When we think of firefighters we think of regular people who are doing a great service for our community but did you ever stop to think about what kind of traits and characteristic that person has to have to do a great job? Not everyone can do the job or has what it takes to even try. What is it that makes a firefighter great? The five main traits are: being able to be resourceful, honesty, being resilient, being able to be flexible, and to be motivated tot do the job. Being a true firefighter comes from the inside out not the other way around.

A firefighter must be honest with others and also with their inner self. It seems implied that the general thought of a firefighter does not include those stealing items from the home of the fire nor from the firehouse. Inner honesty comes when an individual can be honest with themselves about who they really are. They are able to face their shortcomings as well as their strengths and use both to the best of their ability. Being honest about not being superheroes could very well stop a disaster from happening. When you think you are invincible, there is always one situation that will show you your not.

You also need to realize that you are not going to be able to save all those people you try to help. At some point you will loose one of them and it is better to face that fact now then when it comes face to face with you. Trust and honesty is also a bonding agent with those whom you work with every day. You need to be able to trust your fellow firefighters with your life.

Resourcefulness, resiliency, having flexibility, and motivation all fall under the heading of how to do your job better. No fireman ever said they had to miss a fire because they had other plans. I am sure many wives will attest to the fact that the dedication can sometimes go far beyond working hours. Bing resourceful comes in handy when you are faced with a situation and the conventional tools and methods are just not working or unavailable. There are some times when improvisation may be necessary and this requires a fast way of thinking. Let's say you ran out of splints because of the number of patients at an accident scene. You need to think of something quickly and resourcefulness will provide the sticks and fabric you need to create a homemade version. Motivation is the best trait to get you going each and every time you have a call. Without it, there would be nothing left to go to work each day.

All five traits are important tot ht firefighter and a successful career. The top of the list has to be honesty. The rest of the four traits are superficial to this one. Honesty is not a luxury in this field but a requirement and a very necessary one. To be honest, you need to be able to trust yourself and to gain trust from the patient as well as fellow firefighters. If you think you have the traits you need to be a successful firefighter, maybe a firefighting career is for you to consider.

Emergency worker is a term that covers such a multitude of job titles and descriptions. The United States government has a listing that defines the different classes of emergency workers and the general duties expected of them. This not, by any means, something for you to act off of, it is merely an article that attempts to educate people on the different labels for emergency workers, and how they relate in their jobs during disasters. Even before the onset of any disaster, you have to have Administration workers. These people manage the coordination of support activities as well as the recruiting and directing. Their job includes clerical, technical, and administrative duties among others. Pilots are another class of emergency workers that are a necessity. Without these brave men and women and their assistance by air, whether for search or rescue, there would be many more lives lost.  The aviation workers are required to be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration, and their aircraft must be approved by the FAA also.

Communications workers involve those that set up communication posts in an emergency, and enable contact where there would normally be none. These people are knowledgeable in the laws governing state and local emergency communications directives. Those workers that carry the title of Engineering workers have a busy job that covers many branches of activity, such as, mechanical, structural, and mainly electrical engineering activities. They are the ones that are looked to for re-building both temporary shelters and permanent posts. Their job is to build where nothing is, as well as maintain roads, bridges, highways and streets. Fire Fighters are also emergency workers. They not only cover the fires that break out during disasters, but also handle some of the medical aspects as well as rescue missions. They are expected to educate the general public concerning fire safety and hazards, and heighten the awareness of the dangers of different types of fires. Although they are encouraged, volunteer fire fighters are not listed as emergency workers.

General Emergency workers are perhaps the most chameleons like of the bunch. They are used where ever they are needed, but rarely specialize in any one type of emergency. If there is a flood, these workers are called to help bag sand for a temporary sand wall. They are required by law to register as temporary emergency workers each time they assist in a disaster. They are the ones that join in search parties, help handle casualties during a disaster, and work where ever they are needed most. Emergency workers that work with hazardous materials respond to incidents that require their help. These emergencies must follow the formerly coordinated and planned actions that have been approved by the local or state government concerning the handling of hazardous materials.

