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1. How long does it take a fire engine to get to a fire or medical emergency after 911 has been called?

It takes between 3 to 5 minutes for fire engines and rescue ambulances to arrive on scene after a 911 call has been placed.

2. Why do I have to dial 911 instead of calling the fire station directly and saving time?

The 911 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds.  When you dial 911, the system routes the police or fire unit that is closest to your home or business. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take emergency calls, and calling the fire station directly actually wastes response times.

3. Does Alhambra Fire Department provide fire station tours?

We welcome our local schools, groups, families, etc. To visit and learn about your fire department, the facilities and specialized equipment, as well as meeting our fire personnel. Tours can be made by making an appointment and may be scheduled by calling our Administrative Office at 626-570-5195 and they will put you in touch with the fire station you would like to tour.

4. Where can I obtain a medical record (EMS) and/or fire incident report?

If you are requesting a medical record (EMS) on an individual's behalf (i.e. an attorney's office, insurance company, etc.), you must provide a signed waiver in order for medical records to be released. If you are requesting a medical (EMS) record for yourself and/or a fire incident report, a request for public records must be submitted with the City Clerk's Office.

5. What do firefighters do when they are not on calls fighting fires or providing medical care?

Training takes up a good deal of their time when they are not on a call. Firefighters are required to have at least 20 hours of emergency-related training each month. Firefighters also are required to conduct fire safety inspections for businesses and schools in the City of Alhambra. The firefighters often found checking and maintaining their equipment so it is ready when the call comes in. Fire station cleaning and maintenance is also on their daily schedule. You will also see the firefighters driving their fire response districts to become familiar with the area to reduce response times during fire and medical incidents.

6. When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes 3 Alhambra fire engines, 2 ladder truck companies, a paramedic rescue ambulance and 1 Battalion chief. Once the first unit arrives on scene and determines the remaining responding units are not needed, then they will be cancelled and returned back to their fire districts. The goal of the Alhambra Fire Department is to protect lives and property and this level of response is needed to accomplish this goal.

7. How do I go about drawing up an escape plan for my home or business?

The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home should include: 

1. Draw a floor-plan of your home
2. Agree on a meeting place
3. Practice your escape plan
4. Make your exit drill realistic

You may also refer to Survive Alive for information on how to survive alive, tour a survival house, fire and life safety information for children and teachers.

8. A member of my family is disabled. What should he/she do during a fire?

Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.

9. What is the best thing to do for a burn?

Always cool a burn with water. Do not use ointments, butter, or other substances. For minor burns contact a physician. For serious burns, call 911 immediately.

10. What should I do before I go on vacation?

Leave an emergency contact number with your neighbors where you can be contacted in case the fire department must respond to an emergency incident at your residence. Make sure you have made arrangements with a family member or friend that has access to your home and alarm system.

11. Do I need to install 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, smoke detectors should be installed in or near living are as such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms.

12. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?

Homeowners should buy a fire extinguisher that can extinguish class A-B-C fires. They should be designed to extinguish that usually occur in homes, including:

• Electrical fires
• Flammable liquids
• Paper
• Wood

13. What should I do during an earthquake?

If you are in doors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls or power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid over passes or power lines. Remain inside your vehicle until the shaking is over. If you are in a high-rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a desk or table. Do not use the elevators.