Every year on December 13, America celebrates the National Guard's birthday. This year marks the 385th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. National Guard, making the branch quite a bit older than the nation itself. (To learn more about the history of this branch of the military, check out this blog that goes into the details.)

In honor of the National Guard's birthday, we are diving into some of the most interesting things that the Guard does. Some of these may surprise you, but its motto, "Always Ready, Always There!" could not be more true.

1. There are 150 types of jobs available in the National Guard

Between the infantry, air defense, medical and military police, there are plenty of career fields to choose from. No matter someone's talents, interests and skills, there is likely to be an opportunity in the National Guard for them. In order for the Guard to operate and be prepared to fulfill its many duties, its members must be multi-faceted.Here are just a few of the fields available to work in through the National Guard:

• Intelligence
• Medicine
• Heavy weapons
• Cyber
• Ground forces
• Supply and logistics

To learn more about all the possible jobs and the different ways that the National Guard operates, check out nationalguard.com/careers.

2. The National Guard is at work in its community

One of the National Guard's main goals is to maintain a peaceful home front, and this means that community outreach is a big part of the Guard. According to its website, those who are in the National Guard work "closely with the local, regional and national communities to link their services to the services already available to the Guard."

A great example of this can be seen in how members of the Guard have been working to fill in gaps and help where they can during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time when first responders, nurses and other essential workers were feeling overwhelmed with their duties, the National Guard stepped in to offer relief. From natural disaster assistance to everyday community outreach programs, the Guard enriches every community it is in across America.

3. The National Guard is mentioned in the U.S. Constitution

Ever since the first version of the Guard in 1636, which consisted of a militia of the English colonists in North America, it has been operating with honor and bravery. The Constitution proclaims that the National Guard is "to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasion" (Article I, Section 8, Clause 15').

4. Every state has its own Guard

It is commonly known that every state has its own National Guard, but even U.S. territories have their own Guard. The nation's capital, Washington D.C., has its own Guard as well, in order to carry out necessary duties.

The National Guard is one of the most flexible branches of the military because it has both federal and state responsibilities. On December 13, take the time to thank a Guard member or learn more about the force. From the air to the land, the National Guard can be found everywhere responding to threats and humanitarian disasters at home and abroad.

After nearly two years of unprecedented changes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some things are finally getting back to normal for Americans. The precautionary measures impacted the general public and changed how military personnel and first responders operated in their daily lives. While the virus is still impacting the economy and most workplaces, the creation of vaccines and a better understanding of how COVID-19 works have helped aid in returning to normal. So what does this mean for active-duty members and first responders?

Military members return to normal

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit America, the Department of Defense (DOD) implemented serious travel restrictions on active duty military members. According to the Chinese government, patient zero was believed to have contracted the virus on November 17, 2019, in Wuhan, China. On Jan. 30, 2020, the DOD U.S. Indo-Pacific Command restricted travel to China and the quarantine requirements and other restrictions just increased from there in order to maintain safety standards. Now, things are far less restrictive than they once were.

On August 25, 2021, the Deputy Secretary of Defense gave "a message to the force, directing secretaries of the military departments to immediately begin full vaccination of all members of the Armed Forces under DOD authority on active duty or in the Ready Reserve, including National Guard, who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19."

The existence of the vaccine has given more freedom to the U.S. armed forces members and the ability to visit their families and return to normalcy. Some service members are attending support groups in the wake of their homeland COVID-related duties. Travel restrictions have been loosened for those who are vaccinated, leading to more gatherings and less strict quarantine restrictions for active-duty military members. In fact, COVID-19 cases have been improving in some states as compared to early in the pandemic, especially in the Northeast U.S.

First responders seeing some return to normalcy

Society has relied on EMS service members and other first responders more than ever during the pandemic, their work more critical than ever in light of the virus. In most states, first responders were given some priority when it came to receiving the vaccine. Similar to the armed forces, first responders have received more freedom as a result of obtaining the vaccine.

