WhenDisasters Strike, You Can Be Part Of The Solution i) Americans from all backgrounds have discovered they can help others, learn new skills and feel good about themselves by volunteering to be first responders. (NAPSA)—Every 24 seconds, somewhere in America, a fire department respondsto fire andfirefighters are on the job, saving life and property. What many people maynotrealize is that most ofthesefirefighters are volunteers. Seven out of 10 firefighters and emergencyrespondersare volunteers, protectingtheir communities from a variety of hazards and saving taxpayers nationwide an estimated $140 billion a year. They come from all backgrounds, professions, ages, genders, races and ethnicities. The Problem Many local departments are struggling to meet staffing needs. Call volumehastripled in the last 30 years as fire departments’ roles in communities continue to expand, making the need for volunteers greater than ever. Yet many community members are unaware of this need. A survey by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) found 41 percent ofrespondents did not know that their department used volunteers and 79 percent did not know their department was looking for more volunteers. An Answer Volunteering in the fire service provides a unique way for people to give back to the community while developing skills and experience that can contribute greatly to many aspects of their personal and professionallife. It also provides camaraderie, a sense of purpose, and community impact to those whoserve in this extraordinary way. New recruits are trained by the department. Skills to learn vary based on the department’s response requirements, but training may cover a wide array of emergency situations such as fires, emergency medical incidents, terrorist events, natural disasters, haz- ardous materials incidents and other public service calls. Certain departments may have specific requirements, such as a high schooldegree, a physical and a background check, but when it comes downto it, volunteeringas a first responderis all about having the heart and drive to make a difference whereit’s needed most. Learn More For further information andto find a fire service volunteer opportunity,visit www. MakeMeAFirefighter.org.
