Fire/Emergency Response News
Don’t Blow It! Hurricane Preparedness Starts with You!
It’s that time of year again! The 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. ...
New Government Safety Data Initiative Promises Insight into Nation's Public Safety Activities
The White House Office of Science and Technology has launched Safety.Data.Gov, a new government initiative that aims to provide better access to federal safety data and foster innovative ideas that could impact public safety...
Americans Reveal Their Post-9/11 Public Safety Concerns
A decade after 9/11, half of Americans now feel less safe in their day-to-day lives, and 52 percent believe attention to emergency preparedness is no greater now than it was in 2001, according to Federal Signal's 2011 public safety survey...
911 Dispatchers Suffer PTSD Symptoms From Indirect Exposure to Traumatic Events
A new study by researchers at Northern Illinois University suggests that the on-the-job, indirect exposure to trauma puts 911 dispatchers at risk for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ...
Report: United States Not Prepared for Fukushima-Like Emergency
On March 11, 2011, a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan spelled disaster for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Now, a new report examining the United States' readiness for a similar nuclear crisis asserts that the nation "has not developed the capability to inform and direct emergency personnel and the public in real time during an unfolding severe event"...
West Virginia Mine Agency Releases Upper Big Branch Report
Following a 20-month investigation, the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training (WVOMHS&T) issued 253 violations and released a report surrounding the fatal April 5, 2010, explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) Mine...
Putting the "Health" in International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week
With a theme of "Rules You Can Live By," the 2012 International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, a collaborative effort held June 17-23, sets out to reinforce the connection between health and safety...
CSB Provides Update on Safety Progress 5 Years After Little General Propane Explosion
Five years ago on Jan. 30, a propone explosion at the Little General convenience store in Ghent, W.Va., killed four people and injured six others. To mark the anniversary of this tragic event, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) provided an update on the board's recommendations, which were issued to improve propane technician training and emergency response efforts...
Going Online to Track the Flu
Hospitals may have a new tool at their disposable to better anticipate flu cases in their area. It's simple, it's free, and it's something many Americans use every day. In fact, you might have used it to find this article. Give up? It's Google...
CSB: Dust Control, Housekeeping Failures Led to Fatal Hoeganaes Explosions
On Jan. 5, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a report on the three deadly fires and explosions that occurred at a Hoeganaes Corp. plant in Gallatin, Tenn., in 2011. The report asserts that the accumulation of fine iron powder in the facility led to the explosions, and that Hoeganaes did not take necessary action to prevent these fatal events. CSB also used its report to highlight the need for an OSHA standard on combustible dust...
CSB Calls For Hazardous Waste Facility Safety Standard
On Dec. 17, a chemical fire at an Ohio hazardous waste facility fatally injured one worker and severely burned another. In the aftermath of this incident, U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso highlighted the importance of creating a national fire code for hazardous waste facilities...
New NIOSH Report Details Deepwater Horizon Responder Demographics
When the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20, 2010, thousands of on- and off-shore workers responded to assist with cleanup duties. In a new report, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released demographic information regarding these response workers, including job responsibilities, use of personal protective equipment, distribution of workers and more...
Idaho Miners Safely Evacuated Following Underground Rock Burst
Hear that? A group of miners was able to let out a sigh of relief when they were safely evacuated from the Lucky Friday mine near Mullan, Idaho, on Dec. 14...
9/11 Responders Suffer Asthma Rates Twice as High as the General Population
The first responders who were on the scene at the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, face asthma rates that double those of the general population, according to new research...
Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
As we move closer to winter and home fires begin to increase, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are reminding individuals and communities that fire safety awareness and efforts especially are important in the coming months. To support this effort, the USFA and NFPA are sponsoring a special initiative – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – to help get the word out about home fire safety...
Are "Cybugs" the Next-Generation Responder?
In the future, some of our first responders might be insects decked out with high-tech communications equipment. New research is investigating the possibility of sending insects wearing cameras and microphones into dangerous environments to gather information in lieu of putting human first responders at risk...
With Support, Police Officers Can Fend Off PTSD
There's no question that members of the police force face traumatic events in the line of duty. According to a new study, however, their work does not necessarily translate to an increased likelihood of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if they receive appropriate support...
How Should Natural Disaster Survivors Approach Thanksgiving?
2011 was one of the deadliest years for natural disasters in the United States since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. From blizzards to floods to tornadoes, hundreds of people across the country lost their lives. Now, with Thanksgiving approaching, how should the survivors of these disasters approach a holiday based on gratitude?...
9/11 Responders May Face Increased Risk of Dangerous Artery Plaque
Researchers have uncovered a possible link to an increased risk of atherosclerosis – plaque in arteries – among the first responders in New York City who were exposed to the initial dust cloud on 9/11...
Federal Agencies Address Emergency Information Dissemination in the Age of Social Media
When you need important – perhaps even life-or-death – information, you want it now. And with Twitter and smartphones, you probably assume such instant communication should be possible. In response to this evolution in the way we communicate, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) are working to modernize the dissemination of national warnings and alerts...
Putting Out Fires: Oct. 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week
Fire – including smoke – ranks as the sixth leading cause of unintentional death, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). To help raise awareness and keep people safe and prepared, NSC is promoting National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 9-15...
HEROES Act Aims to Help First Responders Comply with Communications Upgrade
The Help Emergency Responders Operate Emergency Systems (HEROES) Act, introduced into Congress Sept. 20 in a bipartisan effort, aims to help first responders comply with a federal mandate requiring them to update their communications equipment – without relying solely on local taxpayers’ wallets...
Be Ready: Preparing Your Business for a Disaster
In an effort to promote disaster preparedness during National Preparedness Month this September, Grainger and the American Red Cross offer some tips to help ensure businesses are ready to respond to an emergency event or disaster...
A Time to Remember, a Time to Prepare: September is National Preparedness Month
This September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is supporting the eighth annual National Preparedness Month to raise awareness and help individuals, communities and businesses prepare for disasters...
The Sound of Silence: 10 Years After 9/11
With Sunday marking the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, individuals, communities and organizations across the nation and the world are preparing to participate in remembrances and memorials...
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