The way that first responders do their job has changed, but now they are able to continue doing their jobs and some may say that things are returning to usual life. According to CNBC, health care workers are finding joy in the small things and their 2020 report showed that participating in TikTok challenges and coming together as a community helped boost spirits.

For both the first responder and military communities, having a sense of community is the best way to deal with the stress of the past two years. The CDC lists spending "time outdoors either being physically active or relaxing," and doing "things you enjoy during non-work hours" as a way to cope with difficulties and enhance resilience. Regardless of the community, people have become adept at pushing through the realities of covid and finding joy in the outside/family/etc

More gyms are starting to open and allow group classes, making it easier to blow off steam. Military bases have continued their physical testing requirements and opened up their training facilities. According to the Military Health System, some active-duty service members have been doubling down on their exercise routine in order to promote good mental health.

Time has offered some reprise from the chaos of late 2019 and early 2020. Military members and first responders who have had to adjust their daily work routines are finding comfort in returning to the normalcy of attending events and building a sense of community outside of computer screens.

Throughout the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Guard has answered the call to support our country during a national emergency. Most recently, governors across the U.S. called for the guard to come to the aid of hospitals that are overloaded with patients. From assisting with COVID-19 testing to supporting the vaccination process, the health care system in America can use all the help it can get.

As with most national crises, the National Guard offers aid in the most dire of situations, and this is no exception. Here is a shortlist of where the guard has taken some of the weight off the overwhelmed health care workers.

Kentucky

According to CNN, Gov. Andy Beshear said at a recent news conference that about 25 of Kentucky's regional hospitals were not only "at a critical staffing shortage stage", but were seeing an influx in patients. In response, the National Guard, consisting of five National Guard teams, were deployed starting on Sept. 1. In all, about one-third of the state's ICU beds are currently occupied by people who are suffering serious symptoms related to COVID-19, according to HHS Protect Public Data Hub.

In Kentucky, the guard members are preparing for their new role in hospitals by learning how to correctly wear personal protective equipment in order to shield themselves from becoming infected in the line of duty, according to Lexington news source the Herald Leader.

At The Medical Center at Bowling Green, guardsmen allowed hospital employees to be reallocated or afforded a much needed break. "In food services, the Soldiers and staff seemed like they have worked together for years," said Joseph Knight, food services manager at The Medical Center. "The teamwork between them has been incredible to watch," he added.

Oregon

Oregon has seen increasing numbers of patients who require specialized medical attention, and, similar to many other states, faces staffing shortages. Gov. Kate Brown deployed 1,500 National Guard members to help health care providers with testing, vaccinations and other hospital operations, like admitting patients and cleaning rooms. 

With only 7% of ICU beds available statewide, Oregon is not only having trouble keeping hospitals staffed, but quickly running out of room. This means that, sometimes, hospitals have to put two patients in one ICU room. The National Guard's aid is absolutely necessary in these hospitals that are over capacity.

Georgia

While Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has previously deployed 105 National Guard soldiers as part of a COVID response team; he called for an additional 85 soldiers to aid healthcare workers in the state. Kemp made it clear that there is room for 2,500 more to be deployed if the need arises.

The Georgia health care system is buckling under the weight of not having enough staff combined with over half the ICU beds that are taken by COVID-19 patients, the National Guard's help is greatly appreciated. National Guard 2nd Lt. Noah Wilson told local news station News 4 JAX that the response team has eight medics who are trained medics and that they will be able to assist nurses directly. 

Illinois

The Illinois National Guard has joined forces with a Polish medical team to fight COVID-19 in Chicago. The teams work together in critical care units and other spaces that have been converted into makeshift hospitals, similar to how McCormick Place Convention Center in downtown Chicago once was.

The National Guard's motto of "always ready, always there" has continued to be proven true, especially during these times of desperation and crisis.

Thursday, November 11 is Veterans Day in America, a day when we take the time to celebrate the brave U.S. military veterans who have done so much for our country. Each year, the federal holiday encourages citizens to pause in remembrance of those who have served in the armed forces, but there is a lot of history attached to the day. Here are three things you might not know about Veterans Day.

