Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /home/mindastr/public_html/eyeonprofit.com/blog/wp-settings.php on line 520

Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /home/mindastr/public_html/eyeonprofit.com/blog/wp-settings.php on line 535

Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /home/mindastr/public_html/eyeonprofit.com/blog/wp-settings.php on line 542

Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /home/mindastr/public_html/eyeonprofit.com/blog/wp-settings.php on line 578

Deprecated: Function set_magic_quotes_runtime() is deprecated in /home/mindastr/public_html/eyeonprofit.com/blog/wp-settings.php on line 18
Roger’s Big Blog Of Answers

Bass Fishing

March 12th, 2009

Bass fishing is one of the most common types of fishing. Many bass fish are found in bayou water and salt water. They also move through lakes, ponds, reservoirs and streams.  If you know the basics regarding conditions and places where bass are likely to be, you will have more success when you fish for them.

Many variables change the location of bass, such as water conditions, water levels, weather, and light and food availability. There are three main elements that must be present in a body of water in order for bass to survive: Food, oxygen, and cover.

A bass’ favorite meal is crawfish, which they prefer over shad. Basically, crawfish are usually more plentiful and they are easy for the Bass to catch. However, a bass will typically eat anything from rats, mice, ducklings, frogs, snakes, salamanders, worms, lizards, grubs, baitfish, insects, and leeches. Their ability to feast on one thing above another is why many people find such enjoyment from fishing bass.

Oxygen is another key component in finding bass fish. The basic rule of thumb is that the cooler the water, the more oxygen content. Therefore, if you are fishing in the spring, summer or early fall, you will find that the larger bass will drop down lower to find the cooler and more oxygen-filled water. They will also swim to find areas that are more concentrated in vegetation in order to find a better oxygen source. Trees, stumps, wind-blown banks, and power plants are all good sources of oxygen that will attract bass fish.

A bass relies on cover for a means of protection and way of ambush. Cover is part of a bass’ survival. The bass is known as a lazy fish, so they will hide and wait for their prey to come to them. The other reason for cover is that bass fish do not have eyelids and the cover is a way to prevent blindness. Some common cover areas to find bass in are around fabricated wood structures such as fencerows, docks, and pilings. They have been known to hide under floating pieces of wood or decaying wood. Weeds are the second best place to hunt for bass. Finally, rocks are the third place that bass will find cover. Rocks are not as reliable as weeds or wood, but sometimes a bass will find decaying pieces of food to feast on within some rocks. Remember that rocks do not produce oxygen, so the source is not as consistent.

When it comes to fishing, everyone has a different opinion. You will often find that these opinions range in location and source. However, there are some lures and baits that are recommended for bass fishing that may be useful if you haven’t tried them. Tequila colored 7-inch worms with added scent are recommended, as well as Rebel Wee-Rs. Hellgrammites are thought to be the best live bait, and many will say that you don’t need big lures to attract big bass. Everyone will tell you to tie up to an embankment, or find a dock to get close to, but it is really an art that could take years to perfect.

Bass are notorious for slow moving and lack of distance in their movements. Logically, you could sit 30 feet from the biggest bass of your life, and he is not going to swim to your bait out of pure laziness. Finding the exact spot is difficult and a lot of fishing has to do with luck. The only part that you can control is finding the most likely places that a bass may be and exercise some patience. Weather is important to bass as well. If it is a cloudy day, you might have more luck than on a hot summer day. However, overcast is probably ideal for water temperatures, but then you have to decide what you are willing to sit through in order to catch a fish. The bottom line with bass fishing is you can only do your best with the knowledge at hand.

Posted in How To Fish | No Comments »

All About Pepper Spray

March 12th, 2009

With crime being more present than ever these days, it always pays off to protect yourself.  Although there are police officers and others out there who uphold the law, you never know when something may happen and they aren’t around.  To protect yourself, there are several products and forms of protection that you can get.  Among the may products available to you, is something known as pepper spray - which is one of the most common forms of self protection.

