The National Volunteer Fire Council is encouraging members of the fire service to take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, which kicks off Nov. 19.

The ACS provides many resources to help you with setting your quit date, developing your quit plan, dealing with withdraw, and staying quit. These resources are available at www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/smokeout.asp. In addition, the ACS has developed the Quitline, a free counseling program, at 800-ACS-2345.

The NVFC has partnered with Pfizer Inc. to develop an in-depth smoking-cessation initiative. The Put It Out Web site provides tools and information for individual first responders and their family members, as well as resources for state associations and departments wishing to launch a campaign in their region. Visit the site today to find a quit date calendar, health webinar, sample department no-smoking policy, motivational materials, and more.

Learn more about how you can quit smoking and adopt and maintain an all-around heart-healthy lifestyle. For additional resources and information, visit: smokefree.gov; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; My Time to Quit; American Lung Association; American Heart Association; and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.