1. Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? Can't I call the fire station direct and save time?
2. What if I am not sure if there is a fire in my home, like an odor but no visible fire, or a sparking appliance?
3. Will the Fire Department respond if my Carbon Monoxide detector activates?
4. Why do so many fire apparatus have to respond?
5. Is it okay to burn leaves, grass, or trash in my yard?
6. My basement is flooded. Can the Fire Department assist me?
7. Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need?
8. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that is broken or needs to be recharged?
9. Why did I see a piece of fire apparatus or ambulance from another department in town?
10. Why did another town's Fire Department or Ambulance come to my emergency?
1. Why do I have to dial 9-1-1? Can't I call the fire station direct and save time?
The 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds. All emergency calls in Runnemede are dispatched through the Camden County Communications Center in Lindenwold. When you dial 9-1-1, the system dispatches the police, fire, or EMS unit that is closest to your home and determines the proper resources that are needed for your incident. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take emergency calls and calling the station directly actually wastes response time.
Do not be embarrassed to call for help. Call 9-1-1 and the proper resources will come out to investigate. It is always better to play it safe.
3. Will the Fire Department respond if my Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector activates?
YES, but you must call 9-1-1. The Fire Department and an EMS unit will respond to investigate your home. Fire Department crews will investigate and monitor the air in your home with our gas meters to determine if a hazard exists. If you think you have an emergency in your home involving Carbon Monoxide, please evacuate everyone from the building. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that cannot be detected without the use of testing equipment, so it is important that you stay out until the Fire Department determines your home is safe. If you are anyone in the house feels ill, dizzy, or has a headache when your Carbon Monoxide detector goes off, report it to the responding emergency crews immediately. EMS will be on location to check you out.
4. Why do so many fire apparatus have to respond?
Our goal is to provide you with a quick and professional emergency response. The Fire Department is dispatched using pre-determined criteria that are based on the information provided to the 9-1-1 call taker. Some incidents require more resources than others. For instance, a fire in your home will need to utilize more resources and units than a small rubbish fire on your curb line.
5. Is it okay to burn leaves, grass, or trash in my yard?
NO. It is a violation of the Fire Code to do open burning. NO open burning is allowed in The Borough of Runnemede. If caught, you could receive a fine from the Fire Official.
6. My basement is flooded. Can the Fire Department assist me?
When causing a hazard to electric and HVAC equipment, the Fire Department can provide assistance to residents. However, there are times that the Fire Department may not be able to remove all the water. Use caution in water around electricity, your heater, and your hot water heater. This service may not be available during severe weather emergencies or disasters do to heavy call volumes.
7. Do I need to put a smoke detector in every room? How many do I need?
Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. We also recommend having a smoke detector in each bedroom. Make sure to test your detectors and change your batteries at least twice a year. Changing them every daylight savings date is a good guide to go by.
8. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that is broken or needs to be recharged?
Check the Yellow Pages under Fire Extinguishers for an authorized service contractor. The Fire Department cannot fix, recharge, or collect fire extinguishers.
9. Why did I see a piece of fire apparatus or ambulance from another department in town?
10. Why did another town's Fire Department or Ambulance come to my emergency?
To ensure the most effective service for our residents, the Runnemede Fire Department utilizes "Mutual Aid". This is the practice of utilizing the resources of other towns and departments to ensure an incident is handled safely, efficiently, and quickly. Some incidents require additional resources than the Borough of Runnemede has available within the town. Because of this, additional towns and departments are dispatched to assist us. Also, there are times when there are multiple calls within the town at the same time. In such cases, it may be necessary for another town's fire apparatus or ambulance to be dispatched to your emergency to make sure you receive help quickly. As a part of this agreement, the Runnemede Fire Department also responds into other towns and locals to provide aid when needed, so you may at times see the Runnemede Fire Department throughout the county.
