Sun City Fire Medical Dept
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HOW DO I?

HOW DO I DISPOSE  OF OLD OR UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?
There are two locations in the Sun City area that we recommend for disposing of expired or unneeded prescription drugs. Please do not take your prescription drugs to any of the Sun City fire stations as we will not be able to accept them.
Locations -
1. Walgreens
9050 West Union Hills Drive, Peoria, AZ, 85382
Phone: (623) 566-1986

2. Walgreens
17088 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ, 85374
Phone: (623) 544-0667
HOW DO I REPORT A FIRE?

FIRE TELEPHONE NUMBERS / INFORMATION

Important Telephone Numbers

Emergencies: 9-1-1

• Dispatch Non-Emergencies or outside the area  |  602-495-5555

• Fire Hydrant Leaking or Questions (service, painting, etc.): EPCOR Services  |  780-412-6800 24 hours a day.

• Fire Code & Fire Inspections  |  623-974-2321

• Fire or Ambulance Report or Inspection Report  |  623-974-2321

HOW DO I SAFELY DISPOSE OF SHARPS OR OTHER MEDICAL WASTE?

At this time, Sun City fire stations are not able to dispose of sharps, medical equipment, or any other medical waste. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has outlined some very important tips and suggestion on how to handle sharps and medical waste. You can find those links below: 

ADEQ Waste Program: 

https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/solid/ic.html

Handle Sharps with Care:

ADEQ Sharps PDF

HOW DO I SAFELY DISPOSE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS?

The Sun City Fire and Medical Department does not offer a hazardous chemical disposal services. These services are available through Maricopa County. Please use the following link for additional information: https://www.maricopa.gov/faq.aspx?TID=84 

WHICH CODES ARE CURRENTLY ADOPTED BY THE SUN CITY FIRE DISTRICT?

Current adopted codes are the International Family of Codes, 2018 edition with Sun City Fire District Amendments. The adopted codes can be found HERE.

CAN I HAVE A FIRE PIT IN MY BACKYARD?

Yes. First of all, check the Maricopa County website to see if outdoor burning is allowed on that particular day, Maricopa Air Quality Department.

Portable outdoor fireplaces may be used provided they are at least 15 feet away from combustibles. The use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is completely extinguished. Contact the Fire Marshal’s office for information regarding any other types of open-burning fires.

WHAT PLANS/PROJECTS DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REVIEW?

The Fire Department does Building Plan Reviews on any commercial structure including tenant improvements within our Fire District. The Fire Department also does Plan Reviews of residential sprinkler systems within our Fire District. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office for more information.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A SET OF PLANS TO BE REVIEWED?

This totally depends on the size and complexity of the project. Some small projects can be reviewed in as little as a day (over -the-counter) and the larger, more complex projects can take several weeks.

WHERE DO I SUBMIT PLANS?

Plans can be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s office in the Sun City Fire District Administration Building at 18602 N. 99th Avenue in Sun City, OR smaller projects can be sent electronically with the application performed on-line. See THIS PAGE.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A FIRE LANE?

Fire Lanes are designated by the Fire Marshal and are designated to provide a clear, unobstructed path for our emergency responding apparatus to the structure. Fire Lanes are NOT intended for enforcing parking regulations in HOAs.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A FIRE INSPECTION?

Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office for scheduling inspections.

Sun City
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Feels like: 75°F
Wind: 3mph SW
Humidity: 28%
Pressure: 29.75"Hg
UV index: 0
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Public Information

Emergency Response

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A FIRE STATION VISIT?

Note: Minimum (2) Weeks Notice On All Public Education Requests. If you have any questions, please contact 623-974-2321.

 

• Tours of Sun City Fire stations are available to groups of 4-20 people upon request. 

 

• All ages are welcome.

 

• Fire crews also participate in school events, organized block parties, community parades, health and safety fairs, and other non-profit community events.

 

• The safety topics provided are: fire safety, life safety, and water safety.

 

• Fire crews are in-service (responding to emergency calls) during these events and may be required to leave for a call or may not arrive as scheduled due to an emergency call.

 

• We are unable to send crews to private birthday parties, business grand-openings, and business marketing events.

 

Please call 623-974-2321 to schedule a tour for your group or event.

 

Use our interactive map (link to map of fire stations) to find the station closest to your location.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A RIDE-ALONG WITH A CREW?

Note: All Ride-Alongs require a (2) week advance notice.

 

 Rules:

 

• Observer shall wear seat belt at all times while riding in fire apparatus.