Personal protection products such as pepper spray, will work a lot better and yield the most power when you have full belief in yourself.  When you have belief in yourself, you will trust your senses, pay attention to what is going on around you, believe in your naturally ability to defend yourself, and show people that you can defend yourself.  Although personal protection products are great to have, you need to believe in yourself in order to use them properly.

Protecting yourself is something you simply must do these days.  Over the years, personal protection products have become a way of life, with pepper spray being among the most popular and best forms of protection.  When used properly, pepper spray can stop humans from attacking quickly and safely.  It’s also useful with dogs as well.  It comes in an aerosol form, is easy to use, and can stop most attackers in a matter of seconds.

The active ingredient found in pepper spray is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum).  The spray comes in 10% or 15%, with a heat rating of 2 million.  OC is non toxic, non flammable, and comes from the well known cayenne peppers.  When used as a spray, OC acts as an inflammatory agent, causing immediate dilation of the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes - resulting in constricted breathing and temporary blindness.  Although it doesn’t lead to death, the effects will last up to 45 minutes, and make attackers feel as if they are dying.  The effects will take place immediately, giving victims plenty of time to escape and seek help.

The use of pepper spray is completely legal, although there are certain rules and restrictions that you must follow.  As you may already know, you can’t carry pepper spray or any other form of self defense on airplanes.  There are also some states that will prevent the use of pepper spray, while others require that you have a FID (Firearms Identification Card) to own or use the spray.  To be on the safe side, you should always check with local state regulations before you purchase any form of self defense product, such as pepper spray.

When you are out and about, pepper spray is easy to hide.  Women normally keep it in their purse, where it is easy to access.  If you plan to carry it in your purse, always make sure that it is easy to access, with nothing in the way.  You can also carry it in your pocket or in your coat as well, where you can easily reach it in a moment’s notice.  An attack can occur in a matter of seconds - which is why you want to be able to reach it fast.

All in all, pepper spray is a great self defense tool.  It can also be a deadly weapon if it isn’t used properly.  Whenever you carry pepper spray, you should always follow the safety precautions and rules of the spray.  If you use it for self defense purposes and know how to properly use it - you can enjoy the confidence and security that it provides.

Posted in Securing Your Home | No Comments »

All About Padlocks

March 12th, 2009

We all remember the days of the padlock.  When they were first available, they presented a great way to keep your belongings safe.  They were common with lockers at school, with just about every locker having one.  Padlocks were easy to open as well; all you needed was the combination.  Once you had the combination, all it took was three clockwise turns, two counterclockwise, and once last clockwise turn to hit the final number and open the padlock.

Although the combination padlock was popular for it’s time, people soon began to realize what happened when they forgot the combination. Combination padlocks were great for those who had a sharp memory although sooner or later forgetting the combination was bound to happen.  Once the combination had been lost, a pair of bolt cutters would be required in order to cut the lock.

Shortly after the combination padlock came the padlocks of today – lock and key.  Padlocks that required a key were much easier to use, requiring no combination.  All you had to do was keep the key with you at all times and you had no worries about the padlock.  If you ended up losing the key however, you would need to cut the lock.  To prevent losing the key, most people chose to put the padlock key on their key ring or wear it on a necklace around their neck.

The most popular type of padlock today is Master Lock.  The Master Lock brand has been around for generations, proving to be the hardest type of lock to break.  It’s been well proven and well documented that guns can’t harm Master Locks.  Even if you shoot the lock dead on with a shotgun or handgun, the lock won’t give.  Master Locks are made of solid high grade steel and won’t give way to a few shots from a gun.  Although they may sustain damage from the blast, they will still be there once the shooting has stopped – protecting what you have them locked to.