1. Veterans day was originally called Armistice Day

Originally, November 11th was meant to recognize the signing of the agreement that ended World War l. In 1918 the Allied powers ended the war and a year later, President Woodrow Wilson made November 11 a federal holiday.

According to the Library of Congress, he said: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

2. The Uniform Holiday Bill changed Veterans day

In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill was signed with the purpose of making sure that federal employees could enjoy three-day weekends during four specific national holidays by ensuring that they fall on Mondays. The four holidays include:

• Washington's Birthday: February 22
• Memorial Day: May 30
• Veterans Day:  November 11
• Columbus Day: October 11

However, the first time that Veteran's day was celebrated was not on the original holiday but on October 25, 1971. The holiday, after the law was passed, was very confusing for the citizens.  Because of this, it returned to being observed on November 11 in 1978, no matter the day of the week it happens to fall on.

3. National Veterans Day Ceremony

At 11 am on November 11, the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery. The first part of the ceremony consists of laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument dedicated to the soldiers who were never found in conflict. There is a parade of colors by different veterans organizations as well as meaningful speeches. The Veterans Day National Committee also picks different places across the country for beautiful government-sponsored parades and military exhibits.

This Veteran's day, take the time to thank a Veteran or go to a museum to learn more about how the armed forces have helped shape America into the place it is today.

With winter fast approaching, its important to take the opportunity to consider enacting some of these at-home fire safety tips. The past year has been one of the most dangerous in regard to wildfires. The increased number of fires, many of which were preventable, put more firefighter lives at risk and destroyed natural habitats. The National Centers for Environmental Information reports that in 2021 alone, 5,907,288 acres of American land were burned. Let’s take a closer look at a few simple ways to protect yourself and those around you from the dangers of fire.

1. Manage heat sources

Whether your home has a fireplace, baseboard heaters or you use a space heater, many structure fires are caused by those indoor heat sources. Especially as the colder months approach, keep clothing and other items away from the fire or vents. Make sure that the space heater is placed on a level, non-flammable surface.

2. Invest in a good fire alarm system

According to the San Francisco Fire Department, two-thirds of people who passed away as a result of a fire that was started in the house were asleep when the fire began in 2018. Even if you have a fire alarm system, it is important that you make sure to keep it in top shape and replace any dead batteries.

3. Put out your cigarettes

Cigarettes are among the top causes of fires because they can be extremely dangerous when not disposed of correctly. According to the National Library of Medicine, cigarettes and “smoking cause an estimated 30% of the U.S. and 10% of global fire death burdens.” Make sure that every spark is extinguished in a predetermined area.

4. Mitigate electrical fires

Electrical fires are some of the most dangerous because they can be very explosive and cause not only structural fires but expand into wildfires. Always hire an electrical professional to do all electrical work to prevent damage. Provide some education to your children about how electricity can be dangerous and outlets should not be played with.

5. Put out your outdoor fires

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Here are a few tips that will reduce the likelihood of an accidental fire.

• Build campfires in open areas, away from low-hanging branches.
• Always douse your campfires and ensure they are fully extinguished.
• Consider the environment and conditions before setting off fireworks.

Structure fires can often lead to wildfires; all it takes is a small spark to start a terrible and costly fire. Be careful and, most of all, mindful of the consequences of your actions.

Consider keep these tips in play year-round. While winter brings on the use of space heaters and fireplaces, the potential for fire is everywhere. Stay safe, and remember to thank a firefighter next time you see one.

 

While we should be thanking our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs every day, October 28 is National First Responders Day, which offers a unique opportunity to show our appreciation. These heroic men and women are the first ones on the scene of natural disasters, tragedies and accidents. They devote their lives to making the world a better — and safer — place.

The creation of National First Responders Day

The day of recognition is a relatively new holiday, but it was a long time coming. Congress made October 28 National First Responders Day in 2017, though the first bipartisan resolution passed through the senate in 2019.