 

• Observer shall dress in a manner consistent with safety and public image. Prohibited dress includes: open toe shoes, sandals, high heels, shorts, tank tops, garments with offensive messages, garments that are excessively loose, and/or excessive loose jewelry.

 

• Observer must be at least 18 years of age and have no physical limitations of a nature that would jeopardize the safety of the individual or others.

 

• Hours shall be limited: Emergency service observation hours shall be limited to 8:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. Under "NO" circumstances shall observer stay overnight at a fire station.

 

• Observer is restricted from entering sleeping quarters at the fire stations.

 

• Observer may accompany fire department personnel into residences/businesses to observe. However, observer shall be prepared to remain outside if conditions warrant such action for safety and/or privacy reasons.

 

• Observer shall follow the direction of the apparatus Company Officer or designee at all times.

 

• Ride-Along privileges may be revoked or suspended for failure to comply with fire department rules.

 

To schedule a ride, please call 623-974-3221. Please review Ride-Along Waiver (LISA HAS FORM – LINK AT THIS POINT) that you will be signing prior to your scheduled Ride-Along date.

 

If you have any questions prior to submitting your request, please call 623-974-2321.

 

SCFMD Ride-Along Program is open, on a limited basis, to the general public. Riders can schedule to ride between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ride-Along time frames will be limited to a maximum of (4) hour blocks.  Riders must wear appropriate attire and possess good hygiene practices.  Acceptable clothing for riders include long pants, closed toed shoes, and Tee-shirts, polo shirts, or long sleeve shirts.  Inappropriate clothing include shorts, dresses, cutoffs, and sandals.  If a rider fails to meet the appropriate dress and hygiene requirements, or fails to conduct themselves appropriately, the rider may be asked to leave the station. At the fire station, all riders will be given a release form to sign before being permitted to Ride-Along. The Company Officer will brief the rider on the Department’s expectations and safety requirements for the riding period.   Due to the sensitive nature of some EMS calls and hazards of fire calls, the rider may be required to stay with the apparatus and not enter into the emergency scene with the crew.

HOW DO I BORROW A CAR SEAT?

To request an appointment with a Car Seat Technician or to participate in the loaner program, please call (623) 974-2321.

 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A CAR SEAT INSTALLATION?

To request an appointment with a Car Seat Technician or to participate in the loaner program, please call (623) 974-2321.

 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A HOME SAFETY INSPECTION?

The Fire Prevention Division provides a Home Safety Survey as part of the lock box installation program and the smoke detector installation program.  If a homeowner is interested in a Home Safety Survey outside of those two programs, they can contact the Fire Prevention Office to set-up an appointment.

WHAT IS A LOCK-BOX AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

A Residential Lock Box is a secure lock box the owner purchases and the Fire Department installs on the home so emergency responders can gain access to the home in the case of an emergency medical call.  In response to an emergency medical call, if the occupants are unable to answer the door for the responding Fire Department personnel, the Fire Department can access the lockbox to use the owners keys to open the door without having to force entry through a door or window, causing damage for the owner to repair.

HOW DO I ORDER A LOCK-BOX AND WHO INSTALLS THEM?

Contact the Sun City Fire District Administration Office to schedule an appointment.  The lockbox costs $70.00 and the installation is free.

HOW DO I CHECK MY SMOKE ALARM?

There should be a TEST BUTTON on the alarm, when pushed, should emit the warning signal.  Keep in mind, most residential smoke alarms have a shelf-life of ten years.  If your alarm is over ten years old, the chemical inside it may not sense smoke any longer, even though the battery will still make the test button operate.

DO YOU PROVIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING?

Yes, for residential homeowners, this is part of the Home Safety Survey. For businesses, the Fire Prevention Office provides fire extinguisher training for staff upon request. Contact the Fire Prevention Office for more information.

HOW DO I REFILL, CHARGE OR CHECK MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Residential fire extinguishers are typically not serviced annually like a commercial property is required to do.  To check your residential fire extinguisher, check the dial on the top of the extinguisher located in front of the handle.  It should have an indicator in the "GREEN" area of the dial.  You can shake the extinguisher to feel the chemical inside the extinguisher move around, but DON’T TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN!  By doing so, the chemical can get lodged in the opening and crystallize, so when you need it, it will not work.

WHY DO SO MANY APPARATUS RESPOND TO SIMPLE INCIDENTS?

Units are dispatched according to information received by 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. Many times the type of situation found upon arrival is very different from the situation dispatched. Part of responding to an emergency situation is being prepared to deal with the worst case scenario. Discovering that we need more units upon arrival is often too late. Experience has taught us that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

WHY DO FIRE TRUCKS RESPOND TO MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS?

