Q.  Why do we send an ambulance and a fire truck to medical emergencies?

A.  The Orland Fire Protection District utilizes a Computer-Aided Dispatch system that identifies the closest available unit in order to respond as quickly as possible to each emergency.  All of our units are staffed with Paramedics and equipped to provide Advanced Life Support.  This flexibility on response provides the best medical care to those in need.

The dynamic response platform may result in a fire truck arriving before or in conjunction with an ambulance for medical emergencies.  Regardless who arrives first, the combination of units brings up to five Paramedics to each emergency.  If the emergency does not warrant all of the Paramedics, the extra Paramedics return, leaving the appropriate amount of help needed to address the situation.

Q.  Where can I get the class schedule for CPR training?

A.  Go to Orlandfire.org/EMS and click on the class of your choice to continue registration.

Q.   How can I register for your CPR/Stop The Bleed/Call Management for Airway or TECC class?

A.  Go to Orlandfire.org/EMS and click on the class of your choice to continue registration.

Q.   Will you take class registrations by phone?

A.  No unfortunately we cannot take class registration by phone.

Q.  Upon completion for a CPR class, will I receive a certification?

A.  Yes, upon completion for Friends and Family CPR, a participation certification will be given.

Q.   Upon completion of TECC, will I receive a certification?

A.  Yes, upon completion for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, you will receive a TECC certificate from NAEMT.

Q.  Upon completion of BLS, will I receive a certification?

A.  Yes, upon completion you will receive a BLS Provider License.

Q.  If I need to cancel class registration, who do I contact?

 A.  Depending on class, please email:

     ·         CPR:  cpr@orlandfire.org

     ·         Stop the Bleed:  stopthebleed@orlandfire.org

     ·         Call Management for Advanced Airway:  cmaa@orlandfire.org

     ·         Tactical Emergency Casualty Care: tecc@orlandfire.org

Q.  If I need to cancel a CPR class I registered for, can I be reimbursed?

A.   Yes.  Depending on class, please email:

     ·         CPR Classes:  cpr@orlandfire.org

     ·         Stop the Bleed:  stopthebleed@orlandfire.org

     ·         Call Management for Advanced Airway:  cmaa@orlandfire.org

     ·         Tactical Emergency Casualty Care: tecc@orlandfire.org

Q.  If your website shows a class as being full or no longer an opportunity to register, can I be put on a wait list?

A.  No, there is no wait list available for classes that are full currently.

Q.  How can I request a CPR class to be hosted at my organization or business?

A.  Please email cpr@orlandfire.org to request CPR for personal organizations or business.

Q.  How do I request an ambulance ride-a-long and are they open to anyone?

A.  For ride-along requests please email Emergency Medical Services Coordinator, Lieutenant Josh Girdick at j.girdick@orlandfire.org.  Ride-a-longs are only for EMT and Paramedic students.

Q.  Where are the OFPD CPR Classes held?

A.  CPR classes are held at the Orland Fire District Adminsitration Building - Board Room, 9790 West 151st Street, Orland Park, IL 

Q.  How long is the CPR Class?

A.  The Basic Life Support class is held from 9am to 1pm (4 hrs.) and the Friends & Family Class is held from  9am to 12pm (3 hrs.)

Q.   How long is the class for Tacticial Emergency Casualty Care?

A:  The Tactical Emergency Casualty Care  class is a total of 16 hours over a 2-day period.

Q.  How do I purchase a Knox Box (also known as a key lockbox) or a key operated switch?

A.  Products are ordered directly through the Knox Company. Please visit knoxbox.com to submit an online order.

Q.   Should I have a fire extinguisher in my home and what type should I purchase?

A.  We recommends you keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home, preferably one extinguisher per level. A fire extinguisher should be placed in your kitchen near cooking appliances in case of emergencies. An extinguisher should also be available in the garage area or where mechanical rooms (furnace, water heater, electrical panel) are located. A multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher is the one for home safety.

Q.   How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?

A. The battery in smoke detectors should be changed twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. At a minimum, smoke detector batteries should be replaced annually. Detectors should also be checked monthly to be sure the audible alarm is operating properly.

Q.   Should I install carbon monoxide detectors in my home?

A. Yes, if your home has any gas-fired or wood burning appliances (cooking stove, heating appliance, water heater, fireplace, etc.) or has an attached garage, then a carbon monoxide detector is needed. Generally, the carbon monoxide detector should be installed in a central location so occupants can hear the audible alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors should NOT be installed inside a furnace or mechanical room.

Q.  How do I dispose of old fire extinguishers?
A.  Contact the product manufacturer to see if there is a recycling program in effect. Fire extinguishers are under pressure, and have the potential to explode in combination with some materials. They cannot be discarded curbside. Fire extinguishers can be dropped off at the Naperville Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facility subject to their hours of operation. 

Q.  How can I Keep my Home safe?

A.

• Install ABC class fire extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, basement, laundry room and workshops.
• Hot water heaters should be set at 125 degrees to avoid burns.
• Keep medications and cleaning agents out of reach of children.
• Keep pesticides and poisons away from children.
• Do not store combustibles within 3 feet of water heaters and furnaces.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Develop a fire escape plan and meeting place.  Practice this plan on a regular basis.
• Install and maintain smoke detectors on each level of the house and in all sleeping areas.
• Change smoke detector batteries when you change the clocks in the spring and fall; or as specified by the   manufacturer.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis.
• If you have a fireplace, be sure to install a fireplace screen.
• Have your furnace cleaned and serviced on a regular basis.
• Clean your clothes dryer and vent hose regularly to keep it free of lint.
• Refrain from smoking in bed.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and/or circuits.
• Do not overload extension cords or place rugs on top of them.
• Store all flammable and combustible liquids in safety cans.

