United States of America (USA) Fire Industry News

Scores of volunteers cutting tree limbs, removing debris, cleaning mold from flooded homes, and giving comfort With the support of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Kentucky volunteers use every method possible to identify people who need a hand-up to start them back on the road to recovery. In the first days after the May storms raged through Kentucky, the television images were dramatic and heart-breaking: scores of volunteers cutting tree li...

Fireworks with safety and precautionsadds more spark and funto the occasion FEMA and USFA warned that careless handling of fireworks and outdoor grills can spoil parties and picnic so, follow the safety tips to enjoy the occassion. Weather forecasts are mixed in the Pacific Northwest for this year’s Fourth of July observances, but however the weather turns out, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warn that careless hand...

Spend some time each day giving each child your undivided attention, even if just for a few minutes Children's caregivers should be alert to signs of trouble and how to handle them. It's important for parents and guardians to keep in mind that children can be particularly vulnerable to stress as a result of the May severe storms and flooding. "Children may suffer from anxiety because of disaster losses and the upheaval of family life," said Debborah Arnold, Executive Directo...

 This course will present scenarios requiring responders to structure their EMS resources within the guidance of NIMS ICS Student recruitment for Emergency Medical Services: Functions in Incident Command System – P166. The United States Fire Administration (USFA), Department of Homeland Security, is conducting a pilot course at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland for the newly developed 2-day course Emergency Medical Services: Fun...

Ignore rumors and recover soon with the help of disaster assistance programPhoto: Patsy Lynch/FEMA Nothing travels faster than a rumor, but rumors and misunderstandings can block your path to getting the help you need to recover from the early May storms. With less than a month left to register for help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants you to have the right information about the many disaster assistance programs available to help you get back on the r...

FLAME-SIM simulation software helps firefighters train effectively The City of Allen Fire Department (AFD) in Allen, TX received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Innovation from The Alliance for Innovation which they received at the Transforming Local Government Conference in Las Vegas on June 3, 2010. AFD received the award for their use of virtual emergency command training for operational readiness. The virtual emergency command training in place at The Allen Fire D...

"The grant-funded projects will strengthen community preparedness and emergency response capabilities."  America's firefighters play a critical role in disaster prevention and response. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced more than $11.9 million in Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) - designed to support the nation's first responders while creating jobs and sti...

 Illinois will become the 13th state to ban sales of novelty lighters to prevent fire accidents A woman in Ash Flat, AR, shot and killed herself with a Derringer pistol that she apparently thought was a cigarette lighter.On May 28, the Illinois legislature passed House Bill 5139, the Retail Sale and Distribution of Novelty Lighters Prohibition Act, which imposes fines of up to $500 on store owners who sell novelty cigarette lighters. According to the United States Fi...

Development of the fire industry guide was supported by VFIS and Provident Agency The National Fire Service Resource Guide covers topics like health & safety, fire service awards, governance etc. The National Fire Service Resource Guide is a one-stop reference source designed to provide fire and EMS departments with quick information regarding topics of importance to the fire and emergency services. The guide includes a compilation of available resources and tools t...

          Thunderstorm over Toronto            Photo: John R. Southern Lightening accounts for more average deaths per year than tornado. The full last week of June, National Lightening Safety Awareness Week not only helps get safety messages out in time for the Fourth of July, but also signals summer as lightening season. Outside is the most dangerous place...

Top service technician Jason Kleman shows excellence at 2010 Navistar Rodeo Jason Kleman of Mid-State Truck Service Inc (Plover, Wis.) took top honors at the fourth annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo, where he beat ten other commercial truck service technicians to be crowned “Top Service Technician.”The rodeo, held at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, Ill., featured the top eleven service technicians from International® dealers...

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) introduced the College Fire Prevention Act On May 19, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2136, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act, by a voice vote. The bill, which is supported by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), was introduced on April 28, 2009, by Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH).H.R. 2136 is named for Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a Congresswoman from Cleveland, OH, and the original sponsor of the College...

The USDA funding is a one-time opportunity Utilizing ARRA funding, USDA has developed a special vehicle and equipment initiative for rural communities that has $600 million available nationwide. Through its Community Facilities Program, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided assistance to rural communities and services, including fire and EMS for the past three decades. In recent years the amount of funding available through this program has remained...

The NVFC endorses proposed NFPA Standard on Professional Qualifications for Emergency Responders on Roadways The creation of the proposed standard, and subsequent adoption of that standard by local fire and emergency services agencies, will lead to a reduction in injuries and deaths. On May 17, National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg sent a letter to the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Codes and Standards Administration expressing...

NVFC resource will help people to check out for proper resources in the time catastrophes The NVFC created the resource center to help communities tackle and overcome aftermaths of hurricane disasters. Hurricane season is from June 1-November 30, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be active to extremely active. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) wants to help communities be ready...