Automobile accidents present other hazards such as potential fire, ruptured fuel tanks, undeployed airbags and the presence of hazardous materials. If any occupants are trapped, they will begin the extrication (removal) process. Since all of our firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics, they can start assessing an injured person’s condition and assist in providing treatment before the arrival of ambulance personnel. Additionally, all fire apparatus carry extrication tools.

WHY DOES THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPOND TO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND NOT JUST PARAMEDICS?

Our firefighters are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics. With our stations nearby, we can often arrive before the ambulance and begin life-saving techniques. The Sun City Fire and Medical Department strives to staff a minimum of two paramedics on every apparatus. Thus, when a fire engine shows up for a medical emergency, the paramedics have arrived. It is the department policy to send a "company" on all life-threatening calls - heart attacks, trouble breathing, possible strokes, vehicle accidents, etc. The "company" may be an engine or aerial ladder; it depends on the type of call.  This personnel provides life-saving interventions/treatment. All of our staff on these companies are state certified to at least the Emergency Medical Technician level; some are paramedics.

WHEN I SEE AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE APPROACHING WITH LIGHTS & SIRENS WHILE DRIVING WHAT SHOULD I DO?

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 your 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.

I LIVE IN SUN CITY OR YOUNGTOWN. WHY DO I SEE FIRE TRUCKS FROM DIFFERENT CITIES RESPONDING TO CALLS HERE?

Sun City Fire and Medical participates in an automatic aid agreement with cities all over the Valley. When you call 9-1-1, your call and location is entered into a computer at the Phoenix Fire Department’s Alarm Room. Every fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, chief’s vehicle, etc. is tracked by a Global Positioning System (GPS). The computer will take the information from your call, locate the unit closest to your emergency and dispatch that unit, regardless of the fire department or the city. It is not uncommon to see Peoria fire apparatus in Sun City or vise versa.

WHY DO FIREFIGHTERS BREAK WINDOWS AND CUT HOLES IN ROOFS WHEN THE FIRE IS INSIDE THE BUILDING? IT SEEMS THEY ARE CAUSING MORE DAMAGE THAN THE FIRE...

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. The reduced heat and improved visibility allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. We call this "ventilation."

When a hole is made in the roof, dark smoke and dangerous superheated gases escape because heat and smoke rise. This makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. Another reason is to see how far the fire has progressed.

One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread in the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading. By venting the window of a room that’s on fire, it helps to contain the fire to the room of origin. Otherwise, heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure. Breaking a window really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

WOULD THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LIKE TO USE A VACANT STRUCTURE THAT I OWN AND PLAN TO DEMOLISH FOR TRAINING PURPOSES?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis, the Sun City Fire and Medical Department welcomes the opportunity to use structures set for demolition to aid in training. The Department cannot take on any responsibility for removing debris, etc. after the training is complete. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office with information.

HOW MUCH WILL I BE CHARGED IF SUN CITY FIRE AND MEDICAL DEPARTMENT RESPONDS WHEN I CALL 9-1-1?

Our fire services are paid through property taxes. Residents are not charged for fire protection services. If you require emergency transportation via ambulance or helicopter, those entities will charge for the services they render. Ground ambulance rates are set by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Air Ambulance rates are not regulated by any government agency.

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF A FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS) REPORT?

EMS reports are free. Reports can only be requested by the persons involved in the incident, by the parent or legal guardian (with proof of guardianship) of a minor or by subpoena. A signed and notarized medical release form (signed by client or guardian) must accompany a written request by an attorney. Picture ID is required if picking up a report in person. EMS reports are available approximately seven days after the incident.

Fire reports are public information, with some restrictions, and are free. They must be requested in writing or in person to the Human Resource's Office at 18602 N. 99th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85373. Other information that is also required when requesting these reports includes the date of the incident, location and incident number. Fire reports are available 10 to 20 working days after a fire.

HOW DO I OBTAIN OTHER FIRE RELATED REPORTS?

Property Searches regarding hazardous materials records checks, underground storage tanks, previous sites, etc. are at no cost per address. An exact address must be provided. We cannot locate records using parcel numbers. You must submit your request in writing and address it to the Fire Marshal's Office at 18602 N. 99th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85373.

HOW DO I DISPOSE OF MEDICATIONS AND SHARPS?

Please click this link to learn more information about the proper disposal of medical waste.  www.azdeq.gov and https://www.fda.gov

WHO DO I CALL ABOUT BEES?

The Fire Department will only respond to bee emergencies if people or animals are being actively stung. If so, please call 911. Otherwise, contact a local beekeeper.