FIRE AND RESCUE

ISO Inspection Results
The Town of Kimball Fire and Rescue Department underwent an ISO Inspection in October 2007. The results have come in and Effective April 1, 2008, The Fire Department is classified as Public Protection Classification: 5. This is a drop from our previous rating of a 7.

Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awarded
The Fire Department was awarded a FY 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a total project cost of $79,239 with the Federal Share at 95 percent or $75,277 of the approved amount and the town's portion is 5 percent or $3,962.

Also, the Fire Department received a $2,000 grant from the State which was presented to the County for all fire department to receive a $2,000 grant by House of Representative Bill Harmon. >Read Newspaper Article

Contact Information

In Case of Emergency Dial
Dispatch Office	423-837-7554
Fire Chief	Jeff Keef - Voicemail 423-837-7040 extension 202
Assistant Fire Chief	Butch Brown
Captain	Jeff Stephens
Training Officers	Scott Evans
	Todd Smith

The fire and rescue hall located at 925 Main Street was built in 2001 with open house being held on August 10, 2001. The department consists of about 20 volunteer firemen and 6 auxiliary members. Kimball's ISO rating is currently a 7. The Town of Kimball Volunteer Fire Department had an ISO inspection on October 16, 2007. The results of this inspection will be available within 180 days of the inspection. Keep watching and we will post the results in the future.

Fire and Rescue Trucks

TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY

All fire or rescue related emergency calls are handled by the Marion County Emergency Communications Center E-911. Upon receipt of the call, dispatchers are trained to receive the necessary information in order to correctly dispatch the appropriate units. 911 should always be used to report emergencies for two reasons: First, because 911 lines are considered priority lines and are manned 24 hours a day. Second, the fire and rescue department is not manned at all hours since our department is made up of volunteers. Also, the 911 interface, the phone records transfer the address into the dispatchers' computer thus saving time consuming data entry and potential error.

Candle Safety Tips:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or when going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, papers, curtains, Christmas trees and decorations.
• Place candles on stable surfaces in sturdy holders that grip the candle securely and won't tip over.
• Use candle holders that can't burn. Make sure the holder is big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds or curtains can cover them.
• Don't put candles where children or pets can knock them over.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Never carry a lit candle.

Space Heaters Safety Measures:

1. When buying a new unit, make sure it carries the mark of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Be sure that a qualified technician installs the unit or check that the unit has been installed properly.
2. If you use a wood or coal stove or a fireplace, have a professional inspect your chimney, chimney connector and other related equipment every year, and be cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.
3. Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
4. When turning a heating device on or off, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. When buying heaters, choose devices with automatic shutoff features.

Chemical Safety

• Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled.
• Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

Electrical Safety

• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
• Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
• Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

Heating Safety

1. Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
2. Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
3. Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
4. Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
5. Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
6. Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
7. Refuel heaters only outdoors.
8. Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
9. Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

REMEMBER...

Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.

If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.

Pay Attention to your Cooking

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE

Practice two ways out of every room in your home. Get out as soon as you discover a fire; do not try to fight the fire or gather possessions. Once out of the house, stay out; do not attempt to enter a burning home to gather possessions left behind Immediately dial 9-1-1 or your local emergency number for help, preferably from a neighbor's phone.

Planning what to do in case of fire can make the difference between life and death. You should practice two ways out of every room in your home. If you use a wheelchair or walker, or otherwise might have a problem escaping from a fire, discuss your escape plans ahead of time with your fire department, your family, the building manager, and neighbors. Let them know about your special circumstances and ask them to help plan the best escape routes for you.

The most important thing when a fire occurs is to get out of the house immediately and stay out, then call the fire department. If you are behind a closed door, feel it with your hand before opening it. If the door is hot, look for another possible exit out of the room. Make sure windows can be unlocked and opened, and security bars released. If you are passing through a smoky area, stoop low so that your head is beneath the smoke. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, gently drop to the ground, cover your face and roll to smother the flames. Do not try to fight the fire; that will only delay your escape. Leave your possessions behind, and never go back into a burning building for any reason.

Fire and Rescue Links

	Firehouse.com
	International Association of Fire Chiefs
	National Interagency Fire Center
	National Fire Protection Association
	National Fire Sprinkler Association
	Sparky the Fire Dog
	Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy
	U.S Fire Administration
	U.S Fire Administration Kids Page