At the time, there were about “4.6 million career and volunteer firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, and paramedic workers serving communities all across the United States,” according to the Department of Homeland Security. Even before the creation of National First Responders Day, Americans knew how valuable and necessary they were.

First responders in 2020 and 2021

Only a few months after the first holiday, the COVID-19 pandemic would sweep the globe. First responders were the ones who stepped forward when no one else could. It is more important than ever to show support for these front-line workers, over a year into one of the greatest crises of the last decade.

According to The Associated Press, many first responders have lost their lives as a result of the pandemic. Often first on the scene, EMTs and paramedics are exposed to unique situations that increase their likelihood of contraction.

Even outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters caused destruction across the U.S., requiring firefighters and other first responders to show up in unprecedented force. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, about 90% of the land in the Western U.S. is experiencing “moderate to severe drought.”

This has led to a staggering increase in wild fires. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that 12.6 million acres of land were burned in 2020 and 2021. Firefighters from around the nation risked their lives and left their families to protect the environment and American citizens.

Beyond the pervasive fires, the U.S. has faced an increase in floods, droughts, hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes and other natural disasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s data shows that there have been 18 weather disasters in 2021, as of October 8.

Recognizing first responders

When National First Responders day was announced, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) explained the reason for the new day of recognition.

“Our first responders save countless lives every day, and many tragically pay the ultimate price in the line of duty — a sacrifice we should never forget. Designating a day to honor their service and sacrifice is the least we can do to express our gratitude,” he said in a June 7, 2019 press release.

The 116th congress wrote in the act that “During times of national crisis, first responders have consistently been a source of aid, hope, and comfort for all Americans.”

Show your support for America’s brave first responders by thanking them for their service or donating to a first responder charity. Here are a few to choose from:

• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
• NAEMT Foundation
• Responder Rescue
• Code Green Campaign

National First Responders Day is your opportunity to show gratitude and to recognize the professionals who play an important role in ensuring the safety of every American citizen.

 

October 13 marks 246 years of the United States Navy. The creation of the Navy and its history is fascinating and intertwined with America’s own story of bravery. As we approach the branch’s birthday, let’s take a moment to look back at how far the Navy has come. This year, the Navy has decided on “Resilient and Ready” as the theme of its birthday and heritage week. The theme ties into the Navy’s history of perseverance and dynamic problem-solving in times of strife.

The Continental Navy

The Navy was first created on October 13, 1775, after the Continental Congress established it at the behest of the United States Constitution. The Constitution urged Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.”

The very first, unofficial version of the “navy” consisted of two sailing vessels, each with 10 carriage guns and a few swivel guns. Each vessel was outfitted with a crew of 80 men and was set to sea to monitor communications of the British Army stationed in America. Especially at the time, this sent a clear message to the British and illustrated the fact the revolution was in full force. The British ruled the seas at the time, and their navy was one of their most prominent weapons against revolution and allowed them to colonize with relative ease.

Those first two ships eventually led to the Continental Congress asking for “a fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies”, even outside of each separate colony trying to protect themselves from the water. In Philadelphia, Congress came to the conclusion that a committee should be formed (John Langdon, Silas Deane, and John Adams) to advise on the formation of the U.S. Navy. According to the Navy, the original goals were to protect American trade and strategically intercept ships that were potentially bringing supplies to British forces.

The only branch to be established twice

After the Revolutionary War, our Navy was not a priority. In fact, it became “unestablished” because it was not used. In the 1790s, the country’s overseas trade was falling victim to raiders and thieves, which urged America to look into reestablishing the United States Navy. There was debate about whether it would be more fiscally responsible to pay the ransoms or to invest in a strong navy.

In the end, however, Congress saw the benefit of having a branch of the military to protect the coasts and the seas. On March 27, 1794, the Navy was reestablished. The first three warships that were the predecessors for the modern Navy were U.S.S. United States, U.S.S. Constellation and U.S.S. Constitution. Eventually, the Department of the Navy was established in 1798.

