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Small Business Pledges $1 Million Dollar Donation to Fire Departments Nationwide to Offset Additional Readiness and First Response Costs Associated with Blackouts, Terrorism, Fires and Other Crises.
by Anonymous

Falls Church, VA August 19, 2003 – Heightened levels of security, combined with budget cuts and ever increasing demands on local fire departments is forcing these mostly volunteer organizations to explore alternative ways to fund their efforts or reduce service when possible. The August 14 blackout is not one of these times. Fire and rescue squads are among the first responders to any catastrophic event. Meanwhile, many community members want to know what to do when, and they want it from a comprehensive, educational resource that gets to the point.

Technologists, Inc. is assisting communities and fire departments with these two issues by offering the CyberXpert Home Companion-- Safety and Security Edition at a reduced price and donating nearly 30% of the proceeds to the fire department of the purchasers’ choice up to $1,000,000.

This is not a marketing ploy. The interactive CD serves as a self-paced training tool and a quick problem-solution finder for the homeowner or renter. By using the interactive CD, the individuals served by the fire department can learn how to handle some instances themselves, and they can prevent a small problem from becoming a disaster that could tax the resources of the Fire department. This preparation can also help conserve energy, which would consequently reduce the strain on the Nation's infrastructure.

If for example, the people affected by the blackout on August 14 had gone through the, shelter-in-place and power protection information on the CyberXpert Home Companion-- Safety and Security Edition, they would have been better prepared for an emergency, may have had back up power and would have known a better alternative to rushing into the streets. Better-prepared individuals reduce the strain on public services.

There are many extra benefits associated with learning how to protect your home and family from fire. Fire protection can involve changes to your house and property, from simple to difficult. The costs for these changes can be reduced by a better understanding of the problem and solution and coupling a project with one that also reduces your energy bill.

"With all the flurry of comments on assigning blame for the August 14, blackout, I am reminded of a famous quote: Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country. Individuals could make their home and family safer and conserve as much as 50% of the energy they are now using in their home by applying the how to advice on this interactive CD. Conservation is something that we can all do now." said Jody Messersmith, Exec. VP of Technologists, Inc.

US Department of Energy officials have indicated that the natural gas shortage may lead to the highest energy costs in decades, so these extra benefits will put money in the community members’ pockets as well as the fire department. For example, if the roof of your house is covered with wood or asphalt shingles, you should consider replacing them with more fire-resistant materials, such as terra cotta or standing seam metal roofing. While you are at it, make sure you have the right insulation. This will also conserve energy and reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Consider replacing your windows. Windows allow radiated heat to pass through and ignite combustible materials inside. The larger the pane of glass, the more vulnerable it is to fire. Dual- or triple-pane thermal glass, and fire resistant shutters or drapes, help reduce wildfire risk and could help you save as much as 15% on your energy bill if it has an ENERGY STAR® label.

Landscaping is another example of a fire prevention strategy, which can be done with energy conservation in mind. Remove shrubs close to the home and instead plant trees that maximize natural light in winter and offer shade in the summer.

These examples are just a few of the things you will find on the CyberXpert Home Companion Safe-at-Home Edition. The interactive Cd reduces the time and money fire fighters need to spend training members of the community they serve. That leaves more time and money available for needed services that may otherwise have to be cut. The reduced price is available to consumers through: http://www.cyberxpert.net or "http://www.Amazon.com/shops/homesafetyguide" and clicking the "home and garden" link or "See All Technologists, Inc. Listings."

Lauren Kirby, President of the Centreville Volunteer Fire Department, Centreville Virginia said, " I bought 12 because I wanted a unique and affordable donor gift for our larger financial gifts and decided that the CyberXpert Home Companion CD was the perfect choice. It relays useful information about home safety and welfare, homeland security and energy savings while reinforcing the key messages that are a foundation for the fire and medical services. This CD is also an ideal door prize or item for sale at Open Houses, Safe Kids Days or other fire department-sponsored events. The public gets meaningful and timely information and the fire department gets a nice donation from CyberXpert."




This article courtesy of http://www.truckdonation.org.

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