How much of my Hemlock Farms Community Association
dues goes to the HFVF&R Co.?
This is a common misconception, and NO community
dues are given to the HFVF&R Co. We are
a non-profit, 100% volunteer company entirely funded through private
donations, our own fund raisers, and third party billing through EMS (Emergency
Medical Services). We do receive funds
called Firemen's Relief from the state, with which we are allowed to purchase
certain clothing and rescue equipment. This is
not to say that the HFCA does not support us monetarily; a recent
line was added to the HFCA budget to include yearly hose testing. In
turn, this should lower our ISO rating, resulting on lower insurance premiums
for homeowners!
Does your coverage area expand beyond the Hemlock Farms Community?
Yes, in fact we respond to over 112 square-miles
for fire, rescue and EMS coverage. Our primary fire response area extends
to the Monroe County Line of Route 402, and we are dual-dispatched with
Blooming Grove Township Volunteer Fire Department to the commercial area
of Route 739. Visit the Coverage Map page to see the individual EMS and
Fire/Rescue coverage areas.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes, your donations to the HFVF&R Co. are tax
deductible. Any monetary or material donations may be deducted from your
taxes, according to the current Federal and State tax laws. Please check
the laws or with your financial advisor to see how this may be done as
we are unable to provide tax form preparation advice.
Do you charge for your services?
We bill your insurance company for EMS
and ALS services, and additionally for Rescue services associated with a motor
vehicle accident. In the event you do not have sufficient insurance
coverage, you will be responsible for the remainder of the bill. However,
Sustaining Donors will not be charged above their insurance coverage.
Your contribution of $75 through our annual mailing will place you on
our Sustaining Donor list. With this
you receive the security of knowing that you and your family will never be
billed anything more for emergency medical transports than your insurance
company will pay. This in no way suggests that if you do not have medical
coverage, you won't be treated. Every single person gets the exact same
care, no matter their given situation or contribution level.
Is the annual donation really enough?
No.
Only 37 percent of the people in our response area make any type of donation.
We spend hundreds of hours each year planning, preparing and hosting fund-raisers
which puts an incredible load on our already over extended volunteers. The fundraisers
are a huge part of our annual income. If everyone gave something within their
means we could refocus our attention on training and continuing education.
Can anybody join the Company?
Yes, and please do so!! We are always looking
for people to help, regardless of ability or qualifications.
We have many different categories of membership from the Active Members who
run the calls to the support groups like the Auxiliary who play a vital role
in fund-raising.
To inquire about giving even a small amount of time,
contact Pete Ferris at 775.8884.
What should I do if I see a vehicle with emergency lights?
The blue lights used in our members' vehicles are called courtesy lights. You
are not required to yield to them, but it is appreciated. It is, however, mandatory
by State Law to yield to red lights on our Chief's vehicles and rescue equipment.
When you see these lights, please pull over onto the shoulder of the road as
quickly and as safely as possible. From our standpoint, we realize it is an
inconvenience to have to stop for us, but please realize we are on our way to
help someone in need; and if it were your house or family, you'd want us to
get there as quickly as possible, right? Also, when yielding, pull over as soon
as you see us (don't wait until we're right behind you) and as far off the road
as possible. Doing so will further decrease our response time . . . and the
driver's will really appreciate it.
