FAQs

My smoke detector is going off constantly but I do not see any smoke or a fire. What should I do?

Exit the structure and call 911.
I smell smoke in my home but I do not know where it is coming from and I do not see any fire. What should I do?

Call 911 and have everyone exit the structure immediately.
My carbon monoxide detector is activated. What should I do?

Have everyone exit the structure and call 911.
My smoke detector is beeping intermittently. What should I do?

Try replacing the battery. Smoke detectors do expire after 10 years. If your smoke detector is older than 10 years or if you do not know the age, please call (614) 901-6600. We can schedule a time for us to come out and evaluate your smoke detectors for you.
I hear a tornado siren. What should I do?

Immediately seek shelter indoors. Go to the basement or the lowest level available; shelter in a bathroom, a closet or the most interior room of the structure avoiding all windows. A Tornado Watch means conditions are right for a tornado to occur while a Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted.
What should I do if I am driving and see an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens approaching?

If we are running lights and sirens you need to yield to an emergency vehicle per state law. Emergency vehicle operators are taught to pass on the left whenever possible. If it is safe, please slow down, pull over to the right and stop until we pass you. If you are already stopped and do not have anywhere to go simply stay put until we go around you. If you are blocking our path and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to let us know of your intentions and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on your brakes and stop in the middle of the road- this is dangerous for both you and for us.
To what hospitals are EMS patients transported to by the Westerville Division of Fire?

EMS patients are transported primarily to Mount Carmel St. Ann’s located at 500 S Cleveland Ave. Transport will be provided to any appropriate hospital in the Columbus area as needed. Those include: Riverside Methodist Hospital, Westerville Emergency Care Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel East, OhioHealth New Albany, Nationwide Children’s Lewis Center ED, Dublin Methodist Hospital, Grant Medical Center, OSU East Hospital and Lewis Center ED.
How do I obtain a copy of an EMS or fire report?

EMS report: please contact Deputy Chief Robert Morton by (614) 901-6605 or email: robert.morton@westerville.org. Proper identification or a subpoena is required to obtain an EMS report.

Fire report: please contact Deputy Chief David Williams by (614) 901-6641 or email: david.williams@westerville.org
I need more assistance, is there anyone who can help me?

Yes, our Community Service Coordinator, Karen Lewis. Karen works to connect Westerville and Blendon Township residents to resources that help promote independence, safety and general wellness. The program is free and residents are welcome to use the service at any time. Karen can be reached at (614) 901-6602.
What can your Community Service Coordinator help me with?

Some of the ways Karen Lewis can help include: a safety assessment of your home, where she looks for general safety concerns, trip hazards/fall risks and safe entry/exit for both residents and first responders. Karen can also help educate residents about fall prevention, navigate the healthcare system, connect residents to in-home care and transportation, help with long term care planning, assist with access to meals and much more! Please call Karen at (614) 901-6602 to see how she can help you.
Why does an engine follow a medic on an EMS call?

Our personnel are trained in both EMS and Fire Services. Each apparatus is equipped with supplies, tools and equipment that might be needed to treat a patient at the scene of a medical emergency. On EMS calls the engine crew provides additional manpower to assist the medic crew with treating the patient. When responding to accidents the engine crew ensures the scene is safe for both the patients and our medic crew treating the patients.
Why do I see emergency vehicles go through an intersection with lights and sirens activated and then see them turn them off?

Lights and sirens are used when we are responding to an emergency call or when we are transporting a critical patient to the hospital. Emergency vehicles use lights and sirens to warn the public and clear traffic. Many times multiple units are dispatched to the same incident and the first unit arrives and cancels additional units or the call is downgraded to a non-emergent mode. Downgrading a call means the situation is not as serious as we thought it might have been from the start- not warranting lights and sirens anymore.
Why do Firefighters break windows and cut holes into roofs when the fire is inside the building?

Interior fires create a tremendous amount of smoke, heat and toxic gasses. We break windows and cut holes in roofs to reduce the heat and improve the visibility to allow us to safely and quickly extinguish the fire and rescue any occupants inside.
Where can I dispose of expired medications?

The Westerville Division of Police provides a drop off box located in the lobby of the Westerville Justice Center, 229 Huber Village Blvd. The drop off box is accessible from Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm. For more information on Medication Disposal.
I need to test my fire alarm or sprinkler system. Who do I contact?

Please notify the Communications Division by calling (614) 901-6790. This needs to be done before you begin testing and they need to be notified once the testing is completed and the system is back in service.
Do you do car seat inspections?

WFD no longer does car seat inspections. Please contact the Westerville Division of Police (614) 901-6889 or use their Online Scheduler. You may also contact Mount Carmel St. Ann's (614) 636-3131 to make an appointment.
My fire extinguisher is expired, the tag is out of date or needs to be recharged. What should I do?

We do not retag, recharge or accept expired fire extinguishers. Please contact any fire extinguisher company. Expired fire extinguishers are accepted at the City’s biannual Household Hazardous Waste Collections days. For dates please visit Household Hazardous Waste Collection. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) also accepts expired fire extinguishers. Please call (614) 294-1300 for more information.
How do I dispose of old paint or gasoline?

The City of Westerville, in partnership with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) provides a biannual collection program for residents to properly dispose of hazardous household waste. Learn more at Household Hazardous Waste Collection or by calling SWACO (614) 871-5100.
Do you get cats and other pets out of trees or off telephone poles?

No. Most cats and pets will come down on their own if given the time to calm down. You can place the pets’ food in an open container at the base of the tree or pole to help lure them down on their own.
There is an animal (dead or alive) in my home, garage or chimney. What should I do?

If the animal is alive, in your home and in a living space, please call Westerville’s Animal Control Officer at (614) 901-6863. If the animal is alive and in a wall, chimney, attic or the animal is dead anywhere in your home please contact a pest control company.
Can I take a tour of the Fire Station?

Yes, please call (614) 901-6600 to schedule a tour of any of Westerville’s three Fire Stations.
Can a fire truck come to a block party?

Yes, when you file a block party request with the City, please indicate that you would like a visit from the Westerville Division of Fire. We will make every effort to make an appearance as long as there are not any emergency calls.
Can someone from the Westerville Division of Fire come speak to a local school, citizen group or an event?

Yes, please call (614) 901-6600 to schedule a team member.