The modern Navy

Having undergone many iterations, the modern Navy lives by its motto “forged by the sea.” In 2019, there were 278 thousand members of the Navy and they have hundreds of massive ships and submarines with the latest technology. The United States Navy has a long history of tackling disasters and challenges head-on, and it will continue to do so with its unparalleled career opportunities and perseverance.

 

The U.S. military is constantly evaluating its strategy for security, both in the homeland and abroad. Each state in the U.S offers its own benefits to the military, either based on location, climate, or population. The northernmost part of the United States, Alaska, is no exception and provides its own unique advantages to the military. Most recently, as threats from China and Russia mount, Alaska has become a very important strategic asset to the U.S. Military.

150 years of the U.S. military in Alaska

There are nine military bases across the 104 million acres that make up Alaska. This is by no means the most military bases in one state, but each base is strategically located to optimize the benefits.

Alaska has acted as a tactical boon for the U.S., even before it became a state. President Andrew Johnson obtained Alaska for the U.S. from Russia on October 18, 1867. The military actually managed the governance of the area until Alaska became an official state on January 3, 1959.

As of 2019, there were 21,407 active duty military personnel in Alaska. The Air Force has the largest presence, making up 38% of the active duty military population there.

Alaska as a strategic location

Alaska’s climate is harsh and unforgiving, with temperatures that sink below 0° F and a climate that supports little vegetation. However, Alaska’s location makes it ideal for military occupation. When Russia sold Alaska to the United States, Japan was occupying several of the Alaskan islands because of the area’s prime location.

The state’s geography allows bases easy simultaneous access to Arctic and Indo-pacific regions. This is a unique advantage for our country because the military can easily traverse both the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a July 2021 press release that the U.S. has increased its defenses in Alaska as a result of mounting pressures from Russia and China. It is the U.S.’s closest reliable landmass to those international security threats.

Protection against homeland security threats

Defense leaders like Austin consider Alaska a key asset in the military’s ability to make its power known in both the Arctic and Indo-pacific regions.

Protective bases in Alaska increase in importance as threats from the Arctic and Asian regions continue to build.  Russia dominates most of the Arctic Circle, probably due to the fact that 25% of its GDP comes from natural resources found in the Arctic Circle, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). But Russia isn’t the only country/government bolstering its arctic activity.

China is also working towards increasing its presence in the Arctic, but it wields a significant amount of influence in Asia. According to a press release from the DoD, China is likely interested in accessing the vast and generally untapped natural resources in the Arctic which include “90 billion barrels of oil and an estimated trillion dollars’ worth of rare earth metals.” These resources are more accessible than ever before, as melting layers of permafrost expose them.

How the U.S. competes

Training has always been a key component of every branch of the military’s success, but this is especially true in Alaska where there is plenty of space for military facilities. A major one is the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, where the training of several branches converge. The facility includes 65,000 miles of airspace, 490 miles of land space with 1.5 million acres of maneuver land and 42,000 nautical miles of sea and airspace in the Gulf of Alaska.

Training is only a part of the military’s efforts to prepare active duty service members and is only a part of the DoD’s homeland security strategy. Among many other things, the U.S. plans to utilize the Alaska-based Air Force units. Defense Secretary Austin cites fifth-generation strike aircraft to integrate air and missile defense as notable examples of how Alaska is essential to the U.S. Military.

 

The terrorist attacks that occurred September 11, 2001 changed the world forever and on its anniversary, Americans take the time to remember the events of that tragic day. Officially, it is September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and is also known as Patriot Day. This is a chance to commemorate and remember those who were lost and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center.

September 11, 2021 is the 20th anniversary of the attacks. This Remembrance Day, there will be special commemorative events and individuals across the nation will pause for a moment of silence to reflect. The day is a chance to remember the attack that aimed to break America but instead brought people together and made the country stronger.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a commemorative exhibit that pays tribute to the event through education and remembrance. According to 911memorial.org, 2,977 people passed away as a result and countless more were injured or impacted in some irreversible way. The anniversary of the tragedy that was the 9/11 terrorist attacks is filled with emotion and gives an opportunity for solace.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum will be taking special measures for the 20th Anniversary Commemoration. They will be hosting a reading of lost loved ones by family members where there will be six moments of silence. The number six is significant because it acknowledges “when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck and fell and the times corresponding to the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.”

