ALL VOLUNTEER • STATE COLLEGE PA
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) recently shared a simple but important reminder video about an additional step we can all take should we need to call 911 or reach out to first responders during this critical stay-at-home stage in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
The gist? Even though an emergency call is an extreme moment—remember to share the current health status of individuals in extremis with first responders.
By now you’ve likely thought it all through when it comes to the idea of social distancing—the less we are in contact with one another, the less chance we have of spreading a virus that does not always immediately present itself with symptoms.
We know this can be stressful and hard—and during an emergency call, even harder to remember. Here’s why it’s so important. Your first responders WILL be there for you no matter what. But like with every emergency call, we need to be as fully prepared as possible to vigorously respond to the emergency.
That includes each one of us being able to take the necessary precautions to minimize exposure to COVID-19 with proper personal protective equipment in addition to all the remarkable gear we wear head to toe.
This expression originated as a Latin proverb, Praemonitus, praemunitus, which was translated into English in the early 1500’s. Essentially it means what you know in advance prepares you for what’s coming. With that in mind, we’ve tried to assemble coronavirus resources for you that are updated daily by state and federal officials. These are worthy of bookmarks in your browser—and can help you better understand the challenges we all face during this trying time for all of us.
RESOURCES:
National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Coronavirus Resources
PA Department of Health Coronavirus Resources
CDC Coronavirus Self Check Tool
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Rumor Control
A New Recruitment Period for Alpha Volunteer Firefighters Is Coming Up. And We Need You.
And the Alpha Volunteer Fire Police need you. Be on the lookout for recruitment details in a future article and keep your eyes peeled for our traditional and interactive ads.
There’s never been a better time, and never been a greater need. Do more. Be more. Volunteer.
Stay safe out there!
