Current Announcements
May Fire & Life Safety Messages
Good afternoon everyone! As of today, at least 1,012 people have died in fires across the United States in 2021; of which 55 fire-related deaths occurred in New York State. Let us collectively educate and empower our customers with accurate and pertinent information so they can practice effective fire and life safety strategies TODAY & EVERYDAY!!! Here are some relevant fire and life safety messages to promote this May:
Barbecue/ Grill Safety:
May is National Barbecue Month! Warmer temperatures and Memorial Day gatherings prompt New Yorkers to get out of their kitchens and fire up their grills. Feel free to share the attached pamphlet from OFPC containing safe grilling tips.
Dryer Safety:
Spring cleaning is underway in many homes across New York State! We recommend cleaning of dryers and their exhaust vents be included in that cleaning process. Please share the attached pamphlet from NFPA containing tips on how to reduce the potential for a dryer fire in your home.
Electrical Safety:
May is also Electrical Safety Month! Check out and feel free to share the attached press release and electrical safety checklist from NFPA for information on how to reduce electrical-related fire and injuries.
Wildfire/ Outdoor Fires:
National Wildfire Awareness Month also takes place in May! Check out the following links from our friends at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for information regarding the burn ban that remains in effect until May 15th (https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/122502.html), as well as a video about camp fire safety (https://youtu.be/fPr_Xr2djuA).
Arson/ Incendiary Fires:
May 2nd – 8th is Arson Awareness Week! Check out this link from the U.S Fire Administration for information about arson awareness and response to incendiary fires during civil unrest. (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/arson-during-civil-unrest.html)
Smoke Alarms/ EDITH:
These messages should be promoted year round!!! If we fail to prevent unwanted fire, we should at least be able to detect it and react or respond as early as possible to increase our chance of survival. Feel free to share this pamphlet from OFPC that combines these basic, yet extremely important messages into one document. (http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/publications/documents/brochures/HFS-tips.pdf)
This pamphlet can be found in 10 different languages by using the following link: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/publications/index.cfm#pamphlets
Let us not forget to recognize the contributions of some of our partners in life safety this month. Be sure to show the healthcare professionals in your area some extra love and appreciation these weeks in May:
Nurses Week: May 6th – 12th – Theme: “Celebrating the Frontline Warrior”
EMS Week: May 16th – 22nd - Theme: “Caring for Our Communities”
Stay safe! Stay well!
Good afternoon everyone! As of today, at least 1,012 people have died in fires across the United States in 2021; of which 55 fire-related deaths occurred in New York State. Let us collectively educate and empower our customers with accurate and pertinent information so they can practice effective fire and life safety strategies TODAY & EVERYDAY!!! Here are some relevant fire and life safety messages to promote this May:
Barbecue/ Grill Safety:
May is National Barbecue Month! Warmer temperatures and Memorial Day gatherings prompt New Yorkers to get out of their kitchens and fire up their grills. Feel free to share the attached pamphlet from OFPC containing safe grilling tips.
Dryer Safety:
Spring cleaning is underway in many homes across New York State! We recommend cleaning of dryers and their exhaust vents be included in that cleaning process. Please share the attached pamphlet from NFPA containing tips on how to reduce the potential for a dryer fire in your home.
Electrical Safety:
May is also Electrical Safety Month! Check out and feel free to share the attached press release and electrical safety checklist from NFPA for information on how to reduce electrical-related fire and injuries.
Wildfire/ Outdoor Fires:
National Wildfire Awareness Month also takes place in May! Check out the following links from our friends at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for information regarding the burn ban that remains in effect until May 15th (https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/122502.html), as well as a video about camp fire safety (https://youtu.be/fPr_Xr2djuA).
Arson/ Incendiary Fires:
May 2nd – 8th is Arson Awareness Week! Check out this link from the U.S Fire Administration for information about arson awareness and response to incendiary fires during civil unrest. (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/arson-during-civil-unrest.html)
Smoke Alarms/ EDITH:
These messages should be promoted year round!!! If we fail to prevent unwanted fire, we should at least be able to detect it and react or respond as early as possible to increase our chance of survival. Feel free to share this pamphlet from OFPC that combines these basic, yet extremely important messages into one document. (http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/publications/documents/brochures/HFS-tips.pdf)
This pamphlet can be found in 10 different languages by using the following link: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/publications/index.cfm#pamphlets
Let us not forget to recognize the contributions of some of our partners in life safety this month. Be sure to show the healthcare professionals in your area some extra love and appreciation these weeks in May:
Nurses Week: May 6th – 12th – Theme: “Celebrating the Frontline Warrior”
EMS Week: May 16th – 22nd - Theme: “Caring for Our Communities”
Stay safe! Stay well!
Past Announcements
Guess who’s turning 70?! Although Sparky’s official birthday is March 18th, we are celebrating all month. In fact, why not make it all year long? After all, you only turn 70 once.
Click below for more details!
Click below for more details!
3/11/2021 - Wildfire safety information below
3/11/2021 - Check out these short videos from Chiefs Bill Goldfeder and Rob Wylie that discuss (Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Economic Incentives, & Emergency Response)
3/11/2021 - March Fire & Life Safety Topics
3/11/2021 - Check out these short videos from Chiefs Bill Goldfeder and Rob Wylie that discuss (Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Economic Incentives, & Emergency Response)
3/11/2021 - March Fire & Life Safety Topics
3/5/2021 - Valatie Rescue EMS Training Announcement
8/10/2020 - New York State Announces new positions for NYS Instructors for both Instructor and Skills Level positions for Columbia County
8/10/2020 - New York State Announces new positions for NYS Instructors for both Instructor and Skills Level positions for Columbia County
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
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
4/6/2020 - 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.
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.
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!
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!