A wide variety of resources to support fire department participation in the 2007 International Fire and EMS Safety Stand Down are now available, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The third annual stand down will be held the week of June 17–23.

The resources include a detailed schedule of events, lessons learned, safety reports, links to firefighter health and wellness programs and a chief's guide to planning and outreach. These resources are provided so that every participating department will have a starting point for planning and preparing for their Stand Down.

Each department is encouraged to review these resources and choose those that will best aid them in the preparation and execution of Stand Down activities. After reviewing the available resources, departments can take the opportunity to discuss what they want to accomplish. This is also an opportunity for department members to voice their opinions, questions and concerns, as well as to offer their ideas and suggestions.

"We believe that the safety of our firefighters and EMTs is critical" said IAFC President Chief Jim Harmes. "Please take time during the stand-down week to reinforce to your members the importance of being safe in all fire service and EMS operations. Appoint a department member to organize your department's safety stand down. Have them go online and use the materials that are now available,"

The IAFC's goal for these resources is to help departments plan a better Stand Down by giving the departments a wide range of ideas to consider and possibly implement into their stand downs. Resources can be downloaded from www.iafc.org/standdown.