Do the Math: Sprinklers = Firefighter Safety

It seems in the fire service change is always associated with an event and is forced upon us. Take a look at the similarity between fire codes and your department's SOPS. If you have been around your fire department long enough, you can put a name or an event on almost every written policy or procedure! Look at how our fire codes have evolved from notable fire events such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, Beverly Hills Supper Club and the night club tragedy in Rhode Island. We never tend to take a proactive approach, but wait until something happens that forces either a fire department or elected officials to react.

Following the horrific loss of nine firefighters in South Carolina during the week of our "Safety Stand Down" we must focus our attention on reducing the likelihood of another event by taking a pro-active approach to firefighter safety.

It is commendable that the leaders in the fire service sponsored the third International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down. The theme "Ready to Respond", focused on training and preparation before the call. One of the most effective preventative safety measures to take before the call is commonly overlooked by fire departments. The solution to firefighter safety before the call is simple. Just do the math...Sprinklers = Firefighter Safety.