Although Master Locks are the most popular and most common type of padlock, there are other types available as well.  Multi-Lock, Medeco, and KW are all excellent examples of quality padlocks.  These locks feature unique and innovative designs that are near impossible for thieves to get rid of.  You can use them around the house to keep doors locked, safes locked, cabinets locked, and virtually anything else that contains your possessions.

The best thing about padlocks is the fact that they are very affordable.  You can find them in virtually any department or hardware store.  You can shop online as well, and compare what each company lock will offer you.  The next time you need to lock up something and you need a small lock – you can count on one of the many padlocks to give you the protection and safety you need.

Posted in Securing Your Home | No Comments »

Achieving Safety With A Burglar Alarm

March 12th, 2009

Years ago, home burglar alarms were only found with rich homes.  These days however, the prices have dropped and they are becoming more common with homes of average folk.  A lot of people who invest in burglar systems go for the do it yourself systems.  They can be wired or wireless, setting off an alarm when an intruder attempts to break in or when they are moving around inside of your house.

With home burglar alarms, there are two types - open and closed circuit.  Open circuit systems work by setting off an alarm when the circuit closes.  When a window or a door is opened, the circuit is immediately completed and the alarm goes off.  Closed circuit systems work the opposite way.  When a window or door is opened, the circuit is broken - also setting off the alarm.

Another, more sophisticated option, are motion sensors.  Motion sensors sense any type of motion within a certain radius to the sensor.  Once it has sensed any motion, it sends a signal out to the control panel that will analyze it and see if the movement is considered suspicious.  If the movement is indeed considered suspicious, it will react to the way you have it set up and inform the proper authorities or sound the alarm.

Motion sensors can also be adjusted as well.  You can adjust them for things such as pets walking around or any other activity that is common with your home that wouldn’t signify a burglary taking place. Motion sensor alarms are very common these days, and one of the best ways to keep your home safe from a burglar - and give you peace of mind in knowing that you are protected.

Normally, it’s a good idea to use motion sensors and magnetic switches with your burglar alarm setup.  Magnetic switches will protect doors and windows while the motion sensors will help to protect larger rooms, such as living rooms and hallways.  The combination of the two is never a bad idea - and will go a long way in protecting your home.

Another available option that you have is a security camera.  Video cameras are also common these days, and can be mounted in very strategic areas throughout the parameter of your home.  They will pick up images in the area they are mounted, which will be displayed on the monitor.  You can also record the video to a videotape as well, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep track of the information that the camera picks up.

You can also get a burglar system from a home security company as well.  Most companies monitor their systems remotely, and always have someone in the office to look after the system.  Once the alarm is set off, the company will immediately inform the local police or send their own security personnel out to your home.  This way, night or day, no matter where you go, your home will always be protected.

Investing in a burglary system of any type is always a smart investment.  You have several different to choose from, depending on your needs.  If you’ve been worried about your home and the things you keep inside your home, you should invest in a burglary system.  They will help you keep peace of mind, and know that you are protected.  They don’t cost that much either, which makes them an even better investment.  If you own a home - you shouldn’t hesitate to invest in a burglary system.

Posted in Securing Your Home | No Comments »

Air Purifiers: Are They Worth the Buy?

March 12th, 2009

Do you own an air purifier, if not, there is a good chance that you would be interested in owning one in the future, if you aren’t already interested. That is because air purifiers are rapidly increasing in popularity.  Why you may ask?  Air purifiers are rapidly increasing in popularity because they make indoor air healthier and cleaner.  This means that by owning an air purifier, your home or your office space could become a pleasant place to be, instead of an unhealthy or an unpleasant place.

When it comes to air purifiers, despite the fact that they are popular, there are still many individuals who wonder whether or not they should get one. This is because many individuals wonder whether or not air purifiers are actually worth the buy.  Are you one of those individuals?  If so, you may be in for the surprise of your life.  That is because, in most cases, air purifiers are not only a good buy, but they could also be considered quite a deal.

