Fire service personnel, as well as their partners in EMS, law enforcement and dispatch, are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Fire service associations, membership organizations and unions have stepped up to serve the specific needs of the fire service during this national emergency by providing an array of useful resources and action items.
Use this directory to access websites, webinars and other resources from key organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
We will continue to update this list as more fire service organizations share COVID-19 resources that can be of aid to the FireRescue1 community.
Congressional Fire Services Institute: Coronavirus Resource Page
CFSI shares links to information from federal agencies that may be useful to the fire and emergency services, including resources from the U.S. Fire Administration, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
IAFC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information & Tools for Fire & EMS Chiefs
The IAFC resource page includes two dashboards, updated daily, on the Fire & EMS Impact and PPE availability. The IAFC site also includes links to its weekly webinars, PPE decontamination recommendations, and guide for planning a response.
IAFF: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources
The IAFF offers pandemic news, information about the disease and appropriate PPE, policies and procedures, FAQs, videos and infographics, including an IAFF member COVID-19 tracking map.
International Public Safety Association: COVID-19 and CDC Resources
The IPSA resource page includes a survey about how COVID-19 is impacting organizations; resources and FAQ from the CDC; and links to other agency resources, such as FEMA, WHO, IAFC and Johns Hopkins.
International Public Safety Data Institute: Firefighter Exposure Tracker
The IPSDI offers the NFORS Firefighter Exposure Tracker so firefighters can document their physical and behavioral health exposures during their career, while supporting national research that improves the fire service.
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine: Coronavirus Resource Center
Johns Hopkins experts in global public health, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness have been at the forefront of the international response to COVID-19.
This website is a resource to help advance the understanding of the virus, inform the public and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care and save lives.
NFFF: NFFF Connect
NFFF Connect shares resources, workshops and timely information to help both firefighters and Fire Hero Families stay connected and well during the pandemic. Resources include fact sheets on coping and tips for talking to children during difficult times.
CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Coronavirus Disease-2019
NIOSH highlights resources available for the protection of workers, including healthcare and public safety. The site provides PPE resources focused on N95 respirators, fit testing and a burn rate calculator; OSHA resources related to respiratory protection; and guidance on reducing risks associated with long work hours.
National Volunteer Fire Council: COVID-19 Information and Resources for Emergency Responders
The NVFC shares information and resources from various federal agencies and other sources that are relevant to emergency responders. Some action items include the NVFC Legislative Action Center and stress-focused webinars.
NFPA: NFPA Responds to the Coronavirus
NFPA offers a variety of resources to help prepare for, develop or update continuity plans, as well as protect those who may be vulnerable or exposed to this infectious disease. The association is also offering free access to its codes and standards to the public.
Resources and support from industry suppliers
Many of the companies that sell products and services to the fire service have launched new products, made in-kind or monetary donations or offered their products at no cost during the pandemic. In addition, these companies have compiled data, resources or advocacy for the fire service during the COVID-19 national emergency. A few of those organizations include:
- First Due, a pre-incident planning, mobile response, and community engagement platform, released Community Connect for COVID-19 no-cost portal to help departments track and manage COVID-19 and high-risk occupant data.
- Bridger Aerospace, a Montana-based aerial firefighting company, has volunteered its aircraft, resources and services to help public health authorities and emergency services with the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Drone-maker DJI activated its Disaster Relief Program, which mobilizes the resources of DJI and its network to equip qualified fire and rescue services with equipment and support through product donations, extended loan programs, priority service and expedited repairs and product training.
If your business or association is supporting the fire service response to COVID-19, please email editor@firerescue1.com to share how you are assisting and supporting firefighters, fire officers and fire chiefs.
