Hoffman Estates Fire Department: Vehicle Idling Guidelines

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Vehicle Idling Standard Operating Guidelines?

To reduce fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions (correct)

To enhance the overall safety of emergency responders

To improve communication between firefighters

To increase response times to emergency incidents

How often should fire apparatus leave the station for non-emergency activities?

Only during emergency situations

A minimum number of times (correct)

At least once a day

As needed to fulfill the mission of the Fire Department

What should be done to ensure consistent vehicle voltage for electronic components?

Keep the vehicle running at all times

Attach the vehicle to a 110 volt shoreline (correct)

Install solar panels on the vehicle

Use backup generators

How long should a vehicle be started and batteries recharged if it cannot be plugged into a shoreline?

½ hour Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with vehicles not actively involved in an incident, but still on the scene?

Shut them off and disconnect the batteries Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with vehicles assigned to the Tollway during an incident?

Keep them running throughout the incident Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with vehicles used to provide emergency lighting during an incident?

Remain running for the duration of the need Signup and view all the answers

How often should the Vehicle Idling Standard Operating Guidelines be re-evaluated?

On January 1, 2026 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason ambulances may be idled in below freezing conditions?

To maintain temperature in the patient compartment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about idling vehicles in cold weather is correct?

Apparatus with pumps need to be idled to prevent freezing of water in the pump. Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to prevent unnecessary idling practices when a 110 volt shoreline is available?

Using the shoreline power eliminates the need for idling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios allows for vehicle idling during non-emergency conditions?

A mechanical failure preventing vehicle restart Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time allowed for vehicles to be idled every three hours when not on a 110 volt shoreline?

½ hour Signup and view all the answers

What is the important requirement for engines supplied with a water tank and pump in freezing conditions?

The pump must be engaged and the engine idled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical battery life of cars if not monitored and left off?

4 hours Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should vehicles providing heating or cooling remain idling?

During a firefighting operation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Definitions

The Hoffman Estates Fire Department aims to conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by minimizing unnecessary vehicle idling.

Policy

Fire apparatus driving should be limited to essential missions only.
Station Officers should plan daily activities to reduce non-emergency apparatus departures from the station.
Whenever possible, attach vehicles to a 110-volt shoreline to maintain consistent voltage for electronic components.

Non-Emergency Situations

If a vehicle cannot be plugged into a shoreline within 3 hours, it should be started and idled for ½ hour to recharge batteries.

Emergency Situations

Vehicles involved in an incident should remain running as needed during the incident.
Vehicles not actively involved in an incident but on the scene should be shut off and batteries disconnected.
Vehicles assigned to the Tollway should remain running throughout the incident.
Vehicles providing emergency lighting should remain running for as long as needed.
Vehicles should be shut off during fueling operations.

Special Considerations

Below freezing conditions:
- Ambulances: Use 110-volt system to maintain temperature in patient compartment or idle the vehicle to maintain temperature and battery charge.
- Engines: Idle and engage pump to prevent water from freezing in pump.
- Cars: Monitor battery life and start the vehicle to recharge when necessary.

Procedure

Use a 110-volt shoreline to eliminate idling whenever possible.
When a shoreline is not available, start the vehicle every 3 hours and idle for ½ hour to maintain proper battery charge levels.

Exceptions

Idling is allowed during emergency incidents to supply electrical power.
Idling is allowed in below freezing weather to prevent water from freezing in pumps.
Idling is allowed if an apparatus experiences a charging problem and the operator is unsure if the apparatus can restart.

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Description

This quiz is based on the standard operating guidelines of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department, specifically on equipment guidelines, vehicle idling, and NIMS compliance.