Fire Department - Frequently Asked Questions
When I call for an ambulance, why do I sometimes see an ambulance from another town?
During the course of the day it is not unusual for two or three calls for the ambulance to come in at the same time. If all of our ambulances are busy, we will dispatch an ambulance from the next available town. The Mutual Aid Agreement works both ways; therefore, Skokie ambulances can be dispatched to the other municipalities. You may see ambulances and equipment from Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Evanston or Wilmette.
When I call an ambulance, why does a fire engine also come?
All members of the Fire Department are medically trained. They assist the members on the ambulance with medical aid and carrying and lifting equipment. 
Why do I see fire engines or medic units go through intersections with their red lights flashing, and then turn them off? Are they just in a hurry to go somewhere?
Emergency lights and siren are used only when responding to a call. Apparatus responding to calls are frequently canceled, or the first arriving unit determines that the call is not an emergency and tells the units to respond in a non-emergency mode, or to return to their station.
Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building? It seems that they are causing more damage than the fire.
Fire in a building creates a lot of heat and smoke. In many cases, firefighters must remove the heat and smoke before they can get close enough to put out the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in planned locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the building from below. This is called “ventilation”. It also improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke can cause extensive damage; ventilation will actually reduce overall damage to a building and contents.
If I were trapped in a burning building, would firefighters be able to rescue me?
This all depends on you and the fire protection features of the building you are in at the time of the fire. Relying on the expertise and resources of your local firefighters to save you in a fire is risky at best. The best rescue is self rescue. Install smoke detectors in your home, and check them monthly. Have a fire escape plan that includes 2 ways out of each room/home, and practice it. Learn what to do in the event of fire in your home. Never re-enter a burning building. If you panic, your chances of survival decrease drastically. If you are trapped and you know the fire department is on scene, make your location known by yelling, opening a window and dropping something out, or calling 9-1-1 and relaying your location to the dispatcher. Stuff bedding or towels under the door to keep deadly smoke and gases out of the room. Do not hide under a bed or table! Stay near a window or doorway. Firefighters are taught to search under windows and doorways during rescue searches. If you are on a second floor you may be able to hang from a window and drop to the ground without suffering significant injury. This option should be considered a last resort, when smoke and/or heat make the room you are in uninhabitable.
Please click here for information on creating a fire escape plan.
When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?
State law, and common sense, dictate that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if you car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway.
Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by. 
How do I get a copy of a Fire or Ambulance Report?
Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 847/982-5340.
I need a CPR course. Who teaches these courses locally?
The Skokie Fire Department offers CPR Courses on a regular basis. If you are interested in signing up for the next class simply call 847-982-5340 and ask to be put on the CPR class list. You will be notified when the next class will be offered. For more information, please click here.
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
Blood pressure testing is done at all 3 Skokie Fire Stations any day of the week between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Can we schedule a fire engine presentation or station tour?
Yes, contact the Fire Department at 847/982-5340 and we will be happy to assist you with your request.
How does the strength of fire protection in your community affect your homeowners insurance policy premium?
Part of the premium is determined by the strength of the fire protection provided to your home by the Village. The quality of fire protection for a given area is determined by an organization sponsored by the insurance industry. This organization is known as the ISO. ISO grades fire protection for an area on a 1-10 grading system (1 being the best).
The Skokie Fire Department has an ISO Class 1 rating. Lower ISO Rating = Lower Insurance Premiums = More Property Development = Lower Property Tax
I recently received a telephone call asking for a donation that benefits my local Fire Department. Who receives the donations?
The Skokie Fire Department does not solicit donations. All Department funding comes from the Village budget. If you suspect you are a victim of a scam contact the Police Department.
How are members of the Fire Department hired?
In order to be hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in the Village of Skokie, candidates must first take a written examination and pass a physical ability test. These examinations are offered every two years. For more information on the hiring process please click here or contact the Village of Skokie Personnel Division at 847/933-8212.
Does the fire department really get cats off of roofs or out of trees?
It depends on the situation. Cats may get frightened and bite or scratch emergency personnel requiring them to seek medical attention. Try this, it usually works: open a can of tuna or cat food, leave the immediate area and wait for the cat to come down on its own (they usually do)! If you really need assistance you can contact Animal Control at (847) 933-8484.
What Do Firefighters Do When They Are Not Responding To Fire or Emergency Medical Calls?
Firefighters must train in some capacity everyday. They are required to train an average of 20 hours in fire related training and 3 hours of emergency medical continuing education each month.
Firefighters also have to assist the Fire Prevention Bureau with commercial fire inspections. Combined they are responsible for 3,000 annually. Firefighters are responsible for cleaning and maintaining equipment and the fire stations
Occasionally, you may see fire vehicles driving around town or touring buildings when there is not an emergency. It is important that firefighters become familiar with the Village streets and neighborhoods as well as business districts. This will save valuable time while they are actually responding to an emergency. The rest of their time is spent preparing meals, reading and studying, exercising and sleeping. They are always alert and prepared to answer emergency calls.
Can I get a “child locator” window decal from the Fire Department?
The Fire Department does not recommend the use of child-locator window decals. Firefighters thoroughly perform search and rescue in the event of a fire. Parents should be aware of safety concerns when using child-locator decals per the Home Safety Council, these decals may signal intruders to an area of vulnerability in the home, especially where children are sleeping. Rather than using decals, teach children home fire safety.
To download a Home Safety Guide go to: www.homesafetycouncil.org