Quite a deal, you wonder?  When it comes to air purifiers, there are many individuals who feel that they are expensive to purchase.  While air purifiers can be expensive to purchase, you need to remember one thing.  They result in clean air, which is easier to breathe.  Can you put a price tag on that?  That is why, when you think about, air purifiers are a great deal; thus making them definitely worth the buy.  However, as great as air purifiers are, you need to remember that they are not all the same.  That is why it is important that you know what you are buying.

When buying an air purifier, you need to examine the overall cost of an air purifier.  The overall cost of owning an air purifier isn’t just the price that you pay at the store; it is the price overtime. With many air purifiers, you are required to change the filter every few months.  This ups the cost of an air purifier. For that reason, you are advised to examine the cost of a replacement filter, before making your purchase.  If you are concerned with the cost of a replacement filter, you will want to examine air purifiers that do not use filters, just collection grids. These types of air purifiers may cost more money, upfront, but they could end up saving you money, in the long run.

It is also important to examine what you will be using your air purifier for. A large number of individuals use air purifiers if they have pets or if they have a smoker inside the house. Unfortunately, not all air purifiers are designed to remove these types of particles from the air. Therefore, if you plan on using an air purifier for smoke or for pets, you are advised to thoroughly read the descriptions of each air purifier that you are interested in buying.  Buying the wrong type of air purifier can turn an otherwise good purchase into one that is definitely not worth the buy.

By keeping the above mentioned points in mind, you should be able to find and purchase the air purifier that best fits your needs and the needs of your household. This is, in turn, will make your next air purifier purchase definitely worth the buy.

Posted in Clean Home Air | No Comments »

Air Purifiers: The Benefits of Reading Consumer Reports or Customer Feedback

March 12th, 2009

Are you looking to purchase a new air purifier for your home? If so, have you purchased one before?  If you have never purchased an air purifier before, you may not know exactly what you should be looking for or which type of air purifier is considered the best.  If this is the case, you are advised to do a little bit of research, before making your final purchase.  This research should involve consumer reports or customer feedback.

We have all heard of consumer reports before.  In fact, these reports are regularly featured on the news, on the radio, and on television. Consumer reports are often generated by a group of trained individuals or traditional consumers, either one or the other. These individuals will test and review a particular product. Many times these products include cars computer equipment, and televisions. But, did you know there are also consumer reports done on air purifiers. If you are able to find these reports, which you should easily be able to do online, you should be able to obtain valuable information on some of the most popular and well-known air purifiers on the market.

In addition to using consumer reports, you can also obtain customer feedback online. Customer feedback is feedback that is left by a customer who recently purchased or used the particular product in question. Many of these reviews or product ratings are done for a number of different popular and well-known air purifier makes and models.  If you are able to find these reviews, you could very well stay up-to-date on the latest products to hit the market. A customer feedback will likely not only include the price of an air purifier, but also the quality of its performance.

As previously mentioned, it is easiest to read consumer reports or view customer feedback online.  When searching for consumer reports, you will likely want to perform a standard internet search. You may want to search using the words consumer reports, air purifiers.  Combining the words air purifiers and consumer reports, will likely provide you with more accurate results.  Consumer reports, as stated above, are performed on a wide variety of different products. Tailoring your search specifically to air purifiers is the best way to do the research, without wasting your time.

If you are looking for customer feedback, from previously air purifier buyers, you will also want to use the internet.  If you know the name of a particular air purifier, you may want to perform a standard internet search with that name.  Your results should include product information, as well as customer feedback or customer ratings.  In addition to a standard internet search, you may also want to visit the website of an online retailer, particularly one that sells air purifiers.  Many online retail stores allow their customers to review the products in which they purchased from their store.

Although the internet is a great way to learn more about air purifiers, you can also speak to those that you know.  Over the past few years, the use of air purifiers in homes has skyrocketed. This means that there is a good chance that you know someone who has used an air purifier in the past or who still does.  If you do know someone, you are advised to inquire about the product they have or had.  Those that you know are more likely to provide you with honest answers, when compared to strangers over the internet.

