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Fire and EMS

Be prepared.
Be informed.
Be safe.

Fatalities reported in 2024

Let’s put a freeze on holiday fires!

During the festive season, regardless of whether you celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, share prevention messages with your community.

Never leave a burning candle alone.

Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

Put candles in sturdy holders and place them where they can’t be knocked over easily.

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

Community Risk Reduction

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

Messages to share:

  • Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry tree can burn very hot and very fast.
  • Place your tree at least 3 feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters and heat vents.
  • Inspect holiday lights each year before you decorate. Throw away lights with frayed or pinched wires.

Share fire safety resources with your community

National Fire Data Center

Key benefits of V1 NERIS:

  • Telling the Department’s Story.
  • Resource Allocation.
  • Understanding Risks.
  • Performance Review.

Have questions about NERIS? Check out the webinar recordings and the data schemas

Research

Guide to funding alternatives

Updated November 2023

This comprehensive resource tackles the challenges faced by EMS agencies and fire departments, providing vital information on funding sources, grants and alternative revenue options.

Download the guide to funding alternatives PDF

Fire/EMS Training

Invest in yourself

The National Fire Academy has the courses to help you meet your professional development goals and reduce all-hazards risks in your community. The courses you take through the NFA can be considered for college credit.

View courses with vacancies

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Tasks

Let the U.S. Fire Administration help you with your mission to keep your community safe from fires and other emergencies.

New content for fire and EMS

USFA Blog

EMS and Community Paramedicine: Evidence-informed policies and state-by-state legislation

Read how many states are using community paramedicine to reduce emergency department use providing primary and preventative care.

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USFA Blog

How to create a community wildfire protection plan

Learn about the history behind the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), the key components, how a CWPP can benefit a community at risk from wildfire, and how to create a plan for your community.

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USFA Blog

Measure your fire department's safety culture with FOCUS 3.0

Learn how fire departments use their FOCUS data to advocate for staffing, gear, apparatus, and behavioral health resources.

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Episode 35 | Podcast

Impacts of Harassment and Discrimination on the Fire Service

On this episode of The USFA Podcast, listen to Shelby Perket discuss the outcomes of her national survey on harassment and discrimination.

Listen to the podcast
USFA Blog

NIOSH launches Center for Firefighter Safety, Health, and Wellbeing

Read how NIOSH's newly launched Center provides a central point for partners to engage on firefighter-related research and services.

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USFA Blog

National First Responders Day: Honoring Our Everyday Heroes

On Oct. 28 we pause and celebrate the courage, dedication and selflessness of these extraordinary individuals whose commitment to public safety makes our communities stronger and safer.

Read the article