Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the answers to the most popular questions we get from the community. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.

What type of fire Extinguisher do I need?

We have included a guide to help in determining the type and number of extinguishers recommended for your establishment. You can view that here.

How often do I need to change the batteries on my smoke alarm?

According to the national fire protection Association, 92 percent of all homes in America have smoke alarms installed. However, over one third of these do not work. A dead or missing battery is the primary cause for smoke alarm failure.

Change battery twice a year or when it is chirping. We suggest you change the battery in the spring and fall, when you change the time on your clock.
Test smoke alarm once a month.
Vacuum the vents in the alarm at least once a year.
Always follow the manufacturers recommendations.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you replace your battery-operated alarm every ten years.

Where should I install a smoke alarm?

For wall mount (place 12 inches from the ceiling)
For Ceiling mount (place at least 12 inches from any wall)
On high pitch ceilings (place 3 feet from the highest point)
Don’t install near a window, door, air register or ceiling fan.
Place at least one Smoke alarm on each level (minimum of one alarm outside each sleeping area and one alarm in each sleeping room)

What if my smoke alarm is too high for me to reach and I am unable to change the batteries?

Email at info@wcesd2.com or call 936-344-6911 and we can schedule one of our firefighters to come to your house and assist you. We will need your name, phone number and address. Please keep in mind that emergencies will take first priority.

Do you have a smoke alarm program?

WCESD2 personnel will provide and install smoke alarms to homeowners in our district that are senior citizens, households on a fixed income with young children or people with a disability.

Email us at info@wcesd2.com or call 936-344-6911.

What if I rent my home? Who do I contact about my smoke alarms?

Under Texas Laws your landlord is responsible for installing working smoke alarms in every bedroom and connecting hallway. If your rental home, apartment, or room does not have a working smoke alarm, notify your landlord in writing. Once installed, it is the tenant’s responsibility to change the batteries and test the smoke alarm(s) and report any malfunctions.

What do I do if I smell gas?

Get out of the house and then call 9-1-1 for the Fire Department from outside of the house or from a neighbor’s house. The use of a phone could cause the gas to ignite if you called from inside the house. Do not return to house until the Fire Department personnel informs you that it is safe to return.

Does the Fire Department respond to cats in trees?

No, we only respond to life-threatening emergencies. If you have a cat caught in a tree, try putting food down and wait. Be patient, they usually always come down when they get hungry. You could also consider contacting a tree service professional for assistance.

Can the Fire Department fill up my pool?

No, sorry we do not fill up pools of any kind.

How can we schedule a tour of the station? What if we want to schedule a school event or parade

Our Team is always happy to educate and show the trucks off. If all possible we would like at least 48 hours advance notice to schedule the tour. If you are wanting to schedule an event, please give us at least 5 days in advance. Keep in mind that even if you schedule any tour or event, emergencies will always take first priority. You can email info@wcesd2.com or call 936-344-6911 to schedule the tour or event.

How do I obtain a copy of an incident report?

Please email info@wcesd2.com with the following information:

Date of the incident
The specific address where the incident occurred
The name of any person involved