NVFC E-update Feb 24, 2009

 

 

Februay 24, 2009 In this issue: National Junior Firefighter Program Scholarship Application Period Now Open Several States Considering Novelty Lighter Bans Fireman's Fund Insurance Company Launches Nationwide Fire Service Survey NVFC Releases Updated Vehicle Safety Resource NVFC Establishes "Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities" Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1 Children's Fire Safety Web Sites Launched Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Calendar of Events   National Junior Firefighter Program Scholarship Application Period Now Open The application period for the 2009 National Junior Firefighter Program scholarships, sponsored by Baskin-Robbins®, is now open. Ten $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to junior firefighters nationwide who demonstrate commitment and dedication to their local junior firefighter program and the fire service. The application and criteria for the competitive scholarships are available on the NVFC web site at www.nvfc.org/juniors. Applications must be received by 5pm EDT on May 15. Read full article. Several States Considering Novelty Lighter Bans With the 2009 legislative session underway in states across the nation, awareness of the dangers presented by novelty lighters continues to gain traction in state legislatures. Toy-like or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the country. Children are especially at risk because they are attracted to novelty lighters thinking they are toys. Tennessee and Maine are the only states that have passed laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of novelty lighters. However, new laws are being considered all over the nation, including in Oregon where legislation has passed the State House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law by the Governor in the near future. Read full article. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company Launches Nationwide Fire Service Survey After hearing from fire departments across the country facing increased budget challenges, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is sponsoring an online survey to gather data on the challenges faced by fire departments in different regions of the country. The result will be a comprehensive snapshot of today's fire service, providing detailed insight and showing trends. Read full article. NVFC Releases Updated Vehicle Safety Resource An updated version of the Emergency Vehicle Safe Operations for Volunteer and Small Combination Emergency Service Organizations is now available on the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) web site. Download this valuable resource for free at www.nvfc.org. Read full article. NVFC Establishes "Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities" The NVFC has always been active in promoting and implementing initiatives to keep first responders healthy and safe. In the spring of 2008, the NVFC created a Health and Safety Committee to further the NVFC's focus on protecting first responders by providing insight on issues and policies relating to the health and safety of volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. To more effectively address the health and safety issues impacting the volunteer fire service, the Committee established the "Volunteer Firefighter Health and Safety Priorities." Read full article. Check Out the Latest News from FireRescue1 Firefighting news from Fireground Tactics: Pre-Fire Planning By FireRescue1 Columnist Michael Lee The number of fatalities involving firefighters trapped in burning structures has essentially remained consistent over the past decade. To reduce these figures, we must become and remain aware of the total fireground environment — and not just the fact that fire is visible on scene. Read more... Related Post on The Kitchen Table: It's more than just size-up Firefighting Videos Study Focuses on Safe Crew Sizes Airbag Hits Firefighter Children's Fire Safety Web Sites Launched Two children's fire safety websites have been launched for children and their caregivers by Fire Safety Educator Dayna Hilton. The Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog and Firefighter Dayna® websites are designed to share valuable fire safety tips in a fun and interactive way. Read full article. Support Those Who Support the Voice of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services The NVFC relies on the assistance of its corporate and association partners to be able to provide a voice for the volunteer fire and emergency services in Washington. We encourage you to look at a list of our Corporate Members and support them with your business.   Calendar of Events View a listing of events the NVFC is attending as well as additional dates the NVFC would like to recognize. Join the NVFC and support the voice of the volunteer. Find out more and join online at www.nvfc.org.