Q.  When do I need to replace my smoke detector?

A.  On average a smoke detector will last approximately 10 years The State of Illinois now requires the installation of 10 year smoke detectors, with sealed batteries, when replacing your old battery operated smoke detectors.

Q.  Can I have my infant's car seat installed at the Orland Fire District?

A.   Currently we are no longer offering that service, but check back periodically for any updates.

Q.   How can I schedule a fire safety presentation for my school, workplace, or community group?

A.  Until further notice, you can schedule a fire safety presentation by contacting our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Educator, Betsy Dine, at e.dine@orlandfire.org or 708-873-2742.  Please provide details about your group, preferred dates, and any specific topics of interest, such as kitchen fire safety, and school presentations.

Q.  How can I prepare my family for a fire emergency and evacuation?

A.  Start by creating and practicing a fire escape plan that includes:

• Identifying two exits from every room.
• Establishing a meeting place outside the home - in front of your home.
• Ensuring everyone knows how to call 911.
• Practicing the emergency plan twice a year with your entire family.

Q.  How can I get a fire truck or firefighter to visit my event?

A.  We love attending community events!  Submit a request, at least, 30 days in advance, and we’ll do our best to send a fire truck crew.  Requests depend on availability and operational needs.  WE DO NOT ATTEND BIRTHDAY PARTIES.

To make a request please email the CRR Educator at E.dine@orlandfire.org. Please include your name, preferred date and time, address and name of the event.  Please include as many details as necessary for request and Betsy Dine will respond once a decision has been made.

Q.  Can I hold my child's birthday party at one of the firehouses?

A.  We do not host children's birthday parties at our fire stations.  

Q.  What Fire Safety programs do you offer for school-aged children?

A.  Please see the programs offered https://opfpd.specialdistrict.org/current-safety-programs-for-school-aged-children.

Q.  Do you offer any camps for children or teens?

A.  We offer two different camps at the Orland Fire Protection District.  The Fire & Life Safety Camp is designed to educate children aged 8-12 and the Junior Cadet Academy is designed to educate children aged 13-16 about fire safety and emergency preparedness in a fun and interactive way.  Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and engaging lessons, campers will learn valuable life skills while having a blast.  Our dedicated First Responders and staff are excited to share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of safety-conscious citizens.

The next camps will be held during the Summer of 2025.  Keep an eye out for announcements regarding camp registration dates and times, and the scheduled camp days.  Registration will be conducted online, and proof of residency will be required to complete the process.  Both camps are free for in-district residents.  If spots remain available after a certain date, out-of-district residents can register for a fee. 

Q.  Do you provide fire extinguisher training for the public?

A.  Yes, we offer fire extinguisher training for businesses, schools, and community groups.  Participants will learn how to choose the right extinguisher, when to use it, and how to operate it safely.  This hands-on training can be scheduled by contacting the CRR Educator, Betsy Dine, at e.dine@orlandfire.org  or by calling 708-873-2742.

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Q.  What are your Senior Coffee & Conversation Events about?

A.  Coffee & Conversation Events feature senior-specific safety information  on a wide variety of topics with the theme of senior safety.  These events are held on one Wednesday most months.  All Coffee Events are held at our Administration Building in the Administration Board Room,  9790 W. 151st Street, Orland Park (behind Station Cllick here for information on any upcoming events.

Q.  Is there a fire and fall prevention program for our Senior Residents?

A.  Click here to read about a Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Seniors held periodically.  

Q.  Do you have any safety luncheons  for our Senior residents? 

A.  Yes, besides various classes held throughout the year, we also sponsor 1-2 luncheons a year.

 These senior luncheons are for In-District Residents Only, held at our Adminstration Board Room, 9790 W. 151st Street, Orland Park.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon or Christmas Luncheon -- sometimes we have both!   Please check our calendar for different luncheon dates and times.

 We are planning a St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon for  Friday, March 14, 2025, in the Administration Board Room.  The address is 9790 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL 60462.  Pricing, time, and Entertainment will be available later... Tickets go on sale on Friday, February 7, 2025.  You will need to come into the OFPD Administration Building beginning on Friday, February 7th to purchase tickets. 

Disclaimer:  You will need to show a copy of your license to purchase tickets.  If you are buying a ticket for someone else, you will need to show a copy of their license, as well.

Q.   Where can I get a current schedule for your training classes?

A.  Our current list of training classes are here on our website  Orlandfire.org/Fire Service Training Courses 2025.  Simply select the link to the class of your choice to register.

Q.  How do I donate my vehicle to your Training Academy?

A.  Go to Orlandfire.org/Training/Car Donations or contact Program Manager, Amelia Milton at    a.milton@orlandfire.org.

Q.  Where is the Orland Fire District Training Facility located?

A.  The Orland Fire District's Training Facility is located at 10728 West 163rd Place, Orland Park IL.

Q.    How do I dispose of unwanted and expired medication?   

A.    Place medication in a sealed baggie, crush pills, mix in an absorbent material such as kitty litter, coffee grounds, or water, and place in the trash. You may also dispose of pill-form medication in the lobby of the Orland Park Police Department, 15100 Ravinia, Orland Park.

Q.   How do I dispose of Syringes/Needles?

A.   Syringes / Sharps can be placed in a rigid container, such as an empty milk or detergent bottle. Secure the lid with duct tape, writing  “DO NOT RECYCLE” and throw the container out with your household trash.

Q.  How do I dispose of Paint?  

A.    You can mix it with an absorbent material such as kitty litter or strips of paper. When it is dry, the material can be placed in the garbage with other household trash. For empty cans, leave the lid off to dry, then recycle the can and lid.