Fire Policies
Policies are the foundation for all operations in the fire service. From apparatus backing to anti-retaliation, policies set expectations, provide guidance, and protect firefighters and fire departments. This section highlights how fire department policies play out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
The Microsoft/CrowdStrike failure exposed glaring vulnerabilities to our systems and now serves as a critical reminder to train on contingency plans
Many apparatus crashes could be prevented through simple process improvements and mechanical checks
It is sometimes difficult to know what equipment, training and miscellaneous expenses our agencies should cover
What is your experience on this risky subject?
What happened at the recent NFPA technical meeting – and what does it mean for firefighters?
Where do you land on the hot button issue?
Regular training helps agencies ensure their personnel are not only compliant but also prepared to handle the complexities of their roles
The East Franklin Fire Department has until June 30 to sign a contract or turn in gear and cease operations
Reflecting on OSHA requirements and the position paper that has everyone talking
Every little thing counts, whether related to equipment, operations, or communication
Without good policies to provide guidance, your department will never be fully effective as an organization
What are the rules for discipline at the chief officer level?
Orange County Fire Authority’s Organizational Doctrine became a North Star for the agency
A three-step roadmap for cultural transformation
The FDIC education director urged firefighters to become “revolutionaries” who don’t watch from the outside but rather make change from within fire service institutions
While it can be useful and effective, social media is not always simple
Carroll County Fire & EMS had file cabinets with outdated information before they began using software from Lexipol
The FirstNet Health and Wellness Coalition leads efforts to enhance first responder mental wellness through comprehensive strategies and policy changes
Fire departments and individual members can take several measures to make cold weather operations safer and more comfortable
We want firefighters who are willing to take risks, even if that means the occasional fail
Well-crafted fire policies are in the best interest of your department and will help reduce risks to the organization and its members
The more we get jammed up, the more we lose organizational trust, public trust ... and insurance coverage
No loss of time due to an injury from falling out of your rig is acceptable, and certainly not a loss of life
NIOSH reports are a good place to start when making your case
When good people get involved in high risk, low-frequency events, you are much more likely to make a mistake; ongoing training is key
If you don’t believe public safety personnel should be held to a higher standard, please go back to class
A well-written strategic plan will provide awareness of what’s going on in your specific environment