As you should be able to see, there are a number of different ways that you can go about searching for customer feedback or consumer reports, for air purifiers.  The benefits to doing so are unlimited. Not only can you be altered to well performing air purifiers, but you can also familiarize yourself with air purifiers that you are advised to stay away from. This valuable piece of information may help you have hundred of dollars, if not thousands, overtime.

Posted in Clean Home Air | No Comments »

Air Purifiers: A Buying Guide

March 12th, 2009

Are you in the market for an air purifier?  Air purifiers are electric machines that are used to eliminate harmful particles or contaminants from the air.  If used inside your home, air purifiers will help to make the air that you and your family breathes cleaner. For that reason, there is a good chance that you would be in the market for a new air purifier, if not now then in the future.

When it comes to buying air purifiers, there are many consumers who think they know what to look for.  Many of those consumers end up purchasing the lowest costing machine or the one that looks the best.  Of course, you will not want to pay more than you have to and a good looking machine would be nice, but you are advised against basing your decisions solely on that. Instead, you will want to take the time to understand the product you are interested, namely the price of the purifier, as a whole, and the performance quality.

Perhaps, the first step in buying a purifier is to familiarize yourself with all of your available options.  You can do this two different ways.  The first way involves visiting one of your local retail stores.  You will want to thoroughly examine each product that they have available. This should be done by reading the information which can be found on air purifier boxes. In addition to comparing prices and products at the store, you can also use the internet.  In fact, the internet may be the easiest way. Online, you can not only familiarize yourself with different air cleaning machines, but you can also read product reviews.

If you have the opportunity, you are advised to read online reviews of multiple air purifiers. These reviews should give you inside information on the operation and maintenance of multiple air purifiers.  Although product reviews are nice, you are also advised to do your own research, as well as use your common sense.  This is important, especially when determining the final cost of purchasing an air purifier.

With air purifiers, you will find a number of different make and models.  Some of these makes and models use filers.  With certain types of filters, many just need to be cleaned, but others need to be replaced. If you need to replace the filter in an air purifier, you need to determine when that filter needs to be changed and exactly how much it will cost.  This is extremely important, especially if you are shopping on a budget.  In some cases, you will find that some air purifiers need to have their filters replaced in as little as a couple of months. You may also find that the filter ends up costing more than you originally paid for the air purifier. You are urged to stay away from these types of cleaning machines; many times they are not just considered air cleaners, but financial traps.

When looking for an air purifier, you are advised to look for air purifiers with HEPA filters. HEPA filters, although they are considered expensive, are often the most well performing.  This is because HEPA air filters must meet specific regulations. These regulations, which are imposed by the Department of Energy, are the reason why air purifiers with HEPA filters are considered the most successful at eliminating unwanted or harmful air particles.

Once you have researched and examined a number of different air purifiers and you have made a final decision, you will find that you have a number of different purchase options.  Air purifiers are sold all across the United States. A large number of retail stores carry these purifiers, including home improvement stores, home stores, and most traditional department stores. In addition to storefront retail locations, air purifiers can also be purchased online from a number of different retailers.  For the largest selection of air purifiers, as well the ability to quickly compare prices, you may want to think about shopping online.

Honestly, where you shop doesn’t matter as much as which type of air purifier you are purchasing.  If you are looking for an affordable, but well performing air purifier, you should be prepared to spend a little bit of time researching all of your available options.  While this research may seem time consuming, it will almost always be worth it in the long run.

Posted in Clean Home Air | No Comments »

Fighting Fire from The Air

March 12th, 2009

Fighting fire from the air is better known as aerial firefighting. This type of firefighting method was developed to help with wildfires because of the fires occurring in difficult areas to reach. Aerial firefighting uses many types of aircrafts such as helicopters and planes each carrying regular water or a special fire retardant material. Along with these special aircrafts for fighting fire from the sky, there is also a special group of firefighters known as Smokejumpers who parachute in tot he difficult areas and fight the fire from the ground level. They are very special firefighters indeed because of the dangerous situations they face and the locations in which they are landing in. The death rate for these firefighters is no laughing matter.

