A patient or their representative may access or obtain copies of their health records. This must be done in person at Station 2 by submitting a Release of Information, photo ID, and any other required documentation and/or fees. Contact the EMS Billing Department at 316-284-6199 for more information.

The dissemination of Protected Health Information is tightly regulated by federal law, and all sensitive information is held by Newton Fire/EMS members in the strictest of confidence. Our job depends on a high level of trust between our members and the people they serve; we work diligently to build and maintain that trust.

Open burning is prohibited in the City of Newton. The safest way to remove tree limbs is to haul them to the Harvey County Landfill. An exception may be granted for special situations. Citizens may apply for a burn permit at Fire/EMS Station 2 at 200 E. 3rd. After making application, a department representative will visually inspect the proposed burn, then determine if an exception is appropriate.

If a burn permit is issued, several conditions must be observed: 

• Burning is not permitted if wind speeds exceed 15 mph. 
• The fire must be continuously monitored by a competent adult from the time of ignition until the time of extinguishment.
• If smoke conditions generate a traffic hazard or odor complaints, the fire must be completely
  extinguished and the citizen must apply for a burn permit when weather conditions are more
  favorable. 
• The controlled burn must be at least 100 feet from the nearest structure, and an adequate distance from other combustible materials. 
• An approved burn permit must be in the possession of the person doing the burning. 
• The permit holder must notify the Harvey County Communications Department before commencing
  the burn and when the burn is concluded.

Newton City code outlines specific requirements for displaying residential and commercial addresses. Residents should: 

• Use numbers at least 4 inches tall.
• Use numbers that contrast with the background. 
• Make sure numbers are visible from the street.

Numbers that meet these criteria can be purchased at B&B Lumber, Graber’s Hardware, and Walmart. If you need help installing your house numbers, call Newton Fire/EMS at 316-284-6065.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for inspecting and approving all day care centers and preschools. A full list of regulations can be found at www.ksfm.ks.gov/regulations. You can also contact the KSFM office at 785-296-3401.

One of the most common questions pertains to fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers in a day care should be conspicuously located and readily accessible for immediate use. They should be rated 2A/10BC. This rating is used to determine how much fire a non-expert could be expected to extinguish with a fire extinguisher. Generally, a 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher will meet this requirement, and you can purchase one at any hardware store, big box store, or at Newton Fire/EMS Station 2 at 200 E 3rd St. If you have questions about fire extinguishers or need instruction in fire extinguisher use, call 316-284-6060 to speak with a Newton firefighter.

Newton Fire/EMS endorses the File of Life program. This is a free service that helps you communicate your personal health information to health care professionals even if you’re incapacitated. It works like this:

Stop by any Newton Fire/EMS station and pick up a File of Life packet. This packet contains a health information card where you can list things like your medical history, allergies and medications, emergency contacts, and your personal physician. This information card fits into a red plastic sleeve with a magnet on the back. Simply fill out the card, place it in the sleeve, and place the sleeve on the door of your refrigerator at home. Newton paramedics and EMTs are trained to look there for health information if the patient isn’t able to provide it. In addition to the File of Life for your home, you can pick up a smaller version that fits easily into a wallet or purse in case you suffer a medical emergency while you’re away.

Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can be critical in an emergency. Some businesses are required to provide annual fire extinguisher training for their employees, and some just want to make sure everyone on the job knows what to do if a fire should break out.

Newton firefighters routinely provide fire extinguisher training for area employers. To schedule an on-site presentation, call 316-284-6060. Fire extinguisher programs usually cover: 

• Fire classifications: different fuels and extinguishing agents 
• Decision making: when to fight a fire and when to evacuate 
• Proper fire extinguisher use 
• Overview of your specific emergency plan 
• Hands-on extinguisher lab with controlled fires