Police and other law enforcement workers are responsible for upholding the laws that comply with state, local, and federal rulings. They are sworn to serve and protect the people in their communities to the best of their ability. Emergency workers that handle Mass care are the ones that help hand out food, clothes, and other simple necessities in the event of a disaster. They handle the planning of controlled evacuations, manage mass care centers, and provide as much help is possible for those that have survived through a disaster. As you can see, these are not all of the categories; however this number of them is certainly necessary. Emergency workers are, in essence, the very glue that holds our society together. With out them, we would lack order and discipline, health and safety. Supporting them and the difficult jobs they carry out is small in comparison to what they do for everyone else. Everyone, at some point in time in their lives, will need the aid or assistance of another person, and regardless of the disaster or circumstances, it is the emergency workers that provide us with exactly that.

An airport is a busy place, with the planes and people coming and going, traffic in and out, what happens when there is an incident that involves chemicals, fire, or danger? They call the fire department, just as we do, but it makes you wonder just how quickly they could respond to a call for help with all of the hustle and bustle of an average day. The airport has their separate mini fire department. These firefighters are called aviation firefighters. Their training is the same on the first aid level, but there are some major differences that show themselves if you have ever gotten a first hand look at some of these aviation firefighters in action. Even some of the first aid/medical training is different, as far as working under certain conditions, and treating different kinds of wounds. By taking an up close and personal look at these firefighters, we will understand a little more of what their jobs entail and how different they are.

First we will take a look at what tasks are sometimes required of them. A large number of plane crises occur over water, which results in a crash, and when the aviation firefighters are called, they must have the ability to aid in the situation, quickly and responsibly. By use of mobile vehicles as well as watercraft, they aid in the evacuation of people under life threatening conditions. They must have the ability to remain calm, while making immediate decisions in the best interest of each situation. Their knowledge and skills of first aid are far above basic, and they are required to maintain proper certification and current knowledge during the length of their jobs. Most of the equipment they use is concurrent with standard firefighting equipment, as well as using some tools and chemicals that are for more advanced fires and situations. An understanding of and an ability to use a wide variety of equipment is mandatory. Along with the usual hoses are foam sprayers, and complex monitors and machines. As well as having the skills to use the equipment, they must be knowledgeable on the maintenance and care needed to keep all fire vehicles, working equipment, including hoses, in top form. 

Along with saving people and putting out fires, these special firefighters must keep in mind the necessity of protecting the environment as well. They are educated on how to do so, and what course of action would best suit the current conditions at the site of the emergency. Suffice it to say, not only do they save lives, but also the earth. During the rush and routine of the airports activity, these firefighters are manning the Fire Control Center at each respective airport. They are the ones that maintain safety rules and regulations are being adhered to, while keeping flight take offs and landings as safe as possible. They observe the arrivals and departures of all incoming and outgoing aircraft, to make sure safety is being kept in mind. Another duty for them is the conduction of inspections concerning fire safety and inspections of all fire alarms within the airport. At any time, most airports are teeming with activity, and these firefighters have their hands full. They are responsible for educating the airport employees on any changes that are made to fire safety routines or practices, and must conduct fire drills periodically to ensure everyone is capable of acting in the event of an emergency.

Some of their physical requirements are, of course, being physically fit, able to dive with underwater breathing apparatus, as well as swim. The physical requirements are quite intense, due to the nature of the job and the type of crises that are expected to occur. To find out more about your local aviation firefighters, contact your local fire department, or your local airport.  To know them is to appreciate them since they bring more meaning to the phrase, "flying friendly skies".

Local fire departments and governing authorities are trying once again to educate people on the deadly risks they face from fire outbreaks in their own homes. A fire has the ability to start from almost anything, and can turn in to a raging inferno in no time at all. Fire proofing your home is one way of keeping yourself and your children safe. 

Can you name the number one cause of in-home fires caused by children? Yes, you guessed it right; matches and lighters are in fact the number one cause of fires. Far too many children have learned to light matches and to ignite lighters and find them completely irresistible. Much too often these instances are deadly and one or more children are hurt badly or killed. If your child begins showing interest in fires or setting them, at an early age, there is counseling available to help them find better outlets for their emotions or desires. Most of the juveniles that are considered "fire starters" are found to have played with matches and lighters, often, when they were children. To remove any hazards or temptations, keep matches and lighters in high places or locked cabinets.

