Photo courtesy of Wissahickon Fire Company
A small act of kindness can go a long way to keeping volunteers cool this summer
With nine dates in July 2024 alone falling into “Code Red” temperatures in Montgomery County, Pa., it is no wonder area residents are trying to find ways to stay cool this summer. A Code Red Hot Weather Emergency, as declared by the county, means that temperatures or the heat index is expected to be at or above 100 degrees for two hours or more during daytime sun.
“Such conditions can be deadly, and residents should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and illness,” said Megan Alt via county-wide press releases.
Think about how hot you’ve felt during some of these warm summer days, and then consider adding 45 to 75 pounds of additional gear. According to the Fire Training Toolbox, that’s just about the average weight of a standard set of firefighter gear, known as “turnout gear” or their “personal protective equipment (PPE).”
Consider how incredibly hot these firefighter’s PPE must feel, with a helmet or mask protecting the face, a heavy jacket and pants to protect the skin, gloves and bulky boots, adding to the ensemble. That’s a lot of heat before you even consider entering the scene of an active fire.
Our area fire departments also rely heavily on volunteers, with many of them strictly volunteer (with no paid, full-time personnel). Wissahickon Fire Company is one such unit. The organization is run 100% by volunteer efforts. In addition to generous donations from the community (you can contribute by clicking here), one thing that can go a long way for the team is a case of drinking water.
Water cases can be dropped off at the station, located at 245 Race Street in Ambler, on any Monday night between 7 and 9 p.m. The all-volunteer department, which has been staffed by volunteers since 1891, relies on the donations from the community in order to protect over 17,500 area residents. The department is charged with providing emergency fire and rescue services to the Ambler Borough and Lower Gwynedd Township, as well as surrounding communities as the need arises.
While financial donations are always welcome, (If you would prefer to donate by check, please make payable to: The Wissahickon Fire Company and mail it to: The Wissahickon Fire Company, 245 Race Street Ambler, PA 19002), a small act of kindness, a simple purchase of a case of water, can go a long way at supporting our local first responders.
Consider giving back to those that protect your businesses, home, and loved ones all year-round by donating a case of water to your local department to help cool the volunteers during these hot summer months.
