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1. Does the fire department install car seats?

No. Hampton Fire & Rescue does not have a certified child safety seat technician. Resources, including safety seat installation videos and information on Virginia's Low Income Safety Seat Program, are available online at www.safetyseatva.org.

2. I called for an ambulance; why did a fire truck respond?

All of our firefighters are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and respond to a variety of medical emergencies within the city. The fire trucks carry medical supplies and equipment to stabilize and/or rescusitate patients. Firefighters may also supplement the service provided by the ambulance by providing additional manpower.

3. Does the fire department offer free blood pressure checks?

Yes; free blood pressure checks are available at any Hampton Fire Station between the hours of 8am and 8pm. Department personnel will check your blood pressure and provide you with a written record so that you can share the readings with your personal physician. Please note that the station personnel may be responding to an emergency or scheduled event when you visit.

4. I sometimes see firefighters at the grocery store during the workday. Why?

Personnel assigned to 24-hour shifts generally prepare their own meals at the fire station. Often the crew will go to the grocery store in their district to purchase items to prepare. Using the city-assigned vehicle allows them to respond from their location if necessary, without having to return to the station to pick up a vehicle. City funds are not used for these purchases.

5. Why are the phone numbers for the fire stations not listed in the phone book?

When firefighters are not on an emergency call, they are often involved in training, in and out of the station, to enhance skills and maintain readiness. They also participate in a number of community events. Most of your questions and concerns can be addressed by our administrative staff during normal office hours. You can reach fire administration at 757-727-6580 between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, except on holidays.

6. Am I allowed to burn leaves in the city?

Anything that would normally be picked up by Public Works cannot be burned in the city. Leaves may be disposed of along with your regular garbage pickup. They must be collected in clear plastic bags and placed at the curb on your regular garbage collection day. For additonal information about the proper disposal of items, contact Public Works at (757) 727-8311.

7. There’s a hydrant on my street that’s running, could you have someone come out to check it?

Fire hydrants are maintained by Waterworks, not the fire department. From time to time, Waterworks personnel will do overflow testing on hydrants. However, if you see a hydrant that is open and running, you may call to notify Waterworks at 234-4800. They will let you know if any testing is being done in the area or have someone respond.

8. Are fireworks allowed in the City of Hampton?

The City of Hampton Prevention Code bans the use and possession of all fireworks, with the exception of sparklers. Permits are required for public or private display of fireworks or pyrotechnics. A million dollar bond and professionals trained to launch firecrackers are required to obtain a fireworks permit.

Certain types of fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles, may be purchased legally in other areas, but may not be possessed or used in the City of Hampton. Bringing unapproved fireworks from other jurisdictions in to the City of Hampton is an illegal act that constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor. Unapproved fireworks may be confiscated and the offending parties fined up to $1,200 and/or sentenced to up to one year in jail.