Fire Service Transition to Cal Fire
The City of Atwater transitioned fire protection services by executing a service contract with the State of California – Cal Fire. The contract began on October 2008.
Other sites which have useful information are linked here:
City of Atwater Fire Annual Report (2022)
City of Atwater Fire Annual Report (2023)
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– Contact Atwater Fire Department – Monday-Friday 8-5 Administrative Assistance Station 41 – Station 42 – Operations Battalion Chief Fire Marshal Battalion Chief Email – |
Smoke Detector Program FAQ
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal, so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or above eye level on the walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. For seniors the Atwater Fire Department will be happy to conduct a “Smoke Detector Inspection.” Firefighters will replace batteries and install a smoke detector if needed, call 209-357-6352 to make an appointment.
Are smoke alarms hard to install?
In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different.
How do I keep my smoke alarm working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the batteries and retest it. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
WHAT IF THE ALARM GOES OFF WHILE I AM COOKING?
Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.
Emergency Preparedness
Winter Safety Tips
Test the smoke alarms in your home to make sure they’re working, and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.
Use non-flammable holders and position candles a safe distance from your Christmas tree and other holiday decorations.
A dry tree is a serious fire hazard, so water yours often. After the holidays, dispose of the tree safely at a recycling center or with your pick-up service.
Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
Do not try to walk across running water more than 6 inches deep; even 6 inches of rapidly running water can sweep you off your feet.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately–if you can–and seek higher ground.
If using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Keep heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene heaters outside.
Summer Safety Tips
Test the smoke alarms in your home to make sure they’re working, and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.
Use only charcoal lighter fluid. Once the coals have been ignited, never add more fuel to the Fire.
Do not wear loose clothing while barbecuing and keep children safely away from the barbecue fire.
Make sure the barbecue stand is level and steady, keep a water container nearby when the coal is burning and soak the coals when cooking is over to prevent re-ignition.
Never refuel a lawn mower in the garage or other structures always refuel outside. Refuel only when the engine is off and cool.
When camping, buy a tent made of flame-retardant fabric. A paraffin coated cotton tent can burn up in a few minutes with someone trapped inside.
Never use candles or matches in or near a tent, use a flashlight.
Keep any furniture that your children can climb on away from open windows. Children can quickly climb to window ledges or sills and fall.
Avoid heat-related illnesses by staying well hydrated and eating salty snacks, rest often out of the sun, wear clothing that allows for evaporation (cotton is best) and wear a brimmed hat or cap.
Wear sun block to avoid serious burns.
Wear sandals or foot coverings. Severe burns to the bottom of your feet can occur from sand and tarred pavement.
Allow radiator cap to cool Never lean over the radiator when opening it.
When the car is hot, check the metal parts of the seatbelt before fastening, especially on infant car seats. Cover metal parts when possible and always test plastic or leather seats before placing a child into the car.
Standing hose water can be extremely hot and could cause serious burns.
Store flammable liquids only in approved safety cans, away from open flames (i.e. water heaters and pilot lights, and out of reach of children.
City of Atwater Fire 2022 Year in Review Video
Perimeter App (Public Safety App)
Forms
Download the forms and then fill them out.
Please submit all forms to alyssa.flores@fire.ca.gov