ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Firefighters are answering more emergency calls than ever. But across the Lehigh Valley, fire departments are struggling to put enough firefighters on the front lines to answer them.
Career and volunteer departments face staffing shortages, recruitment challenges, rising call volumes and increasing costs. At the same time, they must keep pace with new technology and changing fire behavior.
On Thursday, August 27 at 6 p.m., watch “A Community Conversation: Sounding the Alarm” for an in-depth look at the future of fire service in the Lehigh Valley.
Local fire chiefs, union leaders, volunteer firefighters and state officials will explain what’s putting pressure on departments, how they’re working to recruit and retain the next generation of firefighters, and what communities can do to strengthen emergency services for years to come.
Guests will include:
Jonathon Steed, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention, Allentown Fire DepartmentHenry Hennings, Chief, Easton Fire DepartmentLou Jimenez, Northeast District Service Rep., Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters AssociationRaymond Henry, Deputy Chief, East Allen Township Volunteer Fire DepartmentScott Sylvainus, Supervisor, Upper Nazareth Twp.Scott Little, 1st Vice President, Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs AssociationPeter Brown, Executive Director, PA Rivers Chapter, American Red CrossJose Rivera, Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
This program will be broadcast live on PBS39 (and on YouTube) from the Allentown Fire Academy with an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Filming begins promptly at 6 p.m.
Those interested in being part of the audience can register HERE.
Fire recovery and preparedness resources
First 72 hours after a home fire
American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter — 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) Provides immediate hotel vouchers or emergency housing, funds for groceries and food, shoes, clothing and replacement medications.United Way — Dial 211 or call 1-855-567-5341 Dial 211 for real-time local resources around the clock, including emergency shelter, crisis counseling and essential basic needs.American Red Cross — Steps to Take After a Home Fire
Four steps to take immediately after a home fire.Northampton County IRES — 610-252-9060 Information and Referral Emergency Services (IRES) operates a 24-hour emergency line providing immediate emergency intervention and connections to county-funded hotel placement, basic needs and crisis caseworkers.Give InKind — What to do after a house fire: A checklist for the first 72 hours Checklist of steps to take during the first 72 hours after a house fire.FEMA / U.S. Fire Administration — After the Fire: Recovery Guide
A guide to recovering from a fire, including what to do during the first 24 hours, insurance considerations, valuing property, replacing important documents, salvage tips and fire department operations. Available in English and Spanish.FEMA / U.S. Fire Administration — After the Fire: Spanish-language guidePrevention and preparationHow you can helpAmerican Red Cross — Volunteer with the Red Cross
Volunteer or donate to support people affected by disasters.United Way — Volunteer or donate
Find ways to volunteer or donate to support disaster response and community needs.National Volunteer Fire Council — Make Me A Firefighter
Learn about volunteer firefighting and find opportunities in your area.Lehigh County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) — Lehigh County CERT
CERT programs give residents the skills and confidence to protect loved ones and support first responders during emergencies.Lehigh County Emergency Management — 4 Steps to Safety Readiness guide
A guide to help households prepare for a disaster.