TIPS & TRICKS

Fire Prevention, Safety & Maintenance

The National Fire Protection Association offers safety tip sheets on a variety of fire and life saving topics.  Download and share the documents to remain proactive about fire safety.  ​

Guide to Calling 9-1-1 Emergency Services


​To best respond to an emergency situation, call takers, dispatchers and first responders need your help. Familiarize yourself and those living or visiting your home with the following tips to ensure that the 9-1-1 call taker will be able to process your emergency call efficiently and send assistance as quickly as possible.
STEP 1
9-1-1 NEEDS TO KNOW WHERE TO GO  
  • When calling 9-1-1, one of the first things you’ll be asked to provide is the location of the emer­gency you’re reporting.
  • The call taker may not automatically know your location or may ask you to confirm it.
  • Make sure you provide as much detail on your location as possible, such as landmarks, cross streets and mileposts.
STEP 2
KNOW YOUR CELL WELL  
  • The current 9-1-1 system is designed for voice communications only.
  • Texting 9-1-1 is not an option in most locales; you must dial 9-1-1 and speak with a call taker.
  • Pull over when driving, if possible. This reduces the chance of a dropped call.
  • Lock your keypad when you’re not using your phone, so 9-1-1 isn’t dialed by mistake. For the same reason, don’t  put 9-1-1 on speed dial.
  • Do not give old phones to children as toys. A wireless phone with no active service can still call 9-1-1.
  • If you accidentally call 9-1-1, stay on the line and tell the call taker that you do not have an emergency.
  • Calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone is always free and it is never necessary to dial an area code.
STEP 3
9-1-1 IS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY  
  • Call 9-1-1 for emergencies only. It is appropri­ate to call 9-1-1 when you need to save a life, stop a crime or report a  fire.
  • 9-1-1 is the right number to call in an emergency when a prompt response is needed. If you are not sure you have an emergency to report, call 9-1-1 and let the call taker decide.
STEP 4
KNOW HOW TO USE 9-1-1 WITH THE PHONE YOU OWN
  • Before you need help in an emergency, be sure to understand how the type of phone you use affects your call to 9-1-1. It is important to know the capabilities of the device you are using (landline, cellular, VoIP). 
  • Cell phones may not automatically tell 9-1-1 where you are so be prepared to provide de­tailed information about ​your location.
STEP 5
REMAIN CALM, BE PREPARED
  • Try to stay calm, give information and follow all instructions.
  • Professional call-takers are trained to get infor­mation from you. Listen carefully and answer as concisely as possible.
  • Remember that even if the dispatcher is still asking questions or giving instructions, help is on the way.
STEP 6
HELP 9-1-1 HELP YOU 
  • The more you know what to expect when you call 9-1-1, the faster 9-1-1 can get you the help you need.
  • You can save a life! Follow all instructions the 9-1-1 call taker gives you, and don’t hang up until the call taker does. If you get cut off, call back and explain that you were cut off.

HONEY CREEK FIRE & THE COMMUNITY

The Honey Creek Fire Department is a community partner. In collaboration with the City of Terre Haute, Vigo County, Vigo County School Corporation and other local fire departments, we offer programs that promote safety and provide educational opportunities for our community citizens.
Station Tours
Any community member an schedule a time to come in and see how firefighters live. They can view trucks, equipment, and the firehouse.
Smoke Detector Program
Any resident in need of a smoke detector in Honey Creek Township, can get a free smoke detector, with proof of residence while supplies are available. 
​Fire Extinguisher Training
HCFD offers both on and off-site fire extinguisher training for community members, businesses, and students! Fire extinguisher training includes a classroom portion, and a hands on portion with live fire!
Car Seat Program
HCFD is a permanent fitting station for car seats, and have a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on every shift. Any community member can schedule an appointment and stop by to have a complete inspection and/or installation of their car seats.
Sparky
HCFD has Sparky the Fire Dog on-staff 24/7 to be used at community events to help teach fire education!
Smokehouse
HCFD has a fully functioning smokehouse that can be used on and off-site to give community members a "real-live" experience of being inside a home, filled with smoke, and to teach fire safety in the home! Our smokehouse doubles as a weather safety house. With animated props, we can simulate community members being caught in severe weather, and can teach proper safety tips/techniques!
Community Events
HCFD loves getting out in the community. If anybody has an event they would like HCFD to be involved in, contact HCFD today!

CHILD SAFETY SEATS INSPECTIONS

Over 80% of child safety seats are used or installed incorrectly. The Honey Creek Fire Department encourages you to have your child safety seat inspected by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Honey Creek Fire Department at 812-299-4902.
This service is free of charge.


For more Information on Child Car Safety, please visit https://www.safercar.gov/.