It is imperative that you educate your child on fire safety and how to leave a room or house if one starts. Although they are naturally inquisitive about fires, they more often than not hide when faced with the reality of one. Sadly, most of the deaths that occur of young children are those that are found too late, hiding under beds and in closets. When frightened, they have a tendency to get easily confused, or if they were responsible for having started the fire, they may hide out of fear of consequences. Practicing fire drills in your home, at least on an average of 3 - 4 times a year, will enable them to become familiar with their surroundings and to feel more confident in the event of an emergency.

Another top ranking cause of fire injuries among children is clothing fires. These occur when children get too close to open flames, heaters, burners, matches, etc. and their clothing catches fire. Teaching your children about fire and the possible damage that it can do, allows them to learn a healthy respect for fire. Fire safety on this topic includes teaching them the basics of what to do if their clothes catch on fire, that would be the well known phrase, "Stop, Drop, and Roll".  Even though their natural inclination is to run, teach them to stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face, and roll repeatedly until the flames are extinguished. This is such a simple action, but can lead to saving your child's life. The safest course of action would be to always ensure that a responsible adult or teenager is always around your child. They should not ever be left unattended, since this is most often when serious accidents occur.

In the 1970's, a law was passed concerning children's sleep wear that it had to be flame retardant.  Before this law went into effect, the deaths of children in fires was at an all time high, but after the law was passed, the rate of child deaths by fire lowered by over 90%. This helped to heighten the general awareness of the danger of fires, and resulted in a big step toward better fire safety practices. The statistics are shocking at best, and cause people to take notice of the simple things that could end up being the death of your child. Most fire inspectors today are trying to warn parents everywhere that some of the sleeping garments they are choosing for their children, such as t-shirts and shorts, are not flame retardant material. For the safety of your child, read the label and get the facts. It could be a matter of life and death -- literally.

Fighting fire from the air is better known as aerial firefighting. This type of firefighting method was developed to help with wildfires because of the fires occurring in difficult areas to reach. Aerial firefighting uses many types of aircrafts such as helicopters and planes carrying water or a special fire retardant material. Along with these special aircrafts for fighting fire from the sky, there is also a special group of firefighters known as Smokejumpers who parachute in tot he difficult areas and fight the fire from the ground level. They are very special firefighters indeed because of the dangerous situations they face and the locations in which they are landing in. The death rate for these firefighters is no laughing matter.

The helicopters carry the water or other materials to extinguish the fire in a tank or bucket especially designed for this job. The bucket is filled with water from a pond or lake nearby and then flown and dumped on the fire. The Bambi Bucket is one of the better known buckets used. Those helicopters using tanks receive the water from a nearby water source also. The difference is that they siphon the water through a straw-like snorkel. A few special helicopters can actually be filled while they are in the air by this same type of snorkel device. Aircraft carry tanks that are filled while they are on the ground by special filling areas but can also skim across the water to fill them if needed.

The particular chemicals used in these tanks vary but the majority of the aerial firefighting is done with ammonium sulfate. The chemicals remove the heat from the fire and cover it so no oxygen can get in. In the past a Borat salt mixture was used but was found to not only be toxic to the animals but would cause the soil to become barren and not produce any greenery. The new ammonium sulfate mixture is combined with a clay and guar gum to make it thicker and a red coloring is also added.

This mixture also prevents rust deposits from occurring because of the clay and gum it contains. The thickness provides a lower chance of the material running off the original location it was intended for and the coloring shows where it has been applied. This produces a safer chemical and will actually help to fertilize the ground to grow vegetation back faster. Any of the ammonium sulfate mixture that gets into the water and has excessive sunlight will be harmful to the fish in that water.

By using aerial firefighting for these fires, more land can be saved than with a regular ground attack. They give a defensive line to those fires that are not reachable by human firefighters. As seen on the many television broadcasts showing wild fires, it is obvious that it takes a long period of time to extinguish these types of fires. It may take as long as a week to a few months to stop the fires from burning out of control. Imagine what it would be like if it were not for the aerial firefighters and vehicles that aided in the fight. We might loose a larger amount of our forests were it not for this great firefighting equipment and personnel.

