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1. Why doesn't Castle Rock have tornado sirens?

Tornado sirens, better known as outdoor warning systems, are designed for one purpose - to alert people who are outdoors of potential tornadoes. They are not intended, nor designed, to alert people in houses, businesses or vehicles of tornado warnings. Most outdoor warning systems in place in Colorado today are remnants of the old civil defense siren system. Outdoor warning systems are expensive. Based on the model that says one siren covers 1 mile, the Town would need a minimum of 33 sirens at a cost of about $35,000 each, or $1.16 million. That amount does not include annual maintenance and fees. To be prepared in the event of tornadic activity, the Town recommends that each homeowner and business purchase a NOAA weather radio. A good radio costs $25 and $50 and can be purchased at local stores. Some even are portable. These radios will alert you to any severe weather, not just tornadoes. Residents also can register with a number of free services on the Internet to have severe weather alerts sent to their mobile devices. These steps will ensure that you get notified of severe weather whether you are at home, work or outdoors. Preparedness begins with the individual, and these are two easy steps to be more prepared.

2. How do I become a firefighter with the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department?

Minimum requirements generally include a valid CPAT, a valid test score with the National Testing Network, a high school diploma, and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or EMT-P certification. CRFD only accepts applications during specified posting times, which are posted on the Job Opportunities page.

3. What are the Town's fire restrictions?

The Town's fire restrictions page, available at the Fire Restrictions page, will give you clear and concise direction. If you require further information or more clarification, call us at 303-660-1066.

4. How do I dispose of my fire extinguisher?

For information on proper fire extinguisher disposal, visit the Douglas County Health Department Household Waste Management page https://www.douglas.co.us/health-department/household-waste-management/.  CRFD does not accept fire extinguishers for disposal.  CRFD does not recharge fire extinguishers. CRFD encourages individuals to contact the manufacturer of your fire extinguisher to get accurate information regarding safe handling of their product, safe disposal of their product and more.

5. Where can I dispose of used sharps for proper disposal?

CRFD recommends individuals contact their residential waste management company regarding information on safe and proper sharps disposal. For more information on proper sharps disposal, visit the Douglas County Health Department Household Waste Management page https://www.douglas.co.us/health-department/household-waste-management/.

6. Why do you send a fire truck/engine when someone calls for an ambulance?

The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department has fire stations strategically placed geographically throughout the Town. To meet current demands, each station hosts one fire truck or engine and three of our stations have an ambulance. Each fire truck/engine and each ambulance have at least one paramedic, and the rest are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). By having paramedics on each apparatus, this allows us to get a paramedic to you as quickly as possible, no matter who arrives first. Also, some calls require more assistance than others, which is why we send both a fire truck/engine with an ambulance. If there is only a need for an ambulance after the scene has been assessed, the fire truck/engine will go back into service and can then immediately respond to calls again.

7. What hospital will I be transported to?

You or your loved ones may choose which hospital you are taken to. The only exceptions to this are if you are having a serious enough medical emergency that we must go to a specialized facility that has the appropriate doctors, staff, and equipment to treat your serious illness or injury. The majority of these specialized facilities are located in close proximity to us. This decision will be made by the paramedics on scene.

8. Will I get a bill from the Fire Department if you come and rescue me?

The only emergency service for which you will receive a bill from Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is for transportation by one of our ambulances with a paramedic to a local hospital. The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responds to many different types of calls, but the only incidents that generate a bill are those for ambulance transports. You will not be billed if you receive care but are not transported by ambulance.

The Castle Rock Fire Department uses a third party vendor for its invoicing services. If you require assistance with your ambulance bill, please contact Apex Paramedics at 720-486-0591.

9. How many firefighters are on duty in Castle Rock on any given day?

There are 22 to 27 firefighters serving at five stations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on our staffing please visit our website.

10. What is the CRFD shift schedule like?

A firefighter's schedule is 48 hours on-duty, followed by 96 hours off-duty. During their shift, they respond to any 911 call in addition to training, station and apparatus up keep and maintenance, as well as other administrative duties. Chiefs and administrative staff work a typical 40-hour work week, in addition to on-call hours and special assignments.

11. Are all CRFD firefighters paramedics? What’s the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

All Castle Rock firefighters are trained to a minimum level of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) work. Some have received additional education to obtain Paramedic certification, which allows them to operate under a larger "scope of practice," administer a greater number of medications, place breathing tubes, etc.

12. Why does the fire apparatus park in the fire lane, even when not on a call?

While the firefighters are at the store they still must respond on any incoming 911 call as quickly as possible. If they are called out on an emergency, parking in the fire lane will allow for a quick exit and timely response to the emergency.

13. Does CRFD have a fire dog?

No. Unfortunately having a dog around the station is not feasible, as they require care that we cannot ensure during a shift that might have us out of the station for extended periods of time.

14. Who buys the food when you are at the grocery store?

Castle Rock Firefighters are at work for 48 hours straight. This means that they must eat all their meals for these two days at the firehouse. The crew members buy all of the food out of their own pockets. How much they spend, and what they cook is up to them. Firefighters do not use taxpayer money to shop for food.