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Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. I called for an ambulance, why did the fire truck show up?
- The City of North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue and Rescue provides medical first responder services to our citizens and visitors. Our firefighters are trained either as Emergency Medical Technician’s or Paramedic’s. The fire engines are dispatched the same time that the ambulance is dispatched. Many times the fire engine arrives before the ambulance and can begin treating and stabilizing the patient. All city fire engines carry medical supplies, oxygen and automatic defibrillators.
- 2. How come I see fire engines with lights go through a red light at an intersection and then after they go through the intersection they turn off their lights and slow down?
- Sometimes several pieces of fire apparatus are dispatched to the same incident. When the first fire engines arrives on the scene and have assessed the situation, it may be determined that one fire engine can handle the incident and the other fire engines are canceled. When you see the fire engine going through the intersection, they may not yet have received the order to cancel. Once cancelled the emergency lights are shut off when it is safe to do so and the fire truck slows down, returning to service, available to respond to the next emergency.
- 3. How do I get my blood pressure checked?
- You can visit any fire station between 8 AM and 8 PM to have your blood pressure checked.
- 4. I keep going to the fire station and there is no one there, why is this?
- When you visited the station the crew was out of the station. During the day the crew may have to leave the station for hydrant maintenance, building inspections, training and or emergency calls.
- 5. Does the North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department fill pools or ponds?
- The North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department along with all the other fire departments in the area do not fill pools or ponds. You can contact one of the pool contractors in the yellow pages to inquire about pool filling services
- 6. Were can I take my fire extinguisher to get it serviced?
- The North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department does not service extinguishers and we do not recommend any one company to service your extinguisher. Any of the fire extinguisher company’s listed in the yellow pages will be able to provide service for your extinguisher.
- 7. Does the North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department solicit donations by phone or mailings?
- The North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department is funded by taxes paid to the city by its citizens and our visitors. We do not solicit or endorse any company that solicits donations claiming to represent our department. From time to time we will hold a car wash to raise moneys to help one of our firefighters that is experiencing overwhelming medical cost and each year we collect donations for the MDA. Both of these events are done at a specific location and our personnel will be there in uniform. We will never call your home or send out a mailing to ask for money. If you receive a phone call or mailing asking for a donation where the company claims to represent our department, try to collect as much info about the company as possible and then contact Fire Chief Tom Barstow at (843) 280-5512.
- 8. How can I receive a copy of a fire report?
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- Citizens can receive a copy of a fire report by visiting the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety Records Division located at 1015 2nd Ave S. The hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
- 9. Who do I contact for a fire inspection or a fire code violation?
- You can reach the Fire Marshals office at (843) 280-5615 or (843) 280-5614. The office is staffed 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. If it is a life threatening issue call 9-1-1.
- 10. Who is responsible for maintaining smoke detectors in long-term rental units?
- Upon leasing a long-term rental, both the rental agent and the new occupant should verify that adequate smoke detectors are present and working properly. Thereafter the tenant is responsible for the replacement of batteries and monthly testing.
- 11. Who do I contact to schedule a visit to the fire department or have the fire department come to my event?
- All public education events and station tours are scheduled through the Fire Marshals Office at (843) 280-5614. If you would like to just bring your child or children to the fire station you are welcome any time you see the fire trucks in the station and personnel are available to greet you.
- 12. Can I burn trash in my yard?
- The city allows the burning of clean yard debris only, such as grass clippings, small branches and shrubbery trimmings. You must call (843) 280-5594 prior to any out door burning within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach. When you call you will be prompted with further conditions that must be followed when burning. Be advised that any complaints received in regards to the smoke created by your burning may result in the fire department requiring you to extinguish the fire.
- 13. How do I receive a free smoke detector?
- The North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department will install a smoke detector in the home of anyone whose financial situation prevents him or her from purchasing a detector, free of charge. Battery powered smoke detectors purchased by a homeowner can also be installed free of charge for those who do not have the tools or ability to install it themselves. In rental units it is the responsibility of the landlord to provide smoke detectors per code. Contact the Fire Marshals office to schedule an installation or for further questions at (843) 280-5614.
- 14. My smoke detector is chirping, what do I do?
- If your smoke detector is chirping then you need to change the battery. Smoke alarm batteries need to be changed twice a year and tested monthly. If you need assistance with changing your battery contact the Fire Marshals office at (843) 280-5614. If you feel that an immediate response is needed or you smell or see smoke call 9-1-1. Most battery-operated smoke detectors have a ten-year life span. If changing the battery does not stop the detector from chirping, the detector may need to be replaced.
- 15. How do I become a firefighter with the City of North Myrtle Beach?
- The North Myrtle Beach Fire-Rescue Department has both full time and volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters must be at least eighteen years old and paid firefighter applicants must have reached their twenty-first birthday. All firefighters applicants must pass a criminal background check. For info on full time positions see the City of North Myrtle Beach web site at http://www.nmb.us/. If you are interested in being a volunteer firefighter you can contact Fire Chief Tom Barstow at (843) 280-5512.
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