Seat Belt Safety

This month's crash of a tanker truck just west of Beloit should give us all pause to consider the importance of seatbelts! According to the NFPA, vechicle crashes cause more firefighter deaths then fires.

In 2003, red seatbelts were added to NFPA 1901 in an effort to verify that firefighters were safely traveling to and from the fire scene. This isn't a surprising move, since 2003 saw more on duty crash fatalities than any year since 1977.

Please review the articles linked here, along with the USFA report on firefighter fatalities. Are you in the habit of wearing your seatbelt to and from the scene. I know I'm not! But the evidence is compelling, seatbelts save lives! As firefighters, EMTs, and first responders, we know this first hand, and yet we neglect to wear our own safety belts. Let's make a concerted effort to make this a habit!

"If we do not follow our safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to and from the fire scene, what makes us think we will follow the safety SOPs at the fire?" - Burton Clark.
Consider downloading and signing the National Seat Belt Pledge, and let's be safe out there!

- Ray Albarelli