Programs

Fire PrevenFIRE 92tion Bureau

The Fire Prevention Bureau conducts inspections of all businesses as well as educational facilities. Every business in the community is inspected at least once, many more often depending on the type of business. In addition to inspections, the Bureau provides safety seminars for local businesses as well as fire extinguisher demonstrations.

Emergency Medical Services

The Fire Department provides Advanced Life Support care to the residents of Carpentersville and certain surrounding rural areas. The department responds to over 2000 medical calls for service each year.

Public Education

Each year, the department increases the programs offered by the Public Education Division. Each year, the department provides classes in various areas to teach fire safety to people of all ages.

Fascination with Fire Program

Every child has the potential for exhibiting firesetting behavior. The Carpentersville Fire Department's program "Fascination With Fire" will show you the signs to watch for in children who set fires. From curiosity to arson, this behavior is dangerous and needs education as well as intervention.

Children under the age of five are curious about fire. Parents seem to dismiss this as a rarity and do nothing about it. Often, what begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can lead to tragedy!

The fires start small and, without intervention, a tragic event will probably occur. This is the time for intervention and education. "Education is the Key to Prevention."

Facts

  • Fact: Children make up more than 20% of all fire deaths.
  • Fact: Over 30% of the fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire.
  • Fact: Children have "secret" places where they tend to start playing with matches and lighters. These places are often under the bed and in closets.
  • Fact: Juvenile fire setters are often not given the proper education and guidance from their parents.

Carpentersville Fire Department Programs

The Carpentersville Fire Department has an excellent program in place to work with children after there has been an incident involving a child playing with fire. In addition, a new program has been designed for parents to help avoid having an "incident."

"Fascination With Fire" is designed with the parents in mind. Parents will be given signs of juvenile firesetting behavior. Curiosity is a normal part of growing up; however, setting fires is not.

Fire is a big influence in all of our lives. It is used for heating, cooking, and celebrations. Birthday parties are a good example of fires used for a celebration. This is the time for the parents to teach their children about fire safety and that "fire is a tool and not a toy." Through our program, you will be better equipped to enforce positive behavior.

Additional Information

If you or your group would like to hear more about this important and informative class, please contact the Carpentersville Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-426-2131 to schedule an appointment. In the meantime:

Practice Fire Safety in Your Home

  • Check your smoke detector weekly and replace the battery twice a year. Replace the smoke detector as specified by the manufacturer (usually every ten years).
  • Demonstrate how to stop, drop, and roll. And don't forget to cover your face while rolling.
  • Familiarize your family with the sound of the smoke detector.
  • Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family and designate a meeting place outside.
  • Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.
  • Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector on every level of the home or in the sleeping area of the home.
  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
  • Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.
  • Show the children how to crawl on the floor below the smoke, get out of the house, and stay out in case of fire.
  • Show the children two ways to get out of each area of the house. If you have a second floor or basement, show them how to open the windows.
  • Supervise your young children very closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods.
  • Take the mystery out of fire play and teach your children that fire is a tool and not a toy.
  • Teach your children not to hide from firefighters, to get out as quickly as possible, and to call 911 from another location away from the home.

Home Safety Surveys

The Fire Department will upon request, come to your home and do a free Home Safety Survey. This is not an inspection and we do not issue any type of violation notices. This is a walk-through with the homeowner to discuss any potential life safety problems.

Items covered in this survey are the number and location of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. A fire escape plan can also be developed as well as the type and size of fire extinguishers. For further information, or to schedule a survey, please call Firefighter Tony Ferreiro with the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 847-426-2131.

Guest Speaker

The Fire Department would be happy to make a fire safety presentation that would be of interest to your club or group. If you would like additional information on our speakers, please call Fire Administration at 847-426-2131.

Seniors Program

Over the last several years, fire deaths in which seniors were involved Statewide have increased. Classes are provided and designed to address the special needs of seniors.

Keep the Wreath Red Program

Each year, during the Christmas season, area fire departments place a wreath outside the station decorated with red bulbs. If a fire should occur during the Christmas season, and it was caused by Christmas decorations, a bulb will be changed to white.

Fire Station Tours

All three fire stations are open for tours. If you are passing by the station and would like to stop in with your children, please feel free to do so.

The fire stations are open for tours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you have a group that would like a tour, please dial 847-426-2131 to arrange one. When requesting a group tour, please allow a one-week notice.

Block Parties

We would be happy to have a fire engine or ambulance stop at your block parties. Advance notice for these requests is needed. The personnel and equipment that make appearances at block parties are the on-duty companies and due to scheduled duties, and emergency responses, they are limited to the number of block parties they can attend.

Please keep in mind that we can not give you a specific time that the companies will show up. There may be times that due to the number of calls we may not even be able to show up at all. If you would like to request the Fire Department for your block party, make your request as early as possible

Counseling Programs

Offered by the Department to residents with a child who may have an overly curious attitude about fires.

Fire Suppression

In addition to fire suppression (fire fighting), the Department is trained in below-grade rescue, confined space rescue, water rescue/recovery, auto extrication, and high-angle rescue.

Emergency Services & Disaster

The Emergency Services and Disaster Agency is handled by the Fire Department. The main goal is to prepare the Village for any natural disaster that may occur. This includes checking the civil defense sirens throughout the community monthly, as well as providing updates to the Disaster Preparedness Plan, which has been developed by the Village and adopted by the Board of Trustees.