Show All Answers

1. What should I do after a fire in my home?

A fire in your home can change your life completely. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important. 

The U.S. Fire Administration has published a booklet that can help you get through this rough time. 

This publication will provide you with some valuable information on what you should do after experiencing a fire in your home. 

Click here to view the publication

2. Can I burn leaves in my yard?

No, city ordinance prohibits outside burning leaves within the city limits.

3. Does the Fire Department fill fire extinguishers?

Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services does not fill fire extinguishers. 

4. How may I get a tour of a Fire Station?

You must contact us to schedule a tour. 

Remember, even when tours are scheduled, the tour may be cut short or cancelled due to the station receiving an alarm and having to leave. 

To schedule a tour, please contact the Public Educator @ 804-733-2328.

**Tours may be unavailable due to the COVID-19 Pandemic**

5. How do I check my smoke alarm?

Every smoke alarm has a test button, usually in the center of the alarm. 

Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. 

If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. 

Remember to test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries twice a year.

6. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarms?

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke alarms every 6 months. 

An easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.

7. My smoke alarm is chirping, what does that mean?

Most modern smoke alarms will chirp to alert you the batteries are low. You should replace the batteries and test your smoke alarm. 

Smoke alarms can be purchased at any hardware or large commercial department store.

8. Do I need to put a smoke alarm in every room? How many do I need?

Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. 

On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to test the alarms regularly!

9. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. 

This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.

10. How do I create an escape plan for my home or business?

The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a floor-plan of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your exit drill is realistic.

11. How should I plan for a disabled family member 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.

12. What should I do if I smell an odor of natural gas?

Leave the area immediately and dial 911 from a safe location!

13. Why am I not supposed to drive over a fire hose?

The hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted and possibly cause injuries or death. 

Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service and tested.

14. What should I do if I see a downed or arcing electrical wire?

Call 911 immediately. Downed and arcing power lines are a very dangerous situation! Do not approach any area with downed power lines.