Show All Answers

1. What other responsibilities do firefighters have other than fighting fires?

Firefighting actually represents a relatively small portion of the work of a typical fire department in today’s world. The number of residential and commercial fires has steadily decreased over the years due to a variety of factors including improvements in construction, a greater public awareness of the risk factors leading to fires and a significant reduction in smoking nationwide.
Fires, however, are only some of the emergencies to which the Lancaster Fire Department responds. More than seventy percent of the Fire Department’s emergency responses are, in fact, calls for medical aid, including illness/accidents at home and work, injuries resulting from vehicle accidents and other medical trauma. Other calls for emergency response involve hazardous materials releases, response to fire alarms and other calls for public assistance.
Firefighters also spend quite a bit of time maintaining equipment, doing routine public safety inspections for businesses, training for all types of emergency responses and filling out the reports and paperwork associated with these activities.

2. Why does the Fire Department bring the fire engine just for a simple inspection?

Two reasons: First, these inspections are conducted by on-duty engine companies that must be ready to respond to an emergency call from the field. This is why you almost always see the personnel together as a crew and have the fire engine with them when they are out of the fire station. Second, an important part of the value of the public safety inspection is to familiarize your local firefighters with the buildings and business in Lancaster. While they check for hazards and consult with business owners on how best to eliminate or minimize the likelihood of a fire, they also familiarize themselves with access points and the layout of the facility.

3. Why do I see firefighters at stores when they are working?

Firefighters work a 24 hour shift and must remain in the station or a fire department vehicle available for emergency response at all times. Therefore, all of the firefighter’s meals are eaten in the station. Firefighters are permitted to go to the store during the day to purchase items needed for these meals.
At other times, Lancaster Fire Department vehicles are at local businesses while on official business such as inspections, performing training or education, or even answering questions or complaints. There are many public services performed by your fire department on a daily basis.
Finally, firefighters also routinely shop for needed fire department supplies and equipment.
Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with the firefighters and ask questions. Just don't be offended if they have to rush off.

4. Why do fire trucks sometimes turn off their lights and sirens after going through an intersection?

Fire trucks and ambulances use lights and sirens to warn the public and clear traffic while en route to an emergency call.

There is an element of risk every time a fire truck or ambulance drives through town with their lights and sirens on. Accidents while going to and from emergency calls are the second leading cause of death for firefighters. When a fire department representative arrives on the scene and finds the situation is not as serious as they led to believe, they will "downgrade" or cancel the rest of the fire department response. "Downgrade" means to have them continue without their lights and sirens, reducing the risk of firefighters and the public. This also reduces the disruption to normal traffic flow.

5. I called 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and fire apparatus came to my home?

Fire Department vehicles are fully equipped with first-aid, basic, and advanced emergency medical response supplies, including defibrillators. All of our firefighters are State of Ohio Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics and are trained to handle medical calls. The Fire Engines will often respond along with the Medic Unit on serious medical calls. If the Medic Unit in your area is out on another call, an Engine Company may be dispatched as a First Responder to provide emergency care until another Medic Unit arrives to the scene.

6. When I see an emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens while I am driving, what should I do?

State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided highway. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

7. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs when the fire is inside a building? It seems that they are causing more damage than the fire?

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. The reduced heat and improved visibility allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants and extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. We call this "ventilation". When a hole is made in the roof, dark smoke and dangerous superheated gases escape because heat and smoke rise. This makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft (an explosion of heated gases) and flashover. Another reason is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading. By venting the window of a room that’s on fire, it actually helps to contain the fire to the room of origin. Otherwise heated gases spread throughout the inside of a structure. Ventilation really prevents more damage than it appears to cause.

8. What type of extinguishers and how many are recommended for the home?

A minimum of one 5-pound ABC extinguisher accessible to the kitchen area. Always keep the fire in front of you with your back toward the exit.

9. Are electric space heaters legal and are they safe?

Yes, they are legal and only safe when instructions are strictly followed. All portable heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from any combustible items.

Show All Answers

1. If the police tow or impound my vehicle, how do I obtain information about recovery?

Please call (740) 687-6680, then press extension "1".

2. What documents do I need to arrange the release of my impounded vehicle?

You will need proof of ownership and a current photographic identification card. Valid titles, title memorandums, and valid registrations are acceptable proof. Lease agreements are also acceptable if the vehicle is currently leased. A bill of sale from a licensed motor vehicle dealer is also acceptable.

3. When should I use 911 to call the police?

To report emergencies and serious crimes in progress or those that just occurred. The 911 service should not be used to obtain information or for non-emergencies.

4. What is an exchange of information card and when is it used?

If you have been involved in a minor crash that has not produced injuries, you may request the officer provide you with an exchange of information card instead of an actual accident investigation. If you decide to exchange information, both vehicle owners must agree and understand that no crash investigation will be conducted.

You will be asked to complete the card and exchange it with the other driver. The cards are intended to identify each driver and to provide information about the involved vehicles and insurance coverage.

5. How do I file a formal complaint?

Complaints are best filed with a supervisor that
works during the time the incident happened.  However, any supervisor will
assist you with filing a complaint and many issues can be resolved
immediately.  Formal complaints are best filed in person at the Lancaster
Police Department.   They will be accepted by any supervisor working
24 hours a day.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a criminal records check?

Record checks can be obtained at the Fairfield County Municipal Court located at 136 West Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report or a log entry?

