- How do I obtain a copy of a fire report or a medical transport report? Call Fire Administration at 205.978.0225
- My carbon monoxide detector/smoke detector is going off. What should I do? If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, the level of carbon monoxide has reached danger levels. This is a DEADLY gas that is odorless and colorless — it cannot be detected by human senses. Activate your emergency escape plan, then call 911. If your smoke detector goes off, activate your emergency escape plan, then call 911.
- How can I arrange a tour of a fire station? Contact Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Ryan Farrell at 205.978.0218 or rfarrell@vhal.org.
- Where can I take CPR classes? Contact Battalion Chief Scott Ferrell at 205.978.0212 or sferrell@vhal.org.
- How do I make an Escape Plan for my home or business? Make sure everyone knows at least two unobstructed ways out – doors and windows – of every room in your home. Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone will meet. For more information, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Escape-planning.
- How should I treat a burn? Cool a burn with water. Do not use ointments, butter or other substances. For serious burns, dial 911 immediately. For minor burns contact a physician.
- How many smoke detectors do I need? Is it necessary to install one in every room? Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area. If you sleep with the door closed, install smoke alarms inside the room. In new homes, smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms, according to the National Fire Alarm Code. For more information, visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms/Installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms.
- Should homeowners sleep with their doors closed to protect themselves in the event of a home fire? A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. For the best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. Due to the changes in construction and materials, you could have as little as 2 minutes to escape a home fire, compared to 7-8 minutes years ago. Smoke alarms can provide the crucial early warning that often has a significant impact on the outcome of home fires.
- Why do I have to dial 911? Can’t I call the fire or police station directly to save time? The 911 emergency system is designed to save valuable time. When you dial 911, the system routes the police or fire unit that is closest to your home. Fire and police stations are not properly equipped to initiate a response for emergency calls. Therefore, calling a station directly actually wastes valuable response time.
- What do firefighters do when they are not on calls? In addition to fighting fires, firefighters treat sick or injured people, report to car accidents, extricate people from damaged motor vehicles, technical rescue and assist at hazardous materials spills. When they are not on an active call, firefighters prepare written reports on emergency incidents, clean and maintain their equipment, participate in training exercises and do fitness training.
- Where can I find a mugshot? Vestavia Hills Police Department does not routinely publish or make available mugshots.
- Are teen driving classes available? Vestavia Hills Police Department no longer offers teen driving classes. Residents are encouraged to reach out to a private instructor to schedule driving classes if needed.
- How can I obtain an accident, incident or offense report? Reports may be purchased through the Vestavia Hills Police Department Records Office. For information regarding the request and release of reports, visit https://vhal.org/police-records.
- What do I need to do to retrieve my impounded vehicle/car? Instructions for owners and non-owners to retrieve an impounded vehicle are available at https://vhal.org/police-records.
- Does Vestavia Hills offer fingerprinting services? Yes. Fingerprint cards are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-3pm and are $15 per card. No appointment necessary. For more information, visit https://vhal.org/police-records.
