FAQs • City of Windcrest • CivicEngage

What is a Knox Box and am I required to have one?: Knox Box is a rapid entry system developed for fire departments. With one master key we can gain access to commercial and residential properties. Property owners store entrance keys in the Knox Box’s mounted near the building entrances. Each Knox Box purchased by the property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department. If entry is needed in case of fire or medical emergency, we use the Knox Box key to open the box and use the entrance keys to gain access. If a Knox Box is not mounted on the property, we would need to make a forcible entry and probably damage property in that effort. Residential properties are NOT required to have a Knox Box.
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Fire Service

1. I'm interested in becoming a volunteer with the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department, how do I join?: Please contact the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department for information on the current application process.
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2. What is the required age to be a volunteer in the fire department?: You must be at least 18 years of age to become a volunteer with the fire department.
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3. How can I participate in the WVFD's dorm program and live in the dorm?: Please contact the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department for the current requirements for the dorm program.
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4. Is the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department an all volunteer department?: Yes, the Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department is an all volunteer fire department. The department relies heavily on donations from the city's residents and businesses.
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5. How do you have such a short response time with a volunteer department?: One reason is our dorm program- we now run two dorms (homes that are reconfigured to allow more rooms). We currently have seven firefighters in the dorms and have the capacity for at least twelve total. For medical responses (approximately 80% of our calls) we have a take home vehicle program and an on-duty medic. The medic on duty takes the vehicle home and responds directly to the call rather than having to respond to the station to get a vehicle.

6. Where can I get a fire extinguisher refilled?: We do not refill fire extinguishers; there are several commercial companies in the area that will. Depending on the size of the extinguisher and the quality, in many cases, it is more cost effective to replace the extinguisher rather than have it refilled.

7. How do I dispose of an old smoke detector?: The following information regarding Smoke detector disposal is from the Environmental Protection Agency:
Both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms contain plastic and electronic circuit boards and in some cases batteries (alkaline or lithium). Ionization technology also includes a chamber containing radioactive material incorporated into a gold matrix. Because of the long half-life of americium-241 the amount of radioactive material in the smoke alarm at the end of its certified useful life will be about the same as when you bought it.
EPA's household waste program encourages waste reduction and minimization. State and local practices for safe disposal of smoke alarms vary, but most communities seek to limit the amount of material that requires disposal in a municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators. Waste minimization reduces costs and protects the environment.
Because of the low levels of contamination, smoke detectors can be disposed of in regular trash. You may return the detector to the manufacturer for disposal. The address of the supplier is usually listed in the product warranty or user's manual.
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8. What is a Knox Box and am I required to have one?: Knox Box is a rapid entry system developed for fire departments. With one master key we can gain access to commercial and residential properties. Property owners store entrance keys in the Knox Box’s mounted near the building entrances. Each Knox Box purchased by the property owner is keyed to a single master key controlled by Windcrest Volunteer Fire Department. If entry is needed in case of fire or medical emergency, we use the Knox Box key to open the box and use the entrance keys to gain access. If a Knox Box is not mounted on the property, we would need to make a forcible entry and probably damage property in that effort. Residential properties are NOT required to have a Knox Box.
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9. When is the annual Firemen's Picnic?: The Firemen's Picnic is held annually, follow our city's social media to see the latest event updates
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