Appear at the Lancaster Police Department's Records Office, 130 South Broad Street, Lancaster, Ohio, 43130, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. To help us expedite your request, it is helpful for you to complete a Request for Information Form (PDF) with as much information as you can provide. Exact names, dates, and locations will assist us in fulfilling your request. Please allow three business days for your request to be completed. (The records office is closed on all major holidays). Request for Information Form

3. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports can be obtained online from the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Crash Retrieval website located at: Ohio Department of Public Safety

4. Is there a charge or fee for records?

Yes. Incident reports and traffic crash reports can be obtained from our Records Office at a cost of $.10 per page. Record requests can be made at the Lancaster Police Department, 130 South Broad Street, Lancaster, Monday through Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.

Show All Answers

1. When does my trash and yard waste have to be set out?

All trash and yard waste must be set out no later than 7:30am on your scheduled pick-up day.

2. What if all of my trash will not fit in the trash cart?

If you receive a 35 gallon trash cart based on your current sanitation rate and it is not large enough for your household trash on a weekly basis, you may contact the Lancaster Sanitation Department to request the larger 96 gallon trash cart and your monthly sanitation rate will be increased to $13.50 per month. Otherwise, residents may continue to set out their trash following the current guidelines https://www.ci.lancaster.oh.us/816/Trash-Cart-Guidelines . The Lancaster Sanitation Department is requiring residents to use the city-issued trash cart first before using additional trash cans.

3. Where do I place my trash cart for pickup?

All trash carts will be delivered to the front of the property; however, your trash pickup location will remain the same.

4. What size trash cart will I receive?

Each resident will be issued a trash cart according to their current sanitation cost code.

• Those currently paying $13.50 will be issued one 95-gallon trash cart.

• Those currently paying $9.00 will be issued one 35-gallon trash cart.

• Residents who wish to use their own trash cart must contact the Sanitation Department at (740) 687-6660 and will be issued a sticker identifying the trash cart for pickup.

5. What if I already own my own trash cart?

Residents who already own a trash cart and wish to not use the city-issued trash cart may contact the Lancaster Sanitation Department at (740) 687-6660. Resident-owned trash carts MUST be approved by the Sanitation Superintendent for pickup. Residents will then be issued a sticker that must be placed on the resident-owned trash cart identifying it for pickup. Residents will be responsible for keeping their trash carts clean. The Sanitation Department will be responsible for the repair and replacement of damaged trash carts.

6. May I request a different size trash cart?

The size of the trash cart delivered to each resident will be determined by that resident’s current sanitation rate. If you wish to receive a different size trash cart, you may contact the Lancaster Sanitation Department at (740) 687-6660. Those requesting the 35 gallon trash cart MUST qualify for the Senior Rate (household with 1 or 2 persons 62 years of age or older) and those requesting the 96 gallon trash cart will have their Lancaster Sanitation Rate increased to $13.50 per month.

7. Why was my trash missed?

Very seldom is trash missed. Most of the time, it is because the resident did not have their trash out by 7:30 a.m.

8. How do I dispose of my old trash cans?

If you have old trash cans that you wish to dispose of you may set them out on your scheduled pick up day with a note attached reading “Take Can”.

9. Will you accept credit cards at the transfer station?

No. Only cash or a check made payable to the “City of Lancaster” will be accepted.

10. How do I dispose of paint?

Old latex paint can be dried up and disposed of in your trash. It poses no environmental threat. We will not accept it in liquid form though. You can speed up the drying process by adding an absorbent such as kitty litter, floor dry or sawdust. When dry, set the paint cans out with your trash, without the lids on. We will leave all paint cans with lids on and that still contain liquid.

11. Does the city have a recycling program?

No the city does not offer a recycling program. Please visit the Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency page for information on recycling and litter prevention in Fairfield County.

http://www.fairfieldrecycles.org/

12. How do I get rid of appliances, tires, and bulk items?

Appliances, tires without rims, and bulk items can be picked up thru the Sanitation Department bulk pickup service for an additional fee. Please contact the Sanitation Department at (740) 687-6660, Option 2 to schedule a bulk pickup.

These items are also accepted at the Lancaster Transfer Station. Click on the Transfer Station tab for more information on pricing and hours.

Show All Answers

1. Where do I pay my property taxes?

Property Taxes are paid at the Fairfield County Treasurer's Office located on the 2nd floor of the Fairfield County Court House 210 E. Main Street Lancaster, OH 43130 (SE corner of E. Main St. & High St.)
740-652-7140

2. Where do I pay City of Lancaster Income Taxes?

Tax are collected by the City of Lancaster Income Tax department located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 104 E. Main Street Lancaster, Oh 43130 740-687-6606.

3. Where do I pay Lancaster City School Income Taxes?

All school taxes are collected by the State of Ohio Department of Taxation Columbus, OH

4. Where do I pay traffic tickets and fines?

All traffic tickets and fines are to be paid at the Fairfield County Municipal Clerk of Courts Office located at 136 W. Main St Lancaster, Oh 43130 740-687-6621

5. Where do I apply for a Homestead exemption of my property taxes?

Applications for Homestead exemptions are requested at the Fairfield County Treasurer's office location on the 2nd floor of the Fairfield County Court House 210 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH 43130 (SE corner of E. Main St. & High St.)
740-652-7140

6. Where do I apply for Dog Tags?

Dog Tags are issued by the Fairfield County Treasurer's office located on the 2nd Floor of the Fairfield County Court House 210 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH 43130 (SE corner of E. Main St. & High St.)
740-652-7140

7. Where do I pay my Mobile Home Taxes?

Mobile Home taxes are collected by the Fairfield County Treasurer's Office located on the 2nd floor of the Fairfield County Court House 210 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH 43130 (SE corner of E. Main St. and High St.)
740-652-7140