The Nest — #firefighters

Crucial lifestyle changes can prevent heart attack & improve health Firefighting has come a long way in the past few decades. Advances in technology, apparatus, building construction and firefighter fitness have contributed to a more effective and efficient fire service. The days of charcoal breathing canisters and Browder Life Nets have given way to state-of-the-art breathing apparatus and thermal imaging cameras. Yet despite these advances, there remains one factor we haven’t mastered that continues to fatally plague our personnel: heart attacks.According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 87 firefighters died while on duty in 2010. Of those, 50 of the 87...

Cooking has long been and continues to be the most common cause of home structure fires and home fire-related injuries. Whether preparing for a family dinner or a quick snack, practicing safe cooking behaviors can help keep you and your family safe. Never leave your range or cooktop unattended while cooking. If you have to leave the room, turn your range or cooktop off. Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves. Loose clothing can hang down onto hot surfaces and can catch fire if it comes in contact with a gas flame or electric burner. Keep your cooking area clean...

Just like human police officers, police dogs retire after a certain age. According to the City of Tampa (Fla.) K9 Unit, healthy police dogs generally retire at age 8 or 9. The majority of these dogs retire to live with their handlers. However, sometimes a dog is put up for adoption. The process to adopt a retired police dog can be arduous compared to adopting a regular dog. Due to their training, shelters need to be certain an adopting owner understands the needs of the dog and can handle them. Step 1 Contact your local police stations to express your...

Never, ever leave your dog in the car; Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water; Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside; Take walks during the cooler hours of the day; When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws; If you think it's hot outside, it's even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off; Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet;...

I’m a mom from Iowa, juggling responsibilities left and right — but not the ones you might expect. Between running my three wonderful kids around to sports events and family outings, I’m busy putting out fires — literally. I’ve been a professional firefighter for over two years, and if I’d known sooner how fighting fires would completely change my life, I would have started years ago. Being a firefighter is tough, but so is being a mom. I’m always learning, always facing new challenges, always staying strong for the people around me. Fortunately, firefighting has taught me a whole lot...