Fire Safety FAQs
Click on the links below to view some of residents' most frequently asked questions and answers about fire prevention and safety.
What do I do if I need the Fire Department?
Call 911. If you are using a cell phone, be prepared to give additional information since cellular calls are answered by various 911 call centers.
Why do so many fire trucks respond when I call the Fire Department?
Fire Department units are dispatched according to the information provided to the 911 emergency dispatcher. The Oradell Fire Department has developed response plans based on the resources that could be necessary for each type of event. Although not every resource is used on every alarm, the potential for use remains high. As a result, having the resource immediately available is an important factor in having a successful outcome for any emergency event. The first arriving vehicle may be a command vehicle, an engine, or a ladder truck.
Why do other fire departments respond to emergencies in Oradell?
Oradell has automatic mutual aid agreements with the New Milford and River Edge Fire Departments, as well as with other fire departments within Bergen County. These agreements were developed to lend assistance on emergency calls that the Oradell Fire Department may not have enough staffing or equipment to handle.
What should I do if I see an emergency vehicle while driving?
When it is safe to do so, pull over to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have safely passed. If you cannot safely maneuver to the right, simply stop and stay stopped so the emergency vehicles can go around you safely.
Will the Fire Department dig out fire hydrants after a snow storm?
Between heavy snowfall and plows clearing streets, many hydrants become buried and hidden under snow piles during the winter. Please pitch in and help dig out fire hydrants that are buried on or near your property. Although firefighters can find the buried hydrants by using maps in an emergency situation, hydrants can be located more quickly and firefighting efforts can be initiated faster if hydrants are not covered in snow. Every minute counts!
My smoke detector is chirping. What does that mean?
Most modern smoke detectors will chirp to alert you when the batteries are low. You should replace the batteries and test your smoke detector. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacing all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old and / or replacing a smoke alarm if it does not respond properly when tested. The NFPA suggests testing smoke alarms monthly using the test button. Smoke detectors can be purchased at any hardware or large commercial department store.
What if the smoke alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.