The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have announced in a press release the theme Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility for the 2009 Safety, Health and Survival Week, scheduled for June 14-20.

The organizations encourage all fire/EMS departments to devote this week to reviewing safety policies, evaluating the progress of existing initiatives and discussing health and fitness. Fire/EMS departments should make a concerted effort during the week to correct safety deficiencies and to provide training as needed. An entire week is provided to ensure that each shift and volunteer duty crew can spend one day focusing on fire fighter safety, health and survival.

Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility encourages chiefs and fire/EMS personnel to focus on what they personally can do to manage risk and enhance their health and safety. This year’s theme reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability within a strong safety culture.

For additional information, visit www.iafc.org/safetyweek.