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House Numbers
Clear Hydrants
If you have a hydrant in front of your home or business, it is your responsibility to keep them clear of all tall
brush, snow, or any other objects that could hamper the operations of the Fire Department. A minimum of five feet
in diameter clearance shall be maintained around all fire hydrants per the Fire Code. Pets
If you have called 911 for any reason and you have a pet , please place your pet in a secure area away from
emergency responders. Even if your pet is good natured the sight of strangers entering their home and assisting
their family members may make them uncomfortable and possibly aggressive. Often times we need to leave the front
door open in order to move equipment. We would hate to have your pet escape out the door. Porch Lights On
If you have called 911 for any reason and are awaiting our response, turn on your front porch light. Do
this only if you can safely do so. This helps the emergency responders more easily locate your residence.
Available on the market are those front porch lights that flash on and off further designating your home as the
residence in need of assistance. Insurance and Medication Information
Try to have your medical insurance information available for emergencies by keeping current cards in an easily
accessible location. Keep a current list of medications and provide it the Fire Department crew upon arrival. No Parking In Front Of A Hydrant Or In A Fire Lane
Please do everything possible not to park in designated fire lanes or within 5 feet of a fire hydrant. Parking in
these areas is illegal in the City of Polk City and violations are punishable by fines. No matter how convenient it
may seem, do not park in these locations, even for short periods of time. When You Hear Our Sirens
Above all else REMAIN CALM. Avoid any sudden reactions. These actions may cause an accident. If you hear a siren
approaching your vehicle from ahead or behind, take special precaution for both yours and our safety. Gradually
slow down and pull as far to the right of the roadway as safely possible. Stay Back 500 Feet
Always retain a minimum of a 500 foot following distance with all fire and emergency apparatus. This following
distance should increase to a 1,000 foot cushion when the apparatus is travelling with it's emergency lights and
sirens in use. Never directly follow an emergency vehicle to the scene of an emergency. Never directly follow an
ambulance while it is en-route to a hospital. Other drivers may see the ambulance but often times won't see the
trailing vehicle, even if you have your hazard lights on. Do Not Pass Emergency Vehicles
Passing an emergency apparatus when it is travelling with it's emergency lights and sirens in use is a dangerous
practice. If the emergency vehicle must change lanes you could be in danger. You can cause more congestion in front
of the apparatus. You could also be subject to a fine. Move Over One Lane
In Iowa, it is an offense punishable by a fine if you do not pull over at least one lane for an emergency vehicle
that is on the scene of an incident. If you cannot pull over one lane you should slow down and remain alert for
emergency workers that may appear in traffic. Never Drive Over Fire Hose
While fire fighters are on the scene of a fire they often times must place hoses across the travel portion of a
roadway, parking lot or driveway. Never drive across these hoses. These hoses may be full of pressurized water
needed to fight a fire. By driving over a fire hose you are endangering yourself as well as the fire fighters.
These hoses can be damaged and even burst under the weight of your vehicle. The sudden release of thousands of
gallons of pressurized water can injure or kill those persons near the breakage. | ||
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