Welcome

ChiefOn behalf of the men and women of the Hoover Fire Department I am proud to welcome you to our official website. We are constantly striving to maintain the highest level of services possible to the citizens of Hoover and those that work and visit our city.

Throughout our website you will find some of the latest activities involving our department and its personnel. Our department and profession are rapidly changing. The one thing that has not changed is the dedication and professionalism of each of our firefighters and paramedics to provide the very best customer service to the citizens of our city.

The City of Hoover Fire Department is fortunate to have the continued support of Mayor Gary Ivey, the City Council and our community to help provide the very best services for our citizens.

Sincerely,
John C. Wingate, Fire Chief

MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to respond to fires, rescue situations, hazardous materials incidents and provide emergency medical service of the highest caliber to the citizens in the City of Hoover, Alabama

WE WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS MISSION BY
Promoting safety and maintaining a well equipped, highly trained and motivated force of professional firefighters and rescue personnel. Promoting fire prevention and public safety education programs.

MOTTO
Community service with pride and dedication

VISION STATEMENT
The Hoover Fire Department will continuously strive to meet the changing needs of our community by providing a modern and technologically advanced department striving for excellence in everything we do. We will do this by maintaining a readiness level second to none, and by focusing on professional development, training and community involvement of all of our personnel.

 

 

Staying Healthy

Winter is typically the peak time of year for viral illnesses.  During these months, more people are inside within close proximity to each other making it easier to spread viruses. Additionally, low humidity and dry nasal passages make us more susceptible to catching these illnesses.

The three most common illnesses include the common cold, influenza, and gastroenteritis.  Prevention for each is similar with frequent hand washing the most important tool.  Avoiding touching your face is also helpful.  Viruses may be spread by hand-to-infected-surface contact so it is important to disinfect surfaces at home or work when there are sick contacts.  Annual flu shots are the best protection against the influenza virus.

Common Cold: Colds may last for several days to weeks with symptoms including runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, low grade fever, mild body aches or headache. Treatment includes over-the-counter cold medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and cough medicine as well as pain relievers including ibuprofen or Tylenol.  Gargling warm salt water may help a sore throat and petroleum jelly may help with chapped skin around the nose and lips. Rest and increased fluids are also encouraged.  Kids should not be given over the counter cough or cold medications before checking with their pediatrician.

Influenza: Peaks between December and February with symptoms including high fever, headache, runny nose, sneezing, cough, severe aches and pains, fatigue, sore throat, and extreme exhaustion.  Fever and body aches usually last for three to five days, but cough and fatigue may last for two weeks or more. If started within two days of symptom onset, antiviral medication such as Tamiflu may reduce the duration of symptoms typically by 1 day.  Otherwise, treatment is symptomatic including medications to relieve aches and fever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), rest, and fluids. Flu shots are typically available annually starting in September. 

Gastroenteritis: Also known as the “stomach bug” this usually hits in late winter or early spring and is highly contagious.  Typical causative bugs include rotavirus and norovirus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and usually occur 12-72 hours after contracting virus. Treatment typically involves oral rehydration.  Drinks especially high in simple sugars, like soda and juice, may increase diarrhea and should be avoided, especially in children. In more severe cases, IV fluids and nausea medication may be required for dehydration.

Most importantly, if your symptoms are not getting better or you have concerns you should see your doctor.