BY STEPHEN CHARLTON
In volunteer companies, just as it is everywhere else in North America, money is tighter than ever before. Yet, tools and equipment are becoming more and more expensive. You and your fellow members are left wondering how to convince your town council or county to increase your department's funding, which is being reduced yet again. Simply put, you must "strut your stuff." Volunteer departments are hardly noticed in smaller communities; some may run only 40 calls a year. Becoming more visible in your service area could very well be the answer.
Get out of the station house and talk to your community members. Show them the best your department has to offer, but start slowly. Have your department start a blog or a Facebook page. Notify people about fire and safety information specific to your area, and provide frequent updates with new content; no one will return to a page that has not been updated in weeks. This can be done by text or video, and it's FREE.
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