Aux Local 215 Washer Initiative
Donation protected
Firehouse Washer & Dryer Initiative
The Auxiliary to Local 215 is currently in the middle of a campaign to raise funds to purchase washers and dryers for all 36 fire houses in the City of Milwaukee. With the growing number of cancer related illnesses and deaths it is important to get the necessary equipment to keep our firefighters safe. Cancer is two to 40 times higher in firefighters than in the general population. 56 percent of firefighter deaths are caused by cancer. More fire departments are acknowledging that gear and clothing must be cleaned. They realize it cannot go home with firefighters because it presents a real hazard to their families. Through this campaign we are trying to remedy this problem, so that our firefighters can wash their station gear/uniforms at the firehouse, lessening the exposure to his/her family.
The invisible dangers that affect firefighters long after they return to the station and even after they return home, can impact their future health and even the health of their families. While firefighters can not completely eliminate all toxic or carcinogen exposures in their profession, with some careful thought, planning and follow-through they can minimize many unnecessary exposures. The important first step is educating themselves about the dangers and the ways firefighters can avoid or minimize them. The second, and most important step, is consistently implementing measures to minimize the invisible dangers they face.
Thank you for your contribution.
Aux to Local 215 Milwaukee Professional Firefighters
The Auxiliary to Local 215 is currently in the middle of a campaign to raise funds to purchase washers and dryers for all 36 fire houses in the City of Milwaukee. With the growing number of cancer related illnesses and deaths it is important to get the necessary equipment to keep our firefighters safe. Cancer is two to 40 times higher in firefighters than in the general population. 56 percent of firefighter deaths are caused by cancer. More fire departments are acknowledging that gear and clothing must be cleaned. They realize it cannot go home with firefighters because it presents a real hazard to their families. Through this campaign we are trying to remedy this problem, so that our firefighters can wash their station gear/uniforms at the firehouse, lessening the exposure to his/her family.
The invisible dangers that affect firefighters long after they return to the station and even after they return home, can impact their future health and even the health of their families. While firefighters can not completely eliminate all toxic or carcinogen exposures in their profession, with some careful thought, planning and follow-through they can minimize many unnecessary exposures. The important first step is educating themselves about the dangers and the ways firefighters can avoid or minimize them. The second, and most important step, is consistently implementing measures to minimize the invisible dangers they face.
Thank you for your contribution.
Aux to Local 215 Milwaukee Professional Firefighters
Organizer
Danielle Martin Casarez
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