You might call in a smoke alarm or a smoke detector, either way; it is a necessary item for your home. Having smoke alarms will ensure you are alerted to a possible fire and can get in contact with the fire department faster. Smoke alarms will also let you know of danger while you sleep. Fire deaths of sleeping individuals are one of the main reasons fire death statistics are so high. Some fire departments can provide you with working smoke detectors. They can also provide you with the proper information on installation and usage of the new smoke alarm. You can also purchase smoke alarms at most hardware stores and general merchandise stores.

Smoke is the leading cause of death in a fire. Most individuals die as a result of being overcome with smoke. They literally suffocate because smoke removes the oxygen from a space. While you sleep, you have a greater risk of death associated with smoke inhalation because of the risk of not waking up in time to get out of the house. The more smoke that accumulates in a room, the darker the room becomes and the harder it is to find your way out. The best defense in a smoky room is to stay as low to the floor as you can. This is where the most oxygen is at the time. Some individuals have been found right in front of the door leading to the outside but got so disoriented, they never realized it.

Smoke detectors give a change of early warning in a fire if they are installed and cared for properly. This means that the smoke alarm should be tested at least once a month to ensure the battery is still strong enough to work correctly. Some smoke alarms are connected to the homes electrical current and this is fine for those emergencies before the fire starts to become large. Battery operated alarms give an added protection when the power is cut or out due to storms or other reasons and allows the alarm to continue functioning. Always take a smoke alarm warning seriously. If your alarm is malfunctioning and going off on a frequent basis, you may want to change the device out for a new one. Death due to not being warned of a fire is no joke. How sad to think this could happen to you or someone you love.

A smoke alarm is a life saving device to give proper warning in the even of a fire. This means that the fire department can be notified in enough time to prevent a large amount of damage to your home. Not only is it a necessity in saving property but will also make your family aware of an emergency so they can get out to safety in time. Most smoke alarms only cost about $15 each but think of the cost you would incur without one. By having a smoke alarm above each bedroom and also in your kitchen and living room, you are adding an extra sense of security to your home. Why would you want to do anything less than protect your home from all emergencies? Purchase your smoke alarm today and become an important part of the fight against fire.

As with any occupation, even firefighting has schooling and specialized training available for those interested in pursuing a career in firefighting. The difficult thing is finding the right academy, or the best academy to suit your goals. Depending on your location, here in the United States, you may want to consider an academy close to you, however, there are some that stand out and grab attention everywhere for their results as well as their excellent instruction. One such fire academy is located in San Diego county in California, proudly offering a highly acclaimed boot camp/instructional course, specializing in basic fire management/suppression, using portable pumps, water usage, an introduction into wild land fire behavior, basic training in fire details, and many more. This particular academy offers this specialized instruction in a boot camp atmosphere, using former Marine DI's (drill instructors) as the teachers. The course lasts a period of 21 days, and if successfully completed, assists the applicant in procuring an entry level job in firefighting. There daily training routines begin at 05:00 AM and usually end at 08:00 PM, except on days they're running night training exercises. This is not an academy for those that would like to drift through their schooling.

To find an academy in your area, visit firejobs.com. They have user friendly menus that make finding any information concerning this topic and many others, a breeze. If you are simply researching these academies, you can get an address of one closest to you, by typing in the city you are looking for. If there is more than one academy in a state, it gives you a choice of which city. As informational websites go, this one is at the top of the list for contact information, and up-to-date information. They also offer a section of employment opportunities across the United States. This could prove invaluable for those of you who have already obtained certification in your course work, and are now searching for a job.

Any of the fire academies you research, all require the applicants to be at least 17 to 18 years of age. This specific number differs from state to state, and is sometimes dependant on the type of job the applicant is interested in. You must have a valid high school diploma, or GED equivalent, as well as having in your possession a valid driver's license registered in the state in which you are currently residing. To get a better idea of what you can expect at a fire academy, and to even get advice on the best one to attend, try getting some information from your local fire department. Most of them allow you to apply as a firefighter without the higher education, but you are expected to follow through and your job duration is often dependant on whether or not you successfully pass the academy. If you have friends that are currently firefighters, this could prove invaluable toward gleaning good advice and information toward the best academy to attend.  Do not be afraid to ask questions and get information. Your diligence can only add to your learning experience, and try not to underestimate people based on their age, sex, or rank.  Everyone has something to teach you. 

