People often inquire how they can help the fire department, even without becoming a KMFD firefighter or medical responder. There are a great number of simple actions that help the KMFD provide better emergency services. I’ve listed a few of these below:
- Address Signage: Your street address numbers should be clearly visible from the street, preferably near your driveway and be easily visible to approaching emergency vehicles. Numbers should be a minimum of 4” height, and contrast with their background to ensure visibility.
- Pull To The Right for Red Flashing Lights: When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens, stay calm, pull over to the right edge of the road, and come to a complete stop, clearing intersections as you do so. Wait until all emergency vehicles have passed before continuing, and watch for multiple vehicles that may be following. Do not slow down or stop on a blind curve in the roadway. If an emergency vehicle is stopped and has its emergency lights activated, stop well behind the emergency vehicle, and do not proceed until clearly instructed by emergency personnel.
- Join CERT: Gain valuable basic first aid and emergency response skills by joining KM CERT. Contact CERT@KMVFB.org for more details on how to join and get training.
- Emergency Notifications: Keep updated of emergency incidents in the local area by registering with San Mateo County SMC Alert program.
- KMFD Home Location Forms: Make sure the KMFD is aware of your property details (water sources, pets, propane tank locations, electrical shutoffs…). If you haven’t done so already or if there any changes to your contact or home information, please fill out the Emergency Information Form. The information is kept strictly confidential and will only be used in the event of an emergency. Completed forms should be mailed to the address at the top of the form or scanned and emailed to amgabrys@kmfd.org.
- Emergency Vehicle Roadway Access: Keep all roadways clear of parked vehicles, particularly in narrow or heavily trafficked areas. This small adjustment will significantly improve our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and protect our community.
- Call 9-1-1 for Hazardous Issues: To request assistance in incidents (unexpected smell of smoke inside or outside a home, smelling propane/gas, arcing or sparking power lines, road hazards, suspicious person, potential person needing help/medical attention), call “911”, which will direct the proper first responders to help address the situation, and if necessary, the first responders can then request additional resources. Do not expect an immediate or any response by posting on social media, sending out an email, or calling firefighters’ home/cell numbers.
If you have any questions or need more details regarding the above suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me via email, Chief@KMFD.org.
