North Charleston’s Fire Department will receive $254,102 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under its 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The grant requires a $50,820 match, which was approved unanimously by the North Charleston Finance Committee on the Thursday, February 18, 2010. The match requires final approval at City Council on Thursday, February 25, 2010.
The funds received from FEMA will be used to install 26 vehicle exhaust removal systems to be placed in city fire stations. The systems utilize a source capture system that removes exhaust directly from the apparatuses to be expelled directly to outside air.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the most effective means is to connect a hose (to the exhaust pipe of all vehicles) that ventilates exhaust to the outside. This reduces the carbon monoxide, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, and unburned or partially burned hydrocarbons that are present, as well as the amount of particulates that are often inhaled. Diesel emissions contain many different chemicals that have been found to have a negative effect on firefighters’ health.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have declared human exposure to diesel exhaust as a potential occupational carcinogenic hazard. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded in a report made public on Sept. 3, 2002 that long-term exposure to diesel engine exhaust in the air is linked to lung cancer. In addition, NIOSH states that vehicle exhaust fumes are a potential health carcinogen and recommends that occupational exposure to this carcinogen be lowered to the lowest feasible concentration.
North Charleston Fire Chief Gregory A. Bulanow stated, “A fire station combines living quarters with a garage where exposure to diesel exhaust will occur regularly without these systems. I am very pleased that we were awarded this grant to help us maintain our commitment to the long term health and safety of our firefighters.”
This is such a good news for all firefighter's in North Charleston. Every fire station all over the world deserves to be granted with a "health protection" program. Saving lives is just not easy as it sounds.
ReplyDeleteEvery firefighter is very much deserving of a health protection program. They need it the most in order to rescue other victims. North Charleston should be thankful with their local heroes.
ReplyDeleteBravery and honor is utterly observed to every single firefighter out there. North Charleston only proves that their heroes deserve to receive utmost care.
ReplyDeleteNorth Charleston citizens are very lucky to have brave and dedicated firefighters. I hope their act of heroism won't be taken for granted. I'm so happy for the heroes receiving their health benefits.
ReplyDeleteOther cities should do the same with their firefighters. The community of North Charleston should be really proud of their heroes.
ReplyDeleteHats off and applause to the heroes of North Charleston. Every fire fighters in the nearby communities must be really happy for their fellow heroes.
ReplyDeleteJust like the troops in middle east, firefighters are also heroes that save many citizens in the country. Northcharleston is indeed lucky to have great men.
ReplyDeleteI feel very much happy for the firefighters. They are indeed deserving og such benefits. Besides, they are saving lots of lives.
ReplyDeleteThe one who came up with such sincere idea is very well deserving of some recognition. Such benefits will for sure boost the spirits of the firefighters in North Charleston.
ReplyDeleteHats off and applause to all heroes in North Charleston. The benefits should not be limited the firefighters alone. All members of the rescue team are very much deserving of such benefits.
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ReplyDeleteBesides the health benefits, the heroes also deserves to get some assistance on their housing loans. It's actually one of the main concern of every homeowners this times of financial crisis.
ReplyDeleteI really don't have any beef with the fire department for they are all heroes. It's the government behind them that I don't trust. Yes, the health benefits matter a lot but I can't help suspect the hidden intent of the program.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt North Charleston is a home of brave heroes. It's only proper for the community's heroes to have received such benefits.
ReplyDeleteI thought the people of North Charleston are living their lives with liberty. Why did they didn't get Dr. Paul on the top tier in the GOP nomination? Perhaps there are only few brave heroes like the men in the fire department.
ReplyDeleteThe gratitude felt by the fire department in North Charleston just can't be denied. Perhaps it would also be best for FEMA to extend the benefits to the other departments as well.
ReplyDeleteFEMA maybe providing such benefits to the local heroes but critics just can't suspect their overspending which contributes to the economic crisis of the nation. Then again, the fire department of North Charleston very deserved the benefits given to them.
ReplyDeleteThe guys in FEMA should already find another job by now. Dr. Paul is surging up in the polls and pretty much getting lots of delegates for the republican candidate nomination. The fire department team will perhaps enjoy much better benefits should Dr. Paul win.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt the brave men of the fire department in North Charleston deserve more of what they are getting from the local government. Their live are at risk trying to save the lives of other people. They really need some more consideration.
ReplyDeleteThis should could really encourage young people to follow the lead of the current team of fire department. Keep up the good job gentlemen!
ReplyDeleteIt would be really great if the rest of the fire department in all of the states will receive such benefits. I'm sure many heroes will likely save lives just about anywhere.
ReplyDeleteFEMA just lured a lot of citizens in North Charleston. The people should know how the department does its job.
ReplyDeleteJust desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
ReplyDeleteregards
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