Upon successfully completing the fire academy of your choice, you will need to keep a copy of your transcripts for this and, of course, any other specialized training, on hand to attach to your application when the time comes. All fire departments require proof of courses, certifications, and schooling completed prior to recruitment. By engaging in as much volunteer work as possible before you actually join the fire department, you will be increasing the level of your hands on experience, and the wealth of knowledge available. The internet puts a veritable wealth of information at your fingertips. Use it wisely, and find the information you need. As long as your age falls in the correct parameters, and you are physically fit, you could be well on your way to joining the fire department, and becoming a member of the brotherhood of firefighters.

Once the fire department has put out the fire, the next team to go in is the fire investigation team. Their task to determine what happened to start the fire and from what direction the fire came from. They use a technique known as fire science to help in their investigation. In the United States, you need to hold a certification through the International Association of Arson investigators to be able to complete fire investigations.

For those that choose to carry it to the next level. There is a national certification through the National Association of Fire Investigators. This group is made up of individuals who are professionals in the field of fire and explosives. Fire investigators can also become specialized by obtaining certain credentials in specific areas of vehicle investigations, explosives investigations, and also instructor certifications. Investigators will also find it useful to learn about many of the common appliances in the home, home construction basics, how humans behave, etc. Whatever form of fire investigation is chosen, the intricate details of the scene must be studied for an accurate ruling on the fires origin.

It is very hard to investigate a fire. Fire investigation is considered to be one of the more difficult forms of crime scene investigation or forensic science. The difficult question to ask in fire situations is whether or not it is an actual crime scene. In most of the other types of crime scenes, the wrong doing is usually obvious providing a body, blood, or evidence of foul play. With a fire scene most of those indicators have been destroyed and the fire investigator is only able to use what is left. In a fire scene the main argument is about arson. The fire investigator must decide if the fire was started by an arsonist or by accident. To do this, the investigator must take all the evidence he has left and also look at the events leading up to the fire if they are available.

A system is used by the investigator to determine the fires cause. It could almost be considered a specific scientific method. A highly skilled fire investigator should have other resources available for those scenes that require an expert on a certain subject. This means that an appliance may need to be looked into deeper and by someone qualified to make a judgment call on the working order of that appliance. In vehicle fires, it is also important to know if any part of the care was malfunctioning at the time of the fire. These things are all a part of the fire investigation and should be used when necessary.

Five things need to be in place to conduct a proper investigation. The first is the assignment being given to the investigator and them knowing what they are needed to do.

Next, planning comes in and the investigator must get together all the things they need such as tools, help needed, and equipment for fire determination. Third, the scene needs to be looked over and examined and any evidence needs to be collected. Fourth, the evidence collected is examined carefully, findings are written down, retested, and reevaluated for correct findings. Finally, the scientific method is used to determine the cause by whatever the findings are from the evidence. All this is the correct procedure of the fire investigator when using fire science.

We have all learned about fire safety, either when we were in grade school, or as adults. Some things are simply good common sense, others are not quite so obvious. What exactly do you know about fire safety? Do you know enough to save your life or those of your family members?  Educating yourself and your family concerning fire safety could be the difference between life and death. Even in public buildings, being aware of the codes and laws that govern fire safety, can benefit you as well as increase the level of your safety.

The local fire department most usually handles the inspection of public buildings to insure they are following the guidelines for proper fire protection measures. These members of the local fire departments are Fire Prevention Officers. They often give presentations in schools and other organized meetings to educate the public, specifically children, about fire safety. The chief FP officer is responsible for training newcomers to the division, and conducting the regulated inspections. These inspections are scheduled at certain dates and times concurrent with the age of the building being taken into consideration. Any violations of the fire code are punishable by a number of ways, and must be corrected or the building risks being shut down. This fire code is a set of rules that have been adopted by lawmakers to suit the region or area they are in, and the primary enforcers of these rules are the fire prevention officers. The fire code should not be confused with the building code. The building code is relevant to the fire code, and must build to fit occupancy rates, fire exits, etc. as specified by the fire code for that size/design building. The fire code covers the ins and outs of the design, as far as how many people may occupy the building, and even what activities may be pursued in said building. Hazards are listed by the fire code, as to which kind/ amounts are allowed and the rules for their disposal or containment as well. Any recreational exhibitions involving fire (fireworks) most usually require an additional application to be filed with the fire department and town hall for a license, either temporary or standing.

