News
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.”
These B.E.S.T. practices are:
- Behavior
- Operate all emergency apparatus and privately owned vehicles to conform to the highest road safety standards and enforce the use of seatbelts.
- Develop, practice, and enforce recommended health and safety standards for all personnel.
- Monitor and ensure that all active emergency scenes maintain the utmost level of safety and fireground accountability.
- Support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all personnel.
- Equipment
- Provide and require the proper use of full personal protective equipment.
- Maintain all equipment based on established safety recommendations.
- Standards
- Encourage the use of all smoke, fire detection, and fire suppression devices to include fire sprinkler systems in all structures.
- Vigorously enforce all fire safety codes and ordinances.
- Obtain apparatus and equipment that meet national safety standards.
- Training
- Utilize fire training programs that conform to the highest professional standards.
- Operate a safe fire training ground at all times.
- Establish, maintain, and deliver fire safety programs for all age groups.
Learn more about the Health and Safety Committee. Stay tuned to www.nvfc.org for more information about all NVFC initiatives.
Search
Kimberly Ettinger
Director of Communications
202-887-5700 ext. 19
David Finger
Director of Government Relations
202-887-5700 ext. 12