Fire equipment is an integral part of fighting fire. If equipment malfunctions, firefighters run the risk of losing lives. It is important to make equipment checks a station-wide priority to maintain properly functioning tools and gear.
1. Usage check
FirefighterNation.com recommends instating a "You touch it, you test it" rule. Simply put, this holds every firefighter accountable for the equipment he or she touches during daily work. If the firefighter handles a certain section of the hose, he or she is responsible for checking and maintaining that part of the hose. This method divvies up the responsibilities fairly and makes sure every member of the team is doing his or her part.
2. Tool check
Station managers will want to assign several members to make sure every tool kit has the proper pieces and that each tool is in good working order. You would not want to send a fellow firefighter into a building without a sharp hatchet or a sturdy crowbar.
3. Turnout clothing inspection and cleaning
Keeping turnout clothing clean and in good repair not only helps extend the life of the equipment, but it may save the life of the firefighter as well. FireResecue1.com reported that dirty turnout clothing provides less insulation and can become more flammable. Perform regular checks of the clothing to make sure there are no tears or vulnerabilities in the material and properly clean the gear to keep it working at top performance levels.
4. Fire suit inspection and repair
Many times your helmet, boots and other flame-retardant clothing are the only things between you and deadly flames. These items should be carefully examined on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning up to standard. If they are in need of repair, get it done immediately.
5. Hose tests
The hose is a vital part of fighting fires. It is absolutely essential that this piece of equipment works without flaw. FireDepartment.org suggested that stations should perform a hose test at least once annually. These inspections can prevent serious accidents and fatal malfunctions. Click here for the proper procedure for testing your station's hoses.
Society relies on first responders like firefighters to keep it safe, and firefighters rely on their equipment to help them fulfill those duties. This equipment should be kept in top-notch condition to ensure that it will work properly when it is needed. Well-cared-for tools and gear can prevent unnecessary incidents in the field.
Firefighters are first responders without an abundance of spare time on their hands. However, tradition holds that they should maintain a clean and presentable station house. How are these busy individuals supposed to clean their fire station while having time to respond to calls? AFBA has outlined five ways firefighters can clean quicker and more efficiently.
1. Top to bottom, left to right
Most experts recommend starting at the highest point in your house and working your way to the right and downward. This method should also be applied to the rooms you clean. By establishing this pattern in every room, you are less likely to miss areas.
2. Maintain a schedule
Staying on top of cleaning can help cut back on the time you spend keeping things tidy. Set a weekly cleaning schedule and make sure you stick to it. Post this schedule somewhere visible so the assigned individuals know when it is their turn to clean.
3. Use the proper cleaning materials
Avoid using cheap cleaning solutions and poorly made cleaning tools. Invest in a quality broom and dustpan, wet mop, duster and vacuum to save yourself the hassle of creating more work for yourself cleaning up after cheap products. Professional-grade cleaners can also help make your job easier. You will also want to invest in good cleaning gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes that are crucial for performing your job.
4. Make it fun
Cleaning may seem like an arduous process, but who said you cannot have fun doing it? Crank your favorite playlist or a new audiobook to help pass the time while you scrub away. You could also make it a challenge. Divide the station into teams and assign sections for them to clean. Reward the team that produces the cleanest area in the shortest time.
5. Get the team involved
If you tackle cleaning as a group effort, it will go much quicker than if it is left to a few people to finish. Cleaning as a team can also make the tasks more fun and will create universal respect for the cleanliness in the station house.
Though cleaning may seem tedious, it is a big part of maintaining a functional fire house. Firefighters should follow the tips above to help develop a faster, more effective cleaning method in their station house.
When the summer heat gets high, nothing cools you off faster than a nice, tall glass of lemonade. Two elementary school girls from Washington capitalized on this fact, but they used their profit to benefit local first responders.
According to KREM-2 News, Ruby Schneider took the $387 donation to Spokane County Fire District 4 after school on Sept. 14. Schneider and an unnamed classmate, both of whom are natives of Colbert, Washington, spent most of the summer selling lemonade and saving the money they earned from the stand.