The helicopters carry the water or other materials to extinguish the fire in a tank or bucket especially designed for this job. The bucket is filled with water from a pond or lake nearby and then flown and dumped on the fire. The Bambi Bucket is one of the better known buckets used. Those helicopters using tanks receive the water from a nearby water source also. The difference is that they siphon the water through a straw-like snorkel. A few special helicopters can actually be filled while they are in the air by this same type of snorkel device. Aircraft carry tanks that are filled while they are on the ground by special filling areas but can also skim across the water to fill them if needed.

The particular chemicals used in these tanks vary but the majority of the aerial firefighting is done with ammonium sulfate. The chemicals remove the heat from the fire and cover it so no oxygen can get in. In the past a Borat salt mixture was used but was found to not only be toxic to the animals but would cause the soil to become barren and not produce any greenery. The new ammonium sulfate mixture is combined with a clay and guar gum to make it thicker and a red coloring is also added.

This mixture also prevents rust deposits from occurring because of the clay and gum it contains. The thickness provides a lower chance of the material running off the original location it was intended for and the coloring shows where it has been applied. This produces a safer chemical and will actually help to fertilize the ground to grow vegetation back faster. Any of the ammonium sulfate mixture that gets into the water and has excessive sunlight will be harmful to the fish in that water.

By using aerial firefighting for these fires, more land can be saved than with a regular ground attack. They give a defensive line to those fires that are not reachable by human firefighters. As seen on the many television broadcasts showing wild fires, it is obvious that it takes a long period of time to extinguish these types of fires. It may take as long as a week to a few months to stop the fires from burning out of control. Imagine what it would be like if it were not for the aerial firefighters and vehicles that aided in the fight. We might loose a larger amount of our forests were it not for this great firefighting equipment and personnel.

Posted in Becoming A Firefighter | No Comments »

Children And Fire Are A Deadly Combination

March 12th, 2009

Local fire departments and governing authorities are trying once again to educate people on the deadly risks they face from fire outbreaks in their own homes. A fire has the ability to start from almost anything, and can turn in to a raging inferno in no time at all. Fire proofing your home is one way of keeping yourself and your children safe.

Can you name the number one cause of in-home fires caused by children? Yes, you guessed it right; matches and lighters are in fact the number one cause of fires. Far too many children have learned to light matches and to ignite lighters and find them completely irresistible. Much too often these instances are deadly and one or more children are hurt badly or killed. If your child begins showing interest in fires or setting them, at an early age, there is counseling available to help them find better outlets for their emotions or desires. Most of the juveniles that are considered “fire starters” are found to have played with matches and lighters, often, when they were children. To remove any hazards or temptations, keep matches and lighters in high places or locked cabinets.

It is imperative that you educate your child on fire safety and how to leave a room or house if one starts. Although they are naturally inquisitive about fires, they more often than not hide when faced with the reality of one. Sadly, most of the deaths that occur of young children are those that are found too late, hiding under beds and in closets. When frightened, they have a tendency to get easily confused, or if they were responsible for having started the fire, they may hide out of fear of consequences. Practicing fire drills in your home, at least on an average of 3 - 4 times a year, will enable them to become familiar with their surroundings and to feel more confident in the event of an emergency.

Another top ranking cause of fire injuries among children is clothing fires. These occur when children get too close to open flames, heaters, burners, matches, etc. and their clothing catches fire. Teaching your children about fire and the possible damage that it can do, allows them to learn a healthy respect for fire. Fire safety on this topic includes teaching them the basics of what to do if their clothes catch on fire, that would be the well known phrase, “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.  Even though their natural inclination is to run, teach them to stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover their face, and roll repeatedly until the flames are extinguished. This is such a simple action, but can lead to saving your child’s life. The safest course of action would be to always ensure that a responsible adult or teenager is always around your child. They should not ever be left unattended, since this is most often when serious accidents occur.

