First Responders and Mental Health

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Depression and PTSD are up to five times more common in first responders than in the general population.  They’re the first people there when tragedy, disaster, and crisis strike. They’re responsible for saving lives and property and keeping us safe every single day. They’re on the front lines of health and safety. First responders face enormous responsibility, and it often takes an even more significant toll on their mental health. Job-related pressure, long and exhausting hours, and the trauma of seeing tragedy day after day are just some of the factors that contribute to mental health challenges in this community. 

 Modern building materials work wonders for homeowners — they make homes easier and cheaper to build, they’re generally stronger and they take less time to construct.  But this convenience comes at a cost that homeowners need to be aware of: Increased fire devastation.

On average, more than 100,000 wildfires light up the landscape each year in the western portion of the United States. It’s not uncommon for fire to burn through more than two million acres across states like California, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and throughout the West and Southwest.

 According to Ready.gov, a fire can go from a hazard to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. If a fire starts while you’re asleep, you need to get out fast.   A full quarter of home fire deaths are caused by fires that started in the bedroom, according to the National Fire Protection Association:

 Natural disasters can be traumatic for children and youth. Experiencing a dangerous wildfire can be frightening even for adults, and the devastation to the familiar environment (i.e., home and community) can be long-lasting and distressing. Often an entire community is impacted, further undermining a child’s sense of security and normalcy. Wildfires present a variety of unique issues and coping challenges, including the need to relocate when home and/or community have been destroyed, the role of the family in lessening or exacerbating the trauma, emotional reactions, and coping techniques.

 Introduction: What Homeowners and Restoration Professionals Need to Know  Recovering after a wildfire is a team effort and requires the help and expertise of many individuals. After the fire department and local law enforcement have given the all clear to return to the property, you are left to determine what to do after a wildfire to get your life back to normal.

 Homes and families in different parts of the country can be at risk for tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, or severe winter weather such as blizzards and ice storms. It is important to be aware of the potential risks to your home and be prepared to protect your family in the event of a weather-related emergency.

 Fire prevention and preparation are crucial to decreasing the number of injuries and deaths from this disaster. In 2012, there were 2,855 deaths and 16,500 injuries across the United States related to fires.1 To combat this, people need to be educated in responses and steps to take to avoid or respond to fire, should it occur. Those most at risk for fire injuries include children under the age of 5 and those over 54, according to FEMA.2 Pets are also at risk for injuries from fires, especially if the right steps are not taken at home to help protect them.

 Fire safety starts with fire prevention. Whether it’s a wildfire or a structure fire, preventing it or limiting its damage takes work and planning. Be prepared with a few simple updates and provisions.

 Whether you're about to move into a rented property or already live in one, being aware of your rights and duties and the landlord's responsibilities will help you ensure an adequate level of fire safety in your apartment. Educating yourself in this area will not only protect you from fire hazards but also foster a healthy landlord-tenant relationship that's based on trust and integrity.

From Father’s Day, to the Fourth of July, to Labor Day, the summer months are filled with days perfect for hosting a cookout with family and friends. In the midst of all this excitement, it could be easy to overlook basic grill safety. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, the peak month for grill fires is July, with June and August close behind. As we roll into summer barbecue season, make sure you are following these top grilling safety tips to keep your cookout free from unexpected flare-ups!  

Every year during the summer months, especially around the Fourth of July, people all over the country celebrate by using fireworks. Fireworks are a symbol of the Fourth of July and people have celebrated with fireworks for decades. Firework displays can range from backyard shows with family to city-sponsored spectacles viewed by thousands.

What fire safety tips should you learn about before camping? People look forward the summer—the perfect time for camping, vacations and picnics. Who would not love the beautiful sunshine and wonderful wind breeze, especially when outdoors and camping?

Basements are inherently vulnerable to flooding since they are located below ground level where many pipes and systems are positioned and ground shifts happen. Even if your basement has never flooded before, it is still possible that yours will be affected at some point.