VFIS of Texas News - Archive

Employment Practices Helpline Website

Employment Practices Liability (EPL) is a growing concern for all organizations. It is important to keep up with the latest EPL issues and EPL law. But with the other demands placed on you, it’s hard to find the time or money to read journals, consult regularly with employment law experts, and maintain extensive files of cases and decisions. VFIS knows that in order for you to keep up with this subject, you need to have a quick and easy to use resource.

That is why VFIS is providing our clients with a free online website that is easy to use and will provide the latest information on employment practices. For VFIS clients, it will also include a free call-in Helpline.

This new internet platform will help reduce the risk of an Employment Practices Liability incident. It covers hot topics such as preventing discrimination, ethics, and leave policies. When a new issue arises, you’ll know about it. When advice is needed on a unique situation or circumstance, clients can call a "live" Helpline. All you will need is a username and password to begin taking advantage of these powerful EPL tools.

For information on how to register for this website, please call Danny Kerecman at 800-252-9435.

Emergency Services Trailer Operations and Safety Program
As a result of many emergency services operational changes, equipment that was never considered is now being moved with increasing frequency. Often this equipment is needed, but cannot be carried on traditional vehicles. To meet these needs emergency services organizations are purchasing trailers to carry this equipment. Trailers can satisfy many of these needs and yet many departments lack the expertise or training to hook up and move a trailer.

The newly-created VFIS program addresses these training needs. This program is intended to teach the emergency vehicle operator the proper techniques and procedures for towing a trailer.

For more information on the program and how to order, please visit http://www.vfis.com/SafeTrailerProgram.htm or contact Carole Johnson at 800-252-9435.

USFA Joins Other National Fire Organizations in Their Support to Ban the Sale and Distribution of Novelty and Toy Lighters
From USFA: Chief's Corner

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) joins other national fire organizations in their support to ban the sale and distribution of novelty and toylike lighters. These organizations include the Congressional Fire Services Institute, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the International Fire Marshals Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Prevention Advocacy Resources and Data Exchange (PARADE) network.

Novelty and toylike lighters are linked to incidents of deaths, injuries, and property loss across the nation. For decades the fire service and caregivers have taught children to avoid lighters and that they are tools, not toys. But children are attracted to novelty lighters because they look like toys such as animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, doll accessories, fishing lures, stacks of coins, markers, and cameras. It is nearly impossible for a child, and oftentimes an adult, to distinguish between what is a toy and what is a lighter.

For more information, please visit http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/chiefs-corner/080409.shtm.

Fire Prevention Week 2009: Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned

Testing the water before putting a child in the bath may sound like common sense. Wearing short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking on the stovetop may show foresight. This and other simple actions may be all it takes to prevent devastating burns.

Fire Prevention Week 2009 focuses on burn awareness and prevention as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires.

From October 4-10, fire and life safety educators across the country will bring these important safety messages to their communities, showing them simple ways they can "Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned."

For more information, please visit www.firepreventionweek.org.