Schneider told the news source that she was saddened by the news of the firefighter deaths in the West Coast wildfires, and she wanted to give the money to help her local firefighters.
The Spokane County Fire District 4 plans to use the money to benefit the Volunteer Association of Firefighters, a local nonprofit that conducts community outreach events.
"This has happened before and with a lemonade stand, you have to sell a lot of lemonade to make that much money so we're pretty impressed with them," Spokane County Fire Public Information Officer Megan Hill told KREM-2 News.
Schneider said she has plans to reopen her stand next summer and would be glad to give the money to the firefighters again.
When the World Trade Center Towers were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, many first responders rushed to help. Stephen Siller, a New York firefighter, was one of those first responders. Siller ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to Ground Zero to offer his assistance. The residents of Ellensburg, Washington, honored Siller's commitment to service on Sept. 13 at the Tunnel to Tower 5K. KIMA-TV reported that the event was started by a local high school student who has since moved on to college.
The race's legacy endures, however, thanks to the commitment of volunteers. Dozens of locals and first responders participated in the event. The firefighters who took part in the race did so while wearing 45 pounds of fire gear and carrying American flags.
"It's extremely rewarding that the community has embraced [the race] and that the firefighters and first responders have as well," event organizer Elise Herman told KIMA-TV.
The first responders who participated told the news source that it was rewarding to have the opportunity to show gratitude for fellow first responders who laid their lives down in service to others.
The city plans to continue holding the race for as long as people are interested.
First responders have a reputation for being prepared to save lives at a moment's notice. Los Angeles rookie firefighter Cody Campbell proved this at his wedding on Sept. 10. Campbell was listening to his father, a retired fire captain, give a toast at the reception when he heard cries of distress from the back of the room. One of the wedding attendees had begun to choke on the food. Campbell told ABC News that he did not hesitate. He simply reverted to his training and rushed to the aid of the guest who was choking.
Campbell calmly performed the Heimlich maneuver while stunned guests looked on. After several repetitions, the piece of meat that was choking the victim was dislodged and the party resumed. Kelly Campbell, the first responder's new wife, was proud of her husband's quick reaction.
"Saving someone's life right in front of me on my wedding day … it's something we'll have forever," Kelly told KABC-TV.
Some guests believed the incident was an act meant as a joke because of Campbell's profession, but the newlyweds assured ABC News that it was no performance. Campbell's alertness and cool-headed approach really saved someone's life.
While thousands rushed out of the Twin Towers on 9/11, first responders were bravely going in. In honor of the men and women who gave their lives in the attempt to save those in the buildings, the first responders of Charlotte, North Carolina, banded together for the 5th Annual Charlotte Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
Over 500 firefighters, police officers and emergency medical workers climbed 110 flights of stairs. Each flight represented a floor of the World Trade Center Towers. The first responders took donations for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
WBTV.com reported that each event participant was given a picture of a first responder who gave his or her life on 9/11. Before the event began, the participants rang a bell and spoke the name of the person in their picture. They then pinned the pictures of the fallen heroes to their uniforms to wear during the climb.
The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb took place in the Duke Energy Center stairwell and included participants from the surrounding states and some from as far as New York. This year's event even included a participant who was 72 years old.
First responders are some of the bravest individuals in the workforce. What makes them even more special is that they go to work for their communities every day without expecting recognition. The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is the perfect time to show your local first responders some gratitude for their service. AFBA has listed six ways you can thank the first responders in your community.
1. Cook a meal
First responders are busy people. They may not always get the chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal. If you have the time, put together a lunch or dinner and take it to your local police or fire station. The first responders will likely be grateful for the food, and you will have the opportunity to thank them in person. It is a good idea to plan a simple meal that can easily be taken to go should the first responders be called away.
2. Donate
You can show your support of your local first responders by donating to stations or supporting one of their charity events, such as Fill the Boot. There are also a number of organizations whose purpose it is to support first responders and their families. You might consider donating to one of these as well.