The first moment of silence will be observed at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2021 and the memorial will encourage churches to toll their bell as sign of respect and solidarity. Family members who lost someone during 9/11 are allowed free entrance to the ceremony.

The FBI and DoD nods to the holiday

Because 2021 marks two decades since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers, the FBI took the time to commemorate how the events changed the bureau. In fact, the FBI director makes it a special requirement that all new agents take the time to visit the memorial and remember the contributions that previous agents made in the focus on terrorism.

9/11 changed the way that the military and all branches of the armed forces operate. It truly changed the course of military action forever. The Department of Defense acknowledges its impact and those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom with a collection of stories from people whose lives were impacted by that terrible day 20 years ago.

Volunteer opportunities

Whether you were directly impacted by the terrorist attack, every American’s life was touched in some way. If you are unsure how to make a difference, give back, or commemorate the 20th anniversary, here are a few meaningful and easy ways to offer service to our country.

Americorps

Volunteer organization Americorps notes that 9/11 is also National Day of Service, and there is no better way to remember those who lost their lives protecting our nation than to give back to the country they were protecting. Americorps has a great search engine where you can find opportunities that are connected to 9/11.

Take the time for a brief moment of respectful silence, donate time, or commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in your own way.

 

First responders like firefighters, emergency medical professionals and police officers devote their lives to their communities. The past few years have displayed that the extreme importance of first responders can not be overstated. First responders come in the form of volunteers, part-time employees and people whose only job is serving their area.

Our nation needs firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMTs more than ever, but the reality is that there is a shortage of first responders across the country. As of 2020, 60 million Americans are unable to receive emergency help because they live in an area without assistance.

You may want to show your appreciation to the first responders in your community that come to work every day to answer emergencies, but don’t know where to start. Here are three simple ways Americans can thank a hero.

1. Offer discounts

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay for paramedics and firefighters is $17.62 per hour. The BLS mentions that their work environment is usually very difficult and that they regularly face stressful situations that are even potentially life or death.

Because of their devotion to a job that does not typically yield many monetary rewards, business owners often implement a first responder discount program. This is especially true in the hospitality industry. For example, hotels often have discounts that allow first responders to stay for a cheaper price. The following is a list of a few hotels that first responders can stay at for a discounted rate:

• Best Western: at least 10%.
• Caesars’ Palace: up to 30%.
• Marriott: up to 50%.
• Hilton: up to 25%.

If you own a small business, consider offering a first responder discount. Even something small can mean a lot to these professionals. Aside from helping them save money, it is a gesture that shows recognition of their service.

2. Donate your time or money

When people hear the term “donate,” they often only think of giving money to a charitable organization. Even though monetary donations are always welcome if possible, there are plenty of other ways to give.

Consider donating your time to a local fire department or organization as a volunteer. The shortage of first responders has nearly reached crisis level. This was true even before the international public health disaster of 2020. As a volunteer, you’d be taking some of the burden of labor off of the full-time professionals. In addition, you’ll no doubt learn skills and information that you wouldn’t have otherwise known. Learn how to become a volunteer firefighter or EMT by contacting your local departments.

3. Respect your community

Aside from acting respectfully directly to the first responders themselves, acting responsibly in your everyday life is impactful. For example, about 90% of fires are started by people. American citizens could reduce that number simply by being more aware of their surroundings and the impact of their misplaced campfire. Following fire safety best practices would certainly ease the workload of both urban and rural firefighters.

The same idea applies to driving carefully, staying home when you are sick, and generally considering the impact of your behavior. Inebriated driving is another good example of how your personal choices affect more than just yourself. Even if you would never drive drunk, it’s important to hold your friends and family to the same standard. Aside from the terrible repercussions, you’ll be avoiding using resources for something that was completely preventable.

By following safety guidelines, you are directly reducing any unnecessary burden on the already overworked first responders in your area.