▼

Fire Department

Show All Answers

1. How do the tornado / severe weather sirens work?

The nine severe weather warning sirens strategically placed in the City of Twinsburg and Twinsburg Township are to alert anyone that is outside that severe weather is approaching our area and to take shelter immediately. Once obtaining shelter, individuals should tune in to their local weather, either via TV or the radio for further information. If the sirens could talk, they'd say "Go inside, take cover and tune into local weather."

There is a misconception that the sirens are only sounded to alert for an approaching tornado and that the sound can be heard inside of a structure or vehicle. The sirens are alerted whenever the Police Dispatcher is notified of a need by a couple of ways. One way is via Teletype from the National Weather Service, if a police officer on patrol that sees or hears of conditions necessitating this warning, or a neighboring community to the north, south, or west of Twinsburg has used their alerting system for approaching severe weather, typically non-snow events. Some folks may hear the sirens once activated while inside of a structure, however that is not typical nor designed. Often those hearing a siren inside are fairly close to a siren.

There is another misconception that the sirens can be turned up in volume. Again that is incorrect, as the audio level is at the highest decibel level allowed by federal law.

The final misconception is that if the sirens are heard to be alerted a 2nd time that it is an "all clear". There is no "all clear" notification. Each time the sirens are sounded, it indicates that another warning has been received by the Dispatch Center.

The tornado sirens are tested on the 1st Saturday of every month at noon. The tests are monitored by members of Twinsburg CERT, who are stationed at each site to witness the operation and report any issues.

2. How do I know if I need a new smoke alarm?

The intended life expectancy of a smoke detector is about 10 years. If your smoke detector is 10 years old or older, you should replace it. Like with everything else, age takes it's toll on a smoke detector's ability to function properly.

3. How can I become a part-time member of the Twinsburg Fire Department?

Please visit our job opening sections and select "part time firefighter/paramedic" from drop down

4. How can I become an EMT or Paramedic?

There are several quality Paramedic programs associated with area hospitals and local colleges. Our Med-Control is  University Hospitals - Ahuja Medical Center

5. Where can I find out about donating blood?

The American Red Cross website can get you moving in the right direction.

6. Where can I find out more information on Summit County's Disaster Plans?

The Summit County Emergency Management Agency website is packed with tons of information.

7. Where can I find out about public health and diseases?

The Centers for Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health have answers to many questions.

8. How do I find out where the closest fire hydrant is to my home?

The City of Twinsburg's Water Department provides hydrants every 300 feet within the city limits. We also cover Twinsburg Township. In the township, almost all of the areas fall in the above guidelines. We do have a few small areas that are still without hydrants. In these cases we have a water shuttle system set up with surrounding departments.

9. Why does the Fire Department break windows, cut holes, or tear open walls? It seems they are causing more damage.

As a fire burns, it moves upwards and outwards. Breaking the windows or cutting holes in the roof acts like a chimney and allows fresh air to fill the building. This action alone can save a tremendous amount of property. Fire can also travel up inside walls undetected for quite some time. Firefighters tear open walls that are suspect to hidden fires. Fires that are left undetected can re-ignite several hours later and cause extensive damage.

10. How can I have a representative of the Fire Department visit my civic group or bring a fire truck to my community event?

The Twinsburg Fire Department is open to the public. We are pleased to show you the fire apparatus any time you visit. It is requested that you call 330-963-6256 first to verify that someone will be in the station. Twinsburg Fire Department offers numerous forms of public fire and life safety education. From brochures and videos to live presentations, we can deliver information to your home or business organization. Whether it is a show for a group of Kindergartners, a fire extinguisher class for your staff, or planning a fire escape plan for your extended care organization, TFD is here to help meet your needs.

11. Where should I have smoke detectors in my home?

Smoke detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area, on each level, and above staircases. The instructions that come with each smoke detector will also tell you where you should have them.

12. How do I report a fire violation, and how are complaints of violations handled by the Fire Department?

Complaints should be called into the Fire Prevention Division at 330-963-6256. Fire Prevention will document the complaint and then will assign a Fire Inspector to expedite and investigate the complaint.

13. How do I get a copy of a Fire Report?

The Fire Prevention Division, located at 10069 Ravenna Road, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 330-963-6256 for more information.

14. How do I schedule a fire safety inspection?

The Fire Department endeavors to inspect all commercial buildings biannually. These inspections are carried out by the Fire Prevention Division. If you need or want an inspection for a commercial building or an inspection for foster care or adoption purposes, just contact the Fire Prevention Division at 330-963-6256.

15. How do I request a fire safety presentation?

The Fire Department offers fire safety presentations to local schools and civic organizations. Local schools are set up with regularly scheduled classes throughout the year as part of the curriculum. Civic organizations can schedule appointments by contacting the Fire Prevention Division at 330-963-6256.

16. Where do I call to get CPR classes?

Call the fire station at 330-963-6256 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

17. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?

We can check it at the fire station, normally between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

18. Do you get cats / animals out of trees, off of telephone poles, and off of roofs?

No, we do not. Try opening a can of their favorite food and setting it out near them. Eventually they will come down.

19. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Twinsburg Fire Department thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained, and pleasant in their response. The Fire Department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. There may be 3 Fire Department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a simple incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is simple, we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can in order to prepare to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

20. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at an intersection, and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

Sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The 1st unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation, and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready for the next call.

21. How do I get a tour of the fire station?

Just contact us at 330-963-6256 during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and set up a convenient time for both you and the shift on duty. Remember that responding to calls comes first, so even though you may have a tour scheduled, there is always the possibility that we will have to answer a call during the tour or already be out when you are suppose to have the tour. Please be flexible.

22. How do I get fire extinguisher training?

Contact Fire Prevention at 330-963-6256 and set up a time and date.