Q: In an age of cellphones and pagers, why do I still hear the loud fire siren?
A: Cellphone coverage is spotty in parts of town. Pager batteries die. Text messages can be delayed. The fire siren is a low-tech fail safe measure to alert members of the Armonk Fire Department of an emergency. It also warns citizens to be alert for volunteers responding to the firehouse in their personal vehicles. To reduce disturbances to residents, the siren doesn't sound late at night, except when there is an "all-hands" general emergency. When you hear the fire siren, it means a neighbor is in distress and help is on the way!
Q: What happens after an alarm is received?
A: Members drive to the firehouse, don their gear, and respond on the appropriate apparatus. If there's a critical medical emergency, such as a heart attack and an EMT happens to be nearby, then the EMT may respond directly to the scene and begin CPR. Seconds can save lives in these situations! When you see a blue flashing light on a personal vehicle, please yield -- it's a member responding to the firehouse for an emergency.
Q: Do you rescue cats stuck in trees?
A: It depends on the cat and on the tree. If we can safely reach the cat, and the cat cooperates, then yes. There have been no reports of cats dying in trees from starvation, so even if we can't rescue the cat, we predict he will eventually climb down on his own.
Q: Do you rescue pets trapped in fires?
A: We will do our best. We even carry a canine resuscitation kit on one of our ambulances.
Q: I received a bill for a false alarm. What's that about?
A: The Town of North Castle assesses and collects fines for false fire and burglar alarms. The Fire Department doesn't receive any of that money.
Q: Do I get billed if I call 911 for a medical emergency?
A: Not when the Armonk Fire Department responds. New York State Law historically prohibited fire departments from charging for emergency medical services (EMS). If you call for an ambulance in towns where the ambulance service operates separately from the fire department, you may receive a bill.
Q: What's a Knox Box?
A: Knox Boxes are small locked boxes mounted outside buildings that contain the building's important keys. The keys provide fast emergency access and avoid damage from forcible entry. Armonk Fire Department participates in the national Knox Box program. For more information, contact the chief.
Q: Does anyone sleep at the firehouse?
A: Not usually. The exceptions are when severe weather is forecast or the chief announces an "overnight standby." Of course, our members respond from their homes 24/7/365.
Q: Who drives the firetrucks and ambulances?
A: Members who have received additional classroom training and pass multiple skills tests drive the apparatus.
Q: When are the free CPR classes and how do I sign up?
A: The CPR classes are regularly offered. For more information, send an email to: [email protected]
Q: What is North Castle Fire District #2?
A. North Castle Fire District #2 is the municipal authority that has jurisdiction over the Armonk Fire Department. Click here to go to the
District's website.
Q: Why does the logo of the Armonk Fire Department read "Fishing Place Between The Hills?"
The logo of the Armonk Fire Department reflects the origins of the word "Armonk" -- a loose translation of the Algonquin Indian words, "Cobamong" and "-Amek" meaning "fish in the beautiful hidden valley."
