Six Things You Need To Know
SCCFPD Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the SCCFPD and what do they do?
The SCCFPD is the rural area surrounding St. Charles that is NOT inside the city limits of the City of St. Charles. Although the border is rather irregular, it is roughly Silver Glen on the North, just east of Route 47 on the west, Route 38 on the south and Munger Road on the East. The area is about 34 square miles, covering St. Charles Township, Campton Township, and Wayne Township.
The SCCFPD is directed by five appointees by the Kane County Board: Ed Malek, Chuck Dunham, Terry Jeglum, Bob Handley and John Gamboa. It is their job to ensure that SCCFPD residents and businesses receive the fire and emergency medical protection they require.
2. So who provides this emergency help to me if I need it?
Every year, the Board contracts with the City of St. Charles Fire Department to provide fire and ambulance care in the SCCFPD. These are certified fire and medical professionals who have the latest training and equipment available. Most of them live here as neighbors. These professionals are remarkable servants, highly invested in serving their community.
3. When I dial 911, who responds to the call?
An employee of the City of St. Charles Fire Department would show up on your doorstep. So although the trucks say St. Charles Fire Department on the side, the services are contracted and paid for by the SCCFPD, which means you, the taxpayer.
4. Should I be concerned about our coverage?
The three St. Charles fire stations are quite a distance from the outer reaches of the SCCFPD. This distance, coupled with the increasing road congestion, has dramatically increased the time it takes to provide that emergency care to SCCFPD residents. This can have dramatic impact on safety of your family and home.
5. How long does it take?
The district map here on the SCCFPD Web site can help you identify where you live and how long it takes your address to receive urgent support, whether its a medical or fire fighting emergency.
In the areas closest to the stations, support can be as fast as 7-8 minutes from the time you call 911 to the time help arrives to your home. In the far reaches, it takes longer than 13-14 minutes on average.
6. Why should I be concerned with this response time?
If your medical emergency is a diabetic issue, a bee sting allergy or cardiac arrest, this amount of time to receive medical care can be a problem. Statistics show that a person who has been in cardiac arrest longer than 5 minutes will have long-term brain damage, and 85% of those people die.
Fire statistics show that a home can become engulfed in flames and beyond saving after 10 minutes of a fire starting in your house. In this situation, called flash over, as a small fire continues to burn, the temperature within the house builds so high so quickly that anything flammable just ignites instantaneously. The house, in many cases, cannot be saved.
We want to be sure to reflect your concerns as we make decisions to protect your home and family. Tell us what you think. Call the office at 630-762-3900, or email us at info@sccfpd.org. Thank you for your help.