In the 1970’s, a law was passed concerning children’s sleep wear that it had to be flame retardant.  Before this law went into effect, the deaths of children in fires was at an all time high, but after the law was passed, the rate of child deaths by fire lowered by over 90%. This helped to heighten the general awareness of the danger of fires, and resulted in a big step toward better fire safety practices. The statistics are shocking at best, and cause people to take notice of the simple things that could end up being the death of your child. Most fire inspectors today are trying to warn parents everywhere that some of the sleeping garments they are choosing for their children, such as t-shirts and shorts, are not flame retardant material. For the safety of your child, read the label and get the facts. It could be a matter of life and death — literally.

Posted in Becoming A Firefighter | No Comments »

Aviation Firefighters

March 12th, 2009

An airport is a busy place, with the planes and people coming and going, traffic in and out, what happens when there is an incident that involves chemicals, fire, or danger? They call the fire department, just as we do, but it makes you wonder just how quickly they could respond to a call for help with all of the hustle and bustle of an average day. The airport has their seperate mini fire department. These firefighters are called aviation firefighters. Their training is the same on the first aid level, but there are some major differences that show themselves if you have ever gotten a first hand look at some of these aviation firefighters in action. Even some of the first aid/medical training is different, as far as working under certain conditions, and treating different kinds of wounds. By taking an up close and personal look at these firefighters, we will understand a little more of what their jobs entail and how different they are.

First we will take a look at what tasks are sometimes required of them. A large number of plane crises occur over water, which results in a crash, and when the aviation firefighters are called, they must have the ability to aid in the situation, quickly and responsibly. By use of mobile vehicles as well as watercraft, they aid in the evacuation of people under life threatening conditions. They must have the ability to remain calm, while making immediate decisions in the best interest of each situation. Their knowledge and skills of first aid are far above basic, and they are required to maintain proper certification and current knowledge during the length of their jobs. Most of the equipment they use is concurrent with standard firefighting equipment, as well as using some tools and chemicals that are for more advanced fires and situations. An understanding of and an ability to use a wide variety of equipment is mandatory. Along with the usual hoses are foam sprayers, and complex monitors and machines. As well as having the skills to use the equipment, they must be knowledgeable on the maintenance and care needed to keep all fire vehicles, working equipment, including hoses, in top form.

Along with saving people and putting out fires, these special firefighters must keep in mind the necessity of protecting the environment as well. They are educated on how to do so, and what course of action would best suit the current conditions at the site of the emergency. Suffice it to say, not only do they save lives, but also the earth. During the rush and routine of the airports activity, these firefighters are manning the Fire Control Center at each respective airport. They are the ones that maintain safety rules and regulations are being adhered to, while keeping flight take offs and landings as safe as possible. They observe the arrivals and departures of all incoming and outgoing aircraft, to make sure safety is being kept in mind. Another duty for them is the conduction of inspections concerning fire safety and inspections of all fire alarms within the airport. At any time, most airports are teeming with activity, and these firefighters have their hands full. They are responsible for educating the airport employees on any changes that are made to fire safety routines or practices, and must conduct fire drills periodically to ensure everyone is capable of acting in the event of an emergency.

Some of their physical requirements are, of course, being physically fit, able to dive with underwater breathing apparatus, as well as swim. The physical requirements are quite intense, due to the nature of the job and the type of crises that are expected to occur. To find out more about your local aviation firefighters, contact your local fire department, or your local airport.  To know them is to appreciate them since they bring more meaning to the phrase, “flying friendly skies”.

Posted in Becoming A Firefighter | No Comments »

« Older Entries