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Your local volunteer fire department needs you;
here's how to help
Sam Ruland, York Daily RecordPublished 6:33 p.m. ET March 5, 2019
You don't have to run into burning buildings to be a hero.
Pennsylvania, home of the first volunteer fire department, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736,
now faces a crisis as the number of volunteers continues to fall amid funding needs and training challenges.
So how can you help?
1. Join the fire department
The duties of firefighters have shifted over the years. They are regularly dispatched for water rescues,
vehicular accidents, hazardous material spills, drug overdoses, and natural disasters.
So there are more calls coming in, and fewer people to respond to them.
Volunteer opportunities in your area are listed on makemeafirefighter.org.
And fire departments have tasks that don't involve fighting fires. That could including
2. Donate to your local department
Donations are always welcome.
Training costs have increased greatly since the 1980s, and if a volunteer company is unable to front the costs,
recruits may have to pay their own way. This means that for the most basic gear, a volunteer could face a $4500.00 expense.
Fundraising now takes up to 60 percent of a volunteer firefighter’s time.
Donations don't always have to be money either. Fire departments often are in need of other supplies such as:
3. Attend fundraising events
Attending a fundraising event organized by your local fire department is technically another way of donating, but you're getting something in return.
Fire departments often put a lot of time and effort into these events, and the proceeds go toward the fire department's expenses and needs.
For years, departments were able to rely on benefit auctions, carnivals, community bingo and raffles to cover costs. But now, with equipment prices rising and fewer volunteers to organize such functions, it’s barely enough to get by. They need all the support they can get.
Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years
Practice Fire Safety Drills at Home 2 Ways In & 2 Ways Out
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L & L What's Happening
Heating Your Home Safely!
Did you know?
Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of the year!
Follow these heating tips to help prevent winter fires and to stay safe this winter season:
o Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
o Never use an oven to heat your home.
o Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
o Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
Please DO NOT Run Generators inside your Home or Business.