Current Announcements
10/28/2020 - New York State OFPC  - November Fire & Life Safety Education Resources
​8/10/2020 -  New York State Announces new positions for  NYS Instructors for both Instructor                                         and Skills Level positions for Columbia County

Past Announcements

Updated - 8/13/2020
Out of County ** NEW OVERDOSE SPIKE ALERT ISSUED **
8/10/2020 -  New York State Announces new positions for  NYS Instructors for both Instructor                                         and Skills Level positions for Columbia County
8/4/2020  - Recent Overdose  Spikes in Columbia County (click here for details)
6/4/2020 - NFPA announces
                                           “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”
                                             as theme for Fire Prevention Week 2020, October 4-10,
                                              as cooking remains leading cause of home fires
4/17/2020 -  Latest DOH guidance for EMS/Fire/Police what to where and when
                                                             DOH and EMS  guidance as to what levels of PPE should be worn during different response events.
  Cardiac Care for the Living  (you Tube Video)
4/16/2020 - Department of Health Guidance revised 4/14/2020
                                             Interim guidance for fire service agencies to limit potential exposure to COVID-19
4/16/2020 - Residents in need of emotional, mental health, spiritual and/or logistical support                                             during the COVID outbreak
4/7/2020 - Department of Health Guidance revised 4/6/2020
                                             Interim guidance for fire service agencies to limit potential exposure to COVID-19
4/6/2020 - Latest Guidance from NYS DOH & OFPC for  COVID-19 
                                                   The latest guidance from NYS DOH and OFPC regarding COVID-19 for the fire service and guidance for returning to service should                                                              there be confirmed cases in your department. 
4/6/2020 - NYS OFPC Training Suspended
                                                  NYS OFPC suspends all training sessions until May 3, 2020.
- DEC - Controlled Burn Information
- Control Burn Considerations & Recommendations
Information from Center for Disease Control regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Prevention
As a best practice for overall health in cold and influenza season, the CDC recommends that individuals receive the influenza vaccination and engage in everyday, preventative measures to prevent the spread of germs and avoid illness, such as:
·        Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
·        Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
·        Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
·        Stay home when you are sick.
·        Cover your cough or sneeze with the crease of your elbow.
·        Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
·        Take any anti-viral medication prescribed to you as instructed by your physician.
More Information
If you or a family member start showing symptoms of a respiratory disease and suspect it may be COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Before going to your healthcare provider’s office, or the hospital emergency room, inform them that you may be a suspect case for COVID-19, and follow their advice.
For more information, consider consulting these additional resources:
1.     Novel Coronavirus (NYS Department of Health)
2.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
3.     Information for Travel (CDC)
4.     FAQ for Travelers (CDC)
5.     Prevention & Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
6.     Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Frequently Asked Questions – Prevention
In addition, New York has established a Novel Coronavirus Hotline, which can provide additional information. Call 1-888-364-3065 with questions or concerns about travel and symptoms. Updates from these sources can help to keep you and others healthy!