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1. What is the best thing to do for a burn?

Cool a burn with water. Do not use ointments, butter or other substances. For minor burns contact a physician. For serious burns, dial 9-1-1 immediately.

2. What should I do during an earthquake?

If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses or power lines. Remain inside until shaking is over. If you are in a high rise building, stay away from windows and outside walls. Get under a table. Do not use elevators.

3. When I call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, why does an engine arrive in addition to an ambulance?

The fire department serves as the first responders for all medical emergencies. Our eight fire stations are strategically located throughout Orange so our response times have a positive effect on medical emergencies. In addition to our paramedics, the rest of our fire personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). We have a minimum of one paramedic assigned to each of our eight engine companies and on each of our 3 rescue ambulance crews. It is also important to remember that with any medical emergency extra hands of trained personnel are necessary to assist with the care and moving of a patient onto a gurney.

4. When responding to a call in the “middle of the night” do the firefighters have to use the sirens even though traffic is minimal?

Yes, the state vehicle code requires that while responding Code Three, an emergency response vehicle much have all emergency lights on and the siren sounding. A Code Three response is initiated when life, property or the environment is in immediate danger. Some examples are:
- Auto Accidents
- Chest Pain
- Difficulty Breathing
- Fire
- Hazardous Materials Spill

5. When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes 3 engine companies, 1 truck company, 1 transportation/rescue unit and 1 Battalion Chief. If these units are not needed, they are released upon arrival. The main goal of the Orange Fire Department is to protect lives and property and this level of response is needed to accomplish this goal.

6. Where can I bring my used sharps (needles, syringes, lancets, etc.) for disposal?

City of Orange Fire and Police stations do not accept used sharps (used needles, syringes, lancets, etc.) for disposal. We suggest calling the site first to confirm whether or not that location charges a fee. Find locations throughout California that accept used sharps for disposal at this California Recycling site.