bed bug prevention in a fire department

Public Safety“Bed Bug Prevention in

a Fire Department”Tammy Sheaks

Jackson Township Fire Department

Fire Departments Are Still Making the News

• Not just for putting out fires

• But, for having bed bug-infested stations• How would your community react?

House fires don’t always kill bed bugs.

Spraying water on bunker gear at a fire scene does not kill bed bugs!

“THE BEST DEFENSE”

KNOW THE ENEMY

Chief Sheets decides to be proactive, and mandates a new policy requiring all

employees to receive bed bug training.

“BE PROACTIVE”

Use the training PowerPoint on the

CentralOhioBedBugs.org website

Customize the PowerPoint to your Department…

• Add your own slides or photos • List locations of known infestations• It is designed to help overcome……..

“Firefighter Indifference”

Training may also help prevent….

Reactive Measures

“The Lieutenant’s Bunk”with all stages of the bed bug life cycle

Training Aids

“Implement a Procedural Change”

•For housekeeping •And, possible exposures

Jackson Township Fire Department Bed Bug Directive

In light of recent increase in bed bug activity in our community we are going to implement a procedural change immediately. This directive comes at the recommendation of the Franklin County Board of Health to help prevent the spread of bed bugs. I understand that this change may be an inconvenience, however, it is being implemented to limit your and your family’s exposure to this growing problem.

Fabric, wood, cardboard or any other material is prohibited on the floor.

Any items not in plastic tubs will be removed and taken to the bay to be

reclaimed, or discarded.

“Specially Designed Mattress Protectors Impermeable to Bed Bugs”

Every Monday, bunkrooms shall be thoroughly cleaned, swept, and dusted, including under beds, and baseboards.

If bed bugs should be found, all bunkroom drapes shall be taken down and washed

and dried thoroughly.

Disposable shoe covers shall be worn by all EMS/Fire personnel at known locations of infestations. These

shoe covers will be removed, placed in sealed plastic bags, before entering another facility.

Dryer racks have been added to the station dryers.

EMS crews shall alert hospital staff if the patient is coming from an

infested location.

JTFD - Mission Statement• Our Mission is to prevent fires, promote

health and safety, provide emergency medical services, protect life and property from fires, hazardous materials, and hostile acts of nature. Department members are committed to serve the public with professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and a never-ending quest to improve services.

We Are Improving Our Services By:

• Being Proactive • Mandatory Training• Procedural Changes

• In Housekeeping• And, Possible Exposures

What Does Your Department Mission Statement Mean to You?

Tammy Sheaks CFSI, FPIJackson Township Fire DepartmentGrove City, Ohio

sheakst@jacksontwp.org(614) 875-5588