Industry News

An earthquale of 7.2 magnitude caused major damage to the Imperial Irrigation District: Adam DuBrowa/FEMA  Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) have wrapped up initial meetings with 31 Public Assistance Program applicants in Imperial County, to discuss recovery needs associated with the April 4 earthquake. The meetings, called Kickoff Meetings, represent a milestone in the recovery proces...

Vibrating and flash fire alarms are helpful for deaf and hard hearing people to warn against fires Firefighters are using Deaf Awareness Week to raise awareness of specialist smoke alarms for the deaf and hard of hearing, which flash or can be wired up to vibrating pads in pillows, as well as sounding an alarm. Without a smoke alarm, deaf and hard of hearing people run the risk of dying in silence, warned London's firefighters today, ahead of Deaf Awareness Week (28 June - 4...

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...

London Fire and Emergency PlanningAuthority (LFEPA) runsthe London Fire Brigade for fire safety Mayor announces London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) membership. Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced the membership of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA), which runs the London Fire Brigade. The appointments are based on nominations provided by the London Assembly and London Councils, plus two Mayoral appointments. Cllr Brian Coleman AM F...

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...

London Fire Brigade has welcomed the Court's judgement against New Look New Look pleaded guilty to two breaches of the RRO at Southwark Crown Court on 25 November 2009 following a prosecution by the London Fire Brigade. London Fire Brigade has welcomed a decision by the Court of Appeal yesterday which gives guidance to sentencing for serious breaches of fire safety legislation. The judgment which dismissed New Look’s appeal against sentence is the first decision made b...

"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...

Sian Griffiths, one of the firefighters with exceptional contribution to the act of couragePhoto: Tim Hoy Sian Griffiths, one of the first women firefighters in the country, has been awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal (QFSM) for distinguished service in the 12th June Birthday Honors List.The Queen's Fire Service Medal is awarded by Her Majesty the Queen to those members of the fire service who have exhibited exceptional contribution and devotion to duty or acts of gall...

 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...

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...

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...

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...

Mike Anslow and Richard Brindley receive their certificates The Young Driver Improvement Scheme,  which has seen 30 young drivers aged between 17 and 25 take up the offer for advanced driver tuition at county fire stations has proved fruitful for the younger generation of drivers. A scheme to turn novice young drivers into advanced motorists in Shropshire in a bid to cut road deaths has proved a success, said the Chief Fire Officer, who is responsible for road...

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...

Brian Coleman has been reappointed as chairman of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Mayor of London Boris Johnson has reappointed Councillor Brian Coleman AM FRSA as Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. Brian Coleman said: "I will continue the work that I have started, to modernise the London Fire Brigade to bring it into the 21st Century. In these harsh economic times we will not waste taxpayer's money, but continue to provide the most eff...

The NVFC spring board meeting was held in Alexandria, VA, with 38 fire associations in attendance The Board members heard from speakers on a variety of topics from grant programmes to partnerships, to recruitment ideas. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Board of Directors heard from a wide array of distinguished speakers during its annual NVFC Spring Board Meeting in Alexandria, VA, April 27-May 1. Thirty-nine state fire associations were represented at the meeting....

London Fire Brigade stressed  the importance of fire safety measures in pubs London Fire Brigade has warned that pub owners won’t be cashing in during the world cup, if they have a fire on their premises. With thousands of people watching the world cup in pubs this summer the London Fire Brigade is urging bar owners and managers to make sure their premises are safe from fire. According to the British Beer and Pub Association the UK pub industry could be boosted by...

Awareness should be spread about preparation against hurricanes FEMA continues to work with its state, local and federal partners to increase preparedness and coordinate response against hurricanes. June 1 marked the official start of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season that runs through the end of November. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) spent the day urging American families, businesses and communities to take every possible precaution to prep...

Everyone should take steps now to help keep themselves and their family safe during a hurricane Staying informed about ever-changing conditions and instructions is critically important in any emergency. The 2010 hurricane season begins on June 1, and experts predict it will be more active than usual. With hurricane season upon us, officials from the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management urge residents to ensure that their famili...

A new study shows residential fires cause much damage to life and property  A landmark study issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shows that the size of firefighting crews has a substantial effect on the fire service's ability to protect lives and property in residential fires. Performed by a broad coalition in the scientific, firefighting and public-safety communities, the study found that four-person firefigh...

Smoke alarm donation programme can help Fire Corps to prevent fires Fire Corps teams can help by utilising the Fire Corps smoke alarm donation programme sponsored by First Alert. If smoke alarms are needed in your community, Fire Corps teams can help by utilizing the Fire Corps smoke alarm donation program sponsored by First Alert. Your registered Fire Corps program may apply for these free smoke alarms by simply filling out the Smoke Alarm Request Form. Please keep in mind t...