Lack Critical Resources (NAPS)—Here’s a statistic that maysurprise you: A fire breaks out in a homeor business every 45 seconds in the U.S. During these emergencies, communities count on their fire departments to provide critical lifesaving services. Firefighters, however, also respond to critical medical emer- gencies and naturaldisasters, pre- pare for the unexpected calamity and offer critical education and fire prevention. Unfortunately, budget constraints are forcing many fire departments to scale back,or even eliminate, lifesaving equipment, critical education programs and personnel. In a recent survey of fire chiefs conducted by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (FFIC), nearly one-third said their current budg- ets don’t cover their core needs fully. More importantly, 62 percent believe this shortfall hurts the ability to protect their communities. “Fire and emergencies occur every day and a lack of resources simply costs lives,” contends Fire Chief David Wall of Morrow, Ga. “Both financial and community support are crucial for fire departments to ensure that they have the most up-to-date equipment, tech- nology and training to keep communities safe.” Manyfirefighters rely increasingly on fundraising and donations. Corporate public-private partnerships such as Fireman’s Fund Heritage™, which provides grants to fire departments in the communities where the company does business, are beginning to provide underfunded fire departments with the resources and equipmentthey need. Whenasked what resources they would add with adequate funds,fire WhatFirefighters Say They Need 30% said budgets do not cover core needs. 19% said lack of budget affected ability to protect community. 47% wantsupport in the form of homes kept of fire hazards. * 39% said new trucks and Thermal Imaging Cameras were needed. SOURCE:Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company 2004 Survey ofFire Chiefs chiefs most frequently identified firefighter training, in-school educa- tion, community fire-prevention programs and better equipment. Chief Wall says citizens can help thefire department by taking an active role in fire prevention. FFIC has joined forces with the Burn Institute, a non-profit health agency that seeks to reduce burn injuries and deaths through fire and burn-prevention education, to create new ways to help families learn about fire and burn prevention. These include an interactive home-escape plan that parents can create online and a kid-friendly quiz to teach children about fire and burn pre- vention. Both tools are available on the organization’s Web site, www.burninstitute.org. Darryl Siry, executive director of Fireman’s Fund Heritage, emphasizes the necessity to support fire- fighters: “It is clear the core needsof firefighters aren’t being met in many communities. It’s our responsibility to assist our firefighters by ensuringtheir safety and the safety of our communities.”
