I don’t see or smell anything. Should I call the Fire Department?
Yes! Carbon Monoxide 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 amounts of CO in your home. Please DO NOT open doors and windows before the Fire Department arrives, because this makes it difficult to determine the cause of any CO that may be present. Once again, NEVER hesitate to call us.
I am a senior citizen and I do not have the means to replace my smoke or CO detectors. Can the Fire Department help?
Yes! As part of the Department of Fire Service's "SeniorSAFE" program, the department has received funds to assist senior citizens in town who do not have the means to replace their batteries or detectors.
Is there always someone at the firehouse?
No. Most fire stations in the United States are only occupied until there is an emergency call. Berkley is no exception. Station 1 at 5 North Main Street is the only manned fire station in town. It is staffed by an on-duty crew of two firefighters 8:00 am - 4:00 pm and one paramedic/firefighter 4:00 pm - 8:00 am. At any time these emergency personnel may be called upon to respond to an emergency call or other necessary function, thus leaving the fire station unmanned. Station 2, in Myricks, is a "call" station that is manned on an as-needed basis. For this reason, it is always better to dial 911 rather than drive to a fire station, which may be empty.
Does the Fire Department run the town’s ambulance service:
Yes. The Berkley Fire Department is the town's primary EMS provider and operates two fully licensed and equipped Advanced Life Support ambulances.
How much does an ambulance transport to the ER cost? I think I need emergency care but I am worried about being able to pay.
Emergency medical services are billed in accordance with government guidelines. Insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance 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 Berkley Fire Department. We are here to help you whenever needed.
Do personnel on the ambulance fight fires also?
Yes, the personnel who are assigned to the ambulance are also firefighters. Personnel in Berkley are cross-trained to fight fires as well as handle medical emergencies.