The NVFC created a survey to better understand the experiences of volunteer and combination fire, EMS, and rescue departments dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and related social distancing measures.
NVFC encourages all to take the survey weekly so they can track changing needs and challenges.
First Responders Children
The First Responders Children’s Foundation is providing financial support to first responder families who are enduring financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak. First responders, including volunteer firefighters and EMS providers, can apply for $1,000 grants to help offset the financial impact to their families caused by COVID-19.
Other areas of assistance include funeral expenses for first responders who have died of COVID-19, community grants to public safety agencies affected by COVID-19, and college scholarships for children of first responders who have died or are disabled.
Warnings About Counterfeit Respirators
On April 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued warnings about fraudulent respirators and personal protective equipment that have entered the supply chain.
DHS Science and Technology Office Seeking Feedback on Operational Impacts of COVID-19. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Science and Technology has created a survey to measure the impacts on emergency response operations related to COVID-19. The survey will be distributed every 4-6 weeks, and responses to the first iteration of the survey are due by April 30.
First Responders Peer-to-Peer App
This is a difficult time for many first responders, and it is important to be able to connect with others who know what one is going through. The All Clear Foundation is currently providing subscription-free access to their ResponderRel8 app. Through the app, first responders can connect directly and anonymously with colleagues to share information, stressors, or experiences.