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Safety, Health and Survival Week 2010 Begins in Two Weeks

June 7, 2010

Fairfax, Va., June 7, 2010... This year's Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week—also known as Safety Week—runs June 20-26.

Sponsored by the IAFC and the IAFF, and in partnership with other national fire service organizations, the theme for this year's event is Fit for Duty.  With more than 50f fire fighter line-of-duty deaths caused by health- and fitness-related issues, both organizations believe it's imperative that there be a concentrated effort in implementing wellness and fitness programs.

Safety Week's Fit for Duty theme will cover a variety of topics that are extremely important to all fire fighters and EMS personnel. Be sure to visit the Safety Week website for the sample daily-activity schedule, FAQs, a press release template and many other health and wellness resources.

While departments are encouraged to identify activities tailored to their specific needs, recommended areas of concentration include:

• General Health and Wellness
• Food and Nutrition
• Fitness
• Stress Management
• Smoking and Smokeless-Tobacco Cessation
• Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Infectious Diseases
• Suicide Prevention

During the week, departments are also encouraged to support comprehensive, non-punitive fitness assessments, medical screenings and educational programs that build and maintain medically and physically fit personnel and help in reducing health- and fitness-related deaths or injuries.

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About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of fire, rescue and EMS responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.

Not an IAFC member? Join today and experience how the IAFC can help you grow and succeed as a leader.

About the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
The IAFF, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the leading advocate in North America for the safety and training of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF represents more than 297,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect communities in every state in the United States and throughout Canada.