'Fit for duty' is the theme of safety week which would be held between June 20 and 26  Safety Week's Fit for Duty theme will cover a variety of topics that are extremely important to all fire fighters and EMS personnel. This year's Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week also known as Safety Week—runs June 20-26. Sponsored by the IAFC and the IAFF, and in partnership with other national fire service organizations, the theme for this year's event is Fit for Duty...

The Belleville Wisconsin Volunteer Firefighters The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) created the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund to help volunteer first responders in the aftermath of devastating events. Over the past few months, many areas in the U.S. have been affected by severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, and other natural disasters. Many communities rely on volunteer first responders when natural disasters such as these strike. However, often the homes and...

The firefighter program will cover topics like youth leadership, the future in fire service and youth activities National Junior Firefighter Academy courses are limited to 75 junior firefighters and 50 program advisors. The National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program has partnered with Firehouse Expo, Spartan Motors, Inc., and California Casualty to provide two courses targeted for junior firefighters and junior firefighter program advis...

Proper emergency management and communication plan helps in overcoming catastrophic situations State and Federal emergency management professionals encourage individuals and families to be ready in case there is an emergency. Every one should have a plan, know what to do and when to do it during an emergency and have a fully equipped emergency supply kit packed and ready to go. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and family members for the first 72 hours that...

The new CSB video is entitled "Dangers of Hot Work" Hot work is defined as burning, welding, or similar spark-producing operations that can ignite fires or explosions. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today released a 14-minute safety video warning of the hazards of welding and other hot work activities in and around Storage Tanks containing flammable materials. Entitled “Dangers of Hot Work,” the video presents key lessons from the CSB’s hot work...

Eligible programs include auxiliaries, junior firefighter programs, and other non-emergency support programs     Nominate an outstanding Fire Corps program for the 2010 Fire Corps Award of Excellence. The award, which is sponsored by the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) and Fire Protection Publications, honors a Fire Corps program whose remarkable achievements in the fire and emergency services and the community exemplify outstanding...

Safety, Health and Survival Week is in partnership with more than 20 national fire service organizations Safety Week’s Fit for Duty theme will cover a variety of topics that are extremely important to all firefighters and EMS personnel.The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have announced the theme for the 2010 Safety, Health and Survival Week (Safety Week): Fit for Duty. Safety Week, which w...

Grants have been used to fund turn-out gear, extrication equipment, water pumps, hoses and nozzles The application period for the 2010 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade™ grant program is now open. Fire departments located in communities that have a Georgia-Pacific facility are eligible to apply for a grant to help purchase needed gear and equipment. The deadline for applications is August 9.The Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade is a national program that recognizes firefig...

Family and friends are a big support for children affected by disasters and catstrophes  Children can be especially vulnerable to stress following a disaster, such as the severe storms and record-setting flooding between April 30 and May 18. Of the 61,375 households that have registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to date, nearly a third include children younger than 18. Preschoolers, children and teenagers who witnessed their home being damaged o...

ICC Awards will be presented at ICC Annual Conference 2010 at Charlotte, NC ICC Awards will be presented in five categories to honor individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and service to ICC. The International Code Council (ICC) is now accepting nominations for the ICC Awards, which will be presented at the 2010 ICC Annual Conference on October 25–28 in Charlotte, NC. Nominations must be received by June 15. ICC Awards will be presented in five categor...

Safety guidelines should be adhered while using fireworks In 2008, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. Every year in the United States, Fourth of July is celebrated with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks - the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public display...

CSB meeting is free and open to the public so they can get a complete know how of chemical accidents The Sunshine Act Meeting will be held on June 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Prince Edward Ballroom, Saint Clements Castle, Portland, Connecticut.  In connection with its investigation into the natural gas explosion that occurred at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown, Connecticut, the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) announces that i...

FireVu provides next generation of smoke detection technology The FireVu units adopted for the iconic Palm Jumeirah are the latest and most capable incarnation of D-Tec's VSD technology. D-Tec - part of AD Group - announces that its partner in the Middle East region, BSS-ME, has supplied, tested, and commissioned seven advanced IP-based, NetVu Connected, FireVu units to provide a state-of-the-art CCTV-based VSD (Video Smoke Detection) solution for the main tunnel at the famou...

The Labor-Management Initiative Conference will be held between 20 and 21 January, 2011, Phoenix An education program is being planned for the 2011 LMI conference. The International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters are currently planning the education program for the 2011 Labor-Management Initiative (LMI) Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., on January 20-21, 2011. Mark your calendar now and make plans to attend this unique networking an...

Navistar International Corporation is a world leader in vehicle manufacturing In a head-to-head, hands-on test of their technical skill and speed, eleven of the top service technicians in the international dealer network will compete to determine who is the best of the best at the fourth annual Navistar Service-Technician Rodeo on June 8, 2010. To test their skills in key areas of commercial truck and engine service, International dealer technicians from across North Am...