3. Write a letter
Sometimes a simple letter can have the biggest impact. If you want to thank a first responder, scribe a sincere and specific letter and deliver it to a local station. If you want to make an even bigger impression, you could gather a large amount of letters from various people in the area and deliver them in person.
4. Gift basket
These items are an excellent way to show your gratitude. Find out what your local first responders need most and put these items in a gift basket with a thank you card. You could also include gift cards for restaurants so that the first responders could enjoy a nice meal.
5. Spread the word
One of the easiest ways to show your appreciation for first responders is simply spreading a good word about them. Whether it be a friendly post on social media or telling a neighbor how great first responders are, positive word-of-mouth is an excellent way to say thank you.
6. Just say it
Thanking a first responder can be as simple as saying, "Thank you for your service," when you pass a police officer or firefighter. There is a good chance you will make this individual's day, and you can feel good knowing that you have shown appreciation for a person who serves your community.
The first responders who serve their communities on a daily basis often do so without expecting gratitude. On the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, you could take the opportunity to thank the first responders in your area. There are plenty of ways to do this, but the six above are some of the most effective.
According to the Cribs for Kids website, more than 3,500 infants die in their sleep because of sudden infant death syndrome, which is often caused by suffocation and asphyxia among other things. The organization, which was founded in 1998, has been working to lower this number. Recently, first responders in Washington paired with Cribs for Kids to help. The first responders are calling their initiative "Cops n Cribs" for law enforcement officials and "Code Red" for firefighters.
Often, SIDS is the result of improper sleeping arrangements for infants. This may be because families do not have a crib or have it set up incorrectly, which can present a potential danger to a sleeping infant.
"Firefighters are going in, they're re-doing cribs. For low-income families who don't have a crib or the ability to buy a crib, they're getting portable pack 'n plays," Deborah Robinson, infant death investigation specialist, told NBC.
The first responders have also been trained to do checks on families with infants and inspect the sleeping quarters. The Washington Department of Health and Cribs for Kids hope this initiative will lower infant mortality in the region and encourage families to arrange safer sleeping areas for babies.
It has been 14 years since the 9/11 attacks, but comedian and former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart is still lobbying for the first responders who were in action that day. Many of those brave individuals developed health problems related to their vicinity to the attacks, such as cancer, lung problems and physical disabilities.
According to Time magazine, Stewart is scheduled to lobby Congress for a bill that will preserve a health program for 9/11 first responders. Stewart's involvement was announced recently by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on her Twitter account.
"Today, I spoke about the need for Congress to #renew911health programs, 1 of which is set to expire on Sept 30 if we fail to take action," Gillibrand tweeted on Sept. 8. "Honored Jon Stewart will join 9/11 heroes next week, but fact is, they shouldn't have to walk the halls of Congress at all. #renew911health"
Gillibrand and Stewart want to bring about an extension for The World Trade Center Health Program, which, according to Time provides health services for over 30,000 police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The pair will argue to make the program permanent, allowing the first responders to receive continual medical care for their 9/11-related illnesses and injuries.
On Labor Day, when most people are off work, the nation's first responders report for duty like always. It is a busy day for police officers, firefighters and emergency service crews. While they are busy making sure their communities are safe and healthy during the holiday, they often miss out on celebrating with their own families. One chain restaurant has a Labor Day tradition of gratitude. As part of this tradition, the Italian eatery Olive Garden delivered baskets of its food to first responders across the country for the 14th year in a row.
"This is our way of giving back to the people who go out and protect and serve us each and every day," Adam Zimmer of Olive Garden told ABC 22.
Many first responders are used to missing meals with their families because they are busy serving. The first responders interviewed by ABC 22 said that holidays were especially difficult occasions to miss. Olive Garden wanted the first responders to have a chance at a relaxing family meal, even if the men and women could not actually be with their families.
Olive Garden served food to first responders in over 800 cities nationwide and hopes to continue the tradition next year.