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490 Questions

Last Answer on June 29, 2022

I want to be a volunteer firefighter. I've always had a very clean record, but a while back my car insurance coverage lapsed. I'm insured again now, problem solved. But I'm worried this may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer?

Asked by John over 11 years ago

No this would no disqualify you.

Ok, so you said the ranks and typical responsibilities. How does that (or might it) change if you have a volunteer FD where you don't know who will respond to different emergencies? Is there a system where officers are always on call or something?

Asked by Fred about 11 years ago

A dept has to have a plan and they usually operate just like a career dept just on a smaller scale. These depts due have duty crews who are responisble for a certain time to ensure response, there are times though that depts rely on mutual aid in that either no one is available or committed on another incidents. But all depts have to operate with a chain of command in that someone has to be in charge of the operation or it will not operate properly.

1129 Votes

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

Asked by 123 over 11 years ago

Some communities provide housing and income for college students that provide their ability to volunteer with their fire departments. There have been volunteers that have volunteered for years and haven't been hired cause they didn't make themselves more valuable to an employer with education. So don't think volunteering is the only way. Remember fire depts are running 90% medical calls to 10% fire calls

1128 Votes

I accidentally spilled about 1/2 cup (maybe a bit more, but not a cup) of gasoline down the bathtub drain. Windows are open. Water running a couple hours. Is there anything else I should be doing? Everything I find online is about large spills.

Asked by Beth over 11 years ago

You are fine, just make sure to clean the tub and don't do that again. You can create health issues by exposing others to these fluids in the water system.

1125 Votes

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Should someone who has had a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back be a volunteer firefighter? I try to take care of my back. I get a little pain back there once in awhile. But I lift a lot at work with no problem other than what i said. ?

Asked by Steven R. over 11 years ago

To be honest you would be limited to auxillary duties

1125 Votes

How much protection do turnouts give you? If you put your arm into a small, isolated flame for a second will you be hurt? Is your gear like a powerful oven-mitt for your whole body? [I think oven mitts are really cool to use I pretend I'm a FF :)]

Asked by Robert about 11 years ago

Sometimes to much. Fire gear is fire resitive not fire proof but will ignite at high temps. The thing about it is that the gear allows us by its protection to work in hitemps. these temps will cause us to stay in unsafe temps at times.

1115 Votes

How do I put in a station request? I need to change crews. Need a change. Thank you.

Asked by Jon over 11 years ago

Dependant on the size of department you would go to Human Resources at a minimum. Unfortunately you may find your self having to address the issues that create a bad environment with your command staff. Some people have had to resort to seeking employment elsewhere. This question has many answers that could be given but with little information this is the best that I can suggest.

1114 Votes

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Firefighter

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I want to be a volunteer firefighter. I've always had a very clean record, but a while back my car insurance coverage lapsed. I'm insured again now, problem solved. But I'm worried this may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer?

Ok, so you said the ranks and typical responsibilities. How does that (or might it) change if you have a volunteer FD where you don't know who will respond to different emergencies? Is there a system where officers are always on call or something?

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

I accidentally spilled about 1/2 cup (maybe a bit more, but not a cup) of gasoline down the bathtub drain. Windows are open. Water running a couple hours. Is there anything else I should be doing? Everything I find online is about large spills.

Also on Jobstr...

Should someone who has had a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back be a volunteer firefighter? I try to take care of my back. I get a little pain back there once in awhile. But I lift a lot at work with no problem other than what i said. ?

How much protection do turnouts give you? If you put your arm into a small, isolated flame for a second will you be hurt? Is your gear like a powerful oven-mitt for your whole body? [I think oven mitts are really cool to use I pretend I'm a FF :)]

How do I put in a station request? I need to change crews. Need a change. Thank you.

Firefighter

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

I want to be a volunteer firefighter. I've always had a very clean record, but a while back my car insurance coverage lapsed. I'm insured again now, problem solved. But I'm worried this may disqualify me from ever becoming a volunteer?

Ok, so you said the ranks and typical responsibilities. How does that (or might it) change if you have a volunteer FD where you don't know who will respond to different emergencies? Is there a system where officers are always on call or something?

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

(Continued)Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)

I accidentally spilled about 1/2 cup (maybe a bit more, but not a cup) of gasoline down the bathtub drain. Windows are open. Water running a couple hours. Is there anything else I should be doing? Everything I find online is about large spills.

Also on Jobstr...

Should someone who has had a herniated disc in the lumbar region of the back be a volunteer firefighter? I try to take care of my back. I get a little pain back there once in awhile. But I lift a lot at work with no problem other than what i said. ?

How much protection do turnouts give you? If you put your arm into a small, isolated flame for a second will you be hurt? Is your gear like a powerful oven-mitt for your whole body? [I think oven mitts are really cool to use I pretend I'm a FF :)]

How do I put in a station request? I need to change crews. Need a change. Thank you.

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(Continued)

Also, would being a volunteer FF/EMT help someone's odds for college admissions? Could that be the alternative for an internship or other thing that shows you are a dedicated kid? (Of course I wouldn't join a VFD for that purpose)