The following are some of the stipulations stated in the fire codes for the average building. The maximum occupancy listing is not to be exceeded for any reason. All exits must be lit or labeled with proper signs in the event of a power outage. Fire alarms and extinguishers are mandatory not a choice. Proper/safe storage of flammable materials is also required. Flammable materials are to be stored in designated areas ONLY! Control panels for fire alarms need to be installed to allow quick detection of fires. Educate building occupants on fire safety to give these individuals the knowledge to protect themselves. Conduct mandatory fire drills randomly throughout each year to ensure everyone is on the same page with what to do in the event of a fire.

These are only a small number of the rules and regulations that are to be followed in public and private buildings. The fire department is responsible for random checks to ensure that all fire codes are being followed. Due to there being so many buildings in one town, let alone an entire city or state, you can imagine how busy it keeps the Fire Inspector. Most towns now have offices that house the Fire Inspector and his or her staff, where they are easily accessible by the public concerning fire safety, fire codes, and regulations. Following the fire code for each building is not only for the safety of everyone, but also the law. Failure to follow these rules can result in stiff fines as well as having the building closed down for business either temporarily, or permanently. Because the lawmakers have our best interests at heart, they have worked to set up the fire code to best ensure the safety of everyone that enters any building anywhere. Doing our part to help would be following simple rules that are most often posted in each building. Teach your children by example, and help them possibly save their lives.

For those of you that enjoy a wonderful walk down memory lane, firefighter museums are especially for you. The number of museums built with the sole purpose of educating people and memorializing fallen firefighters, has grown drastically in the United States alone, but other countries are also building their own firefighter museums. These are special places to visit and immerse yourself in a different world for a small amount of time. Since most of them are run solely on the goodwill of donors, many of them are quite small, but others have grown and hold important pieces of history in them, telling stories of long forgotten traditions and keeping memories of fallen heroes alive today.

Almost all fifty states in the United States have a firefighter's museum within their home state. These are experiences from our past that beg for attention and remembrance.

Preserving the history of such a valiant job with deep roots in each community is only expected, and educating people about it is a necessity. How many of you are able to say you know even a small portion of the history of firefighting? Not many do -- not enough care. Our history, of our nation, is what defines us as the people united together today, and being aware of our past, even in the firefighting industry, could be a piece of us that has been missing. Intertwined together is every small part making up the bigger pieces.

It is up to us to remember the brave men and women that selflessly sacrificed their lives to save others, and their families as well. These family members are not recognized often enough for having been the strength for their firefighters. It takes a strong person, mentally emotionally and physically to be a firefighter and it takes the same kind of person to be their mate. The countless lives lost while responding to calls is more than tripled when your figure into account, the number of family members that lost pieces of their lives and hearts when their firefighter fell.  These museums help, even if in a small way, to keep their memories alive, and to proudly proclaim their actions and bravery until the world's end. Heroes are special and should be treated as special people in the eyes of others.

The history of firefighting is a fascinating subject as well, how it evolved over time and grew to be a major occupation today. The tools, equipment and gear has changed quite dramatically just from the 1970's. Where there used to be plain rubber jackets and boots, they now use special hoods of flame resistant material, helmets with specialized face visors, and most importantly, SCBA gear (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) for aiding in less smoke inhalation and the breathing in of noxious gasses. As we have seen the improvements made in the firefighting industry from the past to the present, who knows what the future holds? What exciting changes are coming that were not even thought possible all those years ago. Can you imagine what the future will think about our primitive items? That is such a funny thought to think on our fire apparatus as primitive for the future generations.

Locate the nearest firefighter museum to you, visit it and immerse yourself in their world for a short while.  You will come away with a new knowledge and understanding of what they encounter in the normal course of their days, as well as a stronger appreciation for the jobs they perform.  As we see from the "Fireman's Prayer", at WorldFireDepartment.com, these brave people give so much of themselves, and ask for little in return. Shouldn't we be giving them our support? If you can, make it a day to remember. Maybe you can take a group with you and share the experience. Better yet, take a child with you and show them something that will forever be a wonderful memory to them.