What Others Are Asking
And What You Need to Know
Looking for clarity on common topics? You’re in the right place. Our FAQ archive compiles the most frequently asked questions from our community—covering everything from emergency response procedures and fire safety programs to permits, inspections, and community outreach. You can select a specific FAQ topic to view all related questions or use the search feature to find exactly what you need.
Can’t find your answer? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help clarify or provide the information you’re looking for.
Can Someone Come Visit Our Class to Teach Fire Safety to the Students?
Yes, we will come to visit a school. Use the Speaker Request Form to request a program about safety, careers, guest speakers, etc. Please complete the form in its entirety and submit it at least 14 days prior to your requested program event date. (All requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete the Speaker Request Form.
What Are the Minimum Qualifications to Become a Firefighter?
To be considered for employment with the Bluffton Township Fire District, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Fire and rescue experience is not required.
We hire both experienced and entry-level candidates depending on current department needs. If you’re hired without Firefighter I & II certifications, BTFD will pay for you to attend Recruit School.
My Certification Is Expiring Soon — Can I Schedule a One-on-One Class?
Due to instructor scheduling, we cannot accommodate last-minute, single-person sessions. We offer BLS and Heartsaver CPR classes twice monthly. Private group classes (7+ people) require a 3-week notice. View our course schedule or private course request page for more info.
How Do I Settle a Bill for EMS Services?
Questions regarding EMS billing should to be directed to Beaufort County EMS at (843) 522-4006.
What Phone Number Should My Alarm Company Use When Reporting a Fire Alarm at My Address?
843-524-2777 (this number is ONLY for alarm company use; individuals must report emergencies by calling 911.)
Where Can I Dispose of Old American Flags?
You can dispose of old or worn U.S. flags at any Bluffton Township Fire District station.
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All BTFD stations have flag retirement receptacles located inside the public entrances where you can drop off your flag during regular hours.
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Headquarters Station 35 (357 Fording Island Rd., next to Saint Gregory’s Catholic Church) also has an outdoor drop-off bin available for your convenience at any time.
Collected flags are transferred to the Dennis J. Becker American Legion Post 205 in Bluffton, South Carolina, which ensures they are respectfully retired in accordance with proper flag etiquette.
Can I Complete Only the Skills Verification With BTFD?
We only offer standalone skills verification for First Aid. BLS and Heartsaver CPR courses include both the classroom and skills components and must be completed in full.
What Equipment Do I Need on Hand While Burning?
You must have a garden hose connected to a water supply or a fire extinguisher on-site to control or extinguish the fire if needed.
Do You Offer CPR Classes?
We offer CPR courses each month, accredited through the American Heart Association. For course schedules, registration and a full CPR FAQ, please visit us here.
What’s the Difference Between Heartsaver, BLS, and Family & Friends CPR?
BLS Provider CPR is for healthcare providers in clinical or emergency settings. Heartsaver CPR is for those with little or no medical training who need certification for work or want to be prepared for emergencies. Family & Friends CPR is a non-certification course for general interest. If you’re unsure which course you need, please consult your employer. Refunds are not available.
If I’m Already Certified, Do I Still Need to Attend Recruit School?
If you hold current ProBoard, NFPQ, or IFSAC Firefighter I and II certifications, you will not need to attend Recruit School.
If not, you’ll be required to attend training through SCFA or BTFD, paid for by the District.
How Can My Company Schedule On-Site CPR Training?
Visit Private CPR Course Requests for full requirements and detailed instructions for setting up private CPR training for your company or group.
How Do I Properly Dispose of My Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Alarm?
Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms that are hard-wired with a battery backup can be safely thrown in the garbage once the battery is removed. For smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with a 10-year sealed lithium battery, Beaufort County residents can take them to any convenience center and place them with the Household Hazardous Waste items.
Please be sure to tell the attendant that you have an alarm with a lithium-ion battery so they can direct you to the correct bin or barrel.
For additional questions about smoke alarm recycling, please contact Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling at (843) 255-2736.
Where Can I Dispose of Old Medicine/Hazardous Materials?
The Bluffton Police Department offers a safe way for residents to discard old or unused prescription drugs. A drug drop box is located in the department’s lobby and allows the public to dispose of medications during business hours.
The Bluffton Police Department is located at 101 Progressive Street in Bluffton. It’s open Monday-Thursday 8 am – 5:30 pm, Friday 8 am – 1 pm.
Additional publicly accessible disposal locations include:
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office – 2001 Duke St., Beaufort SC
- Beaufort County Government Building – 4819 Bluffton Parkway 2nd Floor, Bluffton SC
- Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office – 70 Shelter Cove Ln., Hilton Head SC
- CVS Bluffton – 1006 Fording Island Rd., Bluffton
- CVS Hilton Head Island – 10 Pope Ave. Hilton Hilton Head SC
- CVS Port Roya l- 1500 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal, SC
- Walgreens Okatie – 138 Okatie Center Blvd Okatie SC
- Walmart Pharmacy – 4 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
- Ulmer Family Pharmacy – 68 Bluffton Rd #6 Bluffton
- Chelsea Medical Center – 719 Okatie Highway, Okatie SC
Do You Offer a Special CPR Course for K–12 Teachers and Students?
Yes, we offer K–12 Heartsaver CPR AED courses for students, faculty, and staff in K–12 schools. The cost is $7 per student and includes a completion card. These classes are available on request and must meet private course requirements.
What Would Disqualify My Application?
Disqualifiers under South Carolina law include:
- Felony conviction within the last 10 years
- Conviction for arson, drug offenses, or criminal sexual conduct
- Conviction involving abuse or exploitation of vulnerable individuals
- Inability to obtain medical clearance (OSHA/NFPA 1582)
- Inability to pass random drug/alcohol screening
Do You Offer First Aid Training?
Yes, we offer First Aid in a blended format. Complete the classroom portion online via the American Heart Association and bring your certificate for an in-person skills verification session. First Aid skills verification is held after our Heartsaver CPR AED classes. Learn more at First Aid Skills Verification.
What EMT Credential Do You Require?
Applicants must have or obtain a National Registry EMT (or higher) certification. If not certified, BTFD will cover the cost of EMT school post-hire.
Do You Offer Renewal Courses for Expired CPR Certifications?
We do not offer renewal-only CPR classes. Please register for and attend the full version of the course you require.
I Lost My CPR Card — How Can I Get a Replacement?
First, check your email inbox for messages from No-eccreply@heart.org or eCards@heart.org. If you can’t find it, visit AHA’s eCard Lookup. If unsuccessful, email cpr@blufftonfd.com with your full name and approximate course date. A $10 processing fee may apply.