Fire & Public Safety
Welcome to the Delta Township Fire Department
Fire Chief Victor C. Hilbert has been the chief of the Delta Township Fire Department since 1984. He holds a Master of Arts degree from Andrews University and an Educational
Specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. He is certified as a state fire instructor, state fire administrator, and holds the designation of Chief Fire Officer from the International Fire Chiefs Association.
Chief Hilbert has served in the fire service for more than 40 years. During these years, he has been a member of seven departments and has held positions as firefighter, sergeant, lieutenant, fire instructor, chairman of fire prevention, fire marshal, chief of training and fire chief.
Fire Prevention Week 2010
2010 Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9. The Delta Township Fire Department will host its annual Fire Prevention Open House on Thursday, October 7 from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM and is inviting residents and visitors of all ages to join us at our Central Fire Station located at 811 N. Canal Road for this special event. The open house is suitable for singles, families and people of all ages. Our primary objective is to reach out to the public with information they can use to stay safe from fire, but we want attendees to have fun too. Planned activities include a hands-on fire hose demonstration for kids, information booths, station tours, fire trucks, ambulances, the fire safety trailer, the landing of the emergency medical transport air ambulance (helicopter), firefighters, paramedics, Apples the Clown, a Jaws of Life demonstration and more. Bring the whole family and plan for a fun evening.
Child’s Guide to Emergency Help – Dial 911
911 is your emergency telephone number. You need to know how and when to call 911 in case you ever need help. You can reach fire and police departments and ambulance services by dialing 9-1-1.
When to call 911
There are four reasons to call 911.
- To get help for someone who is hurt or very sick.
- If you smell smoke or see a fire.
- If you see someone stealing something or hurting someone.
- If you need emergency help fast for any reason.
REMEMBER: Don’t call 911 to ask questions or to play a joke. This number is for emergencies only.
How to make an emergency call to 911:
- Stay calm. Don’t get excited. Take a deep breath.
- Dial 911 right away. Don’t wait for someone else to call.
- Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this:
“… my house is on fire.”
“… there was just a car accident in front of my house.”
“… my Daddy is hurt – he fell off a ladder and can’t move.”
“… I’m home alone and someone is trying to break in.”
- Tell them the exact address where the emergency is … be sure to give the FULL address, including your apartment number if you live in an apartment.
- Tell them the phone number you are calling from. If you are not at the same address as the emergency, tell them the address where you are.
- Tell them your name.
DO NOT HANG UP …until the person on the telephone tells you to. They may need to ask you more questions to help the fire, police or ambulance find you. They will also tell you what to do until help arrives.
EMS Information
In 1957 an old ambulance was purchased and volunteer firefighters began providing ambulance service to the citizens of Delta Township. During the years that followed, firefighters advanced in training from basic first aid responders to Emergency Medical Technicians. In 1979, three paramedics were hired, one per shift, and the Township began to provide advanced ambulance service. Today, the Delta Township Fire Department operates four ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulances and responds to more than 3,000 calls each year. Approximately 33 Paramedic/Firefighters provide outstanding care to the residents and guests visiting or working in Delta Township.
Warning Signs for Strokes and Heart Attacks
Call 911 immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing any of these symptoms:
Heart Attack Warning Signs:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
- Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.
- Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
Stroke Warning Signs:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
- Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech.
- Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause.
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially along with any of the previous symptoms.
Not all of these signs occur in every attack. If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t wait. Get medical help right away!
Poison Prevention
Did you know?
- Children are poisoned by medicines and household products, lead and carbon monoxide.
- Children ages five and under are at the greatest risk for non-fatal poisoning.
Prevention Tips:
- Store all medications and household products locked out of sight and out of reach of children.
- List the Poison Control Center and emergency medical numbers near every telephone.
- Keep Ipecac syrup on hand to be used only on the advise of a Poison Control Center or a physician.
- Test children for lead exposure, and test homes built prior to 1978 for lead-based paint. Cover lead paint with sealant or hire a professional abatement company to remove the paint.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home in every bedroom and on the ceiling at least fifteen feet from fuel-burning appliances. Ensure that all heating equipment is vented properly and inspected annually.