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how you can help the ufd

In an Emergency, Dial 911

 Fire & EMS Non-Emergency Telephone Number:
Business Hours:  515.278.3970
Nights and Weekends:  515.222.3321
 


Volunteer Information

The Urbandale Fire Department is always looking people interested in becoming paid-on-call members.  If you live in the city and have an interest in fire and emergency services, please contact Chief Jerry Holt at 515.278.3970 or fire@urbandale.org.

Donations

If you are interested in making a donation to the Urbandale Fire Department, please contact Chief Holt at 515-278-3970 or jholt@urbandale.org.

Clear Hydrants

If you have a hydrant in front of your home or business, it is your responsibility to keep them clear of all tall brush, snow, or any other objects that could hamper the operations of the fire department. A minimum of a three foot diameter clearance shall be maintained around fire hydrants per fire code.

Alarm System Maintenance

For questions regarding maintenance of your residential or commercial alarm system, contact Fire Marshal Jon Rech at 515-331-6733 or jrech@urbandale.org.

Medical ID Bracelets

If you have serious medical conditions or severe allergies please ask your doctor about purchasing a medical ID bracelet.  This can greatly assist the fire department members in the event of an emergency.

Current List of Allergies

For those citizens who be susceptible to severe allergic reactions to certain substances, please keep an updated list of these substances in an accessible location of your house.  Also, you may consider wearing a medical ID bracelet to warn others of your condition.

Current List of Medications

It is always a good idea to keep an updated list of the current medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) available in an accessible location for emergency situations.

Address Numbers

Make sure that your residential address numbers are always clearly visible from the street. They should be a minimum of 4” tall and preferably of a reflective material.  Commercial businesses should also have highly visible address numbers, preferably also a minimum of 4” in height. For further information contact our fire inspector, Fire Marshal Jon Rech at 515-331-6733 or jrech@urbandale.org.

Porch Light On

If you have dialed 911 for any reason and are awaiting an ambulance, fire truck, or police car, turn your porch light on.  This helps emergency first responders more easily locate your residence.

Insurance Info

Try to have your medical insurance available for emergencies by keeping current cards in easily accessible locations.

No Parking in Front of Hydrant, Fire Lane

Please do everything possible not to park in designated fire lanes or within 3 feet of a hydrant.  Parking in these areas is illegal in the City of Urbandale and violations are punishable by fines.  No matter how convenient it may seem, do not park in these locations, even for short periods of time.

How To Respond To A Siren

If you hear a siren approaching your vehicle from ahead or behind, take special precaution for both yours and their safety by gradually slowing and pulling as far to the right of the roadway as possible.  Never, ever drive over a fire department hose line.

Stay Back 500 Feet

Always retain a minimum of a 500 foot following distance with all fire and emergency apparatus.  This following distance should increase to a 1000 foot cushion when the vehicle is en-route to an emergency.   Never directly follow an emergency vehicle to the scene of an emergency.

Facility Tours After Remodel

In the event that your place of business has recently completed renovations, please let the fire department know.  This helps us keep current on our emergency pre-plans and hazards lists.  To advise us of your current or future construction projects contact Fire Marshal Jon Rech at 515-331-6733 or jrech@urbandale.org.

Facility Tours for Haz-Mat Inspection

Does your place of business keep hazardous chemicals on site?  Have you advised the fire department of the location, amounts, and specific hazards associated with these materials?  Does the fire department know the location of your current MSDS sheets?  Please call us and schedule a facility tour, so our members can be sufficiently prepared for a toxic emergency in your facility.  Your contact will be Lt/Inspector Jon Rech at 515-331-6733 or jrech@urbandale.org.

What To Do On Scene

Fire

  • Remain calm
  • Assist others
  • Offer the fire department assistance but be prepared to stay out of emergency responders way if so asked
  • Never drive over fire hose

Medical

  • Turn on your porch light
  • Have a current list of allergies
  • Have a current list of medications
  • Always remain calm
  • Provide assistance as directed by the first responders

See Also:

Property Safety

Personal Safety

Safety At Work

Public Outreach

After A Fire or EMS Incident

How You Can Help the UFD

Homeland Security