Yesterday the following email was sent to Strathcona Firefighters by Local 2461 Executive Secretary Eric Lowe. Executive Vice President Elliott Davis shared it with us to keep our families in the loop, as well.
Highlights:
What: If you need to isolate let me know.
When: When you are told to quarantine
Why: To track firefighters and paramedics affected around the province. Collectively we need to be prepared and on top of things.
How: Email or text me – 780-915-8488
What else: Keep reading!
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Local 2461,
First off, good work. There is a lot of information circling around and it is changing by the minute. What we do know is that our members have and will continue to be on the frontlines as this situation evolves and we will help those that need it.
While there are a lot of unknowns as this plays out, we want our members to know we are there to support you. If someone needs to go into isolation, we know our members will step up and support each other. Whether it is gathering groceries, diapers or PBRs no one will ride this out alone. The spouses association is organizing and will be an excellent resource should we need help.
The AFFA is asking each local to track who is in isolation due to travel or due to infection. They have set up real time reporting so we can see which locals are affected and where. Protection of fire responders is a priority. They are working on gaining us quicker covid-19 testing and ensuring adequate PPE supplies are available. The AFFA will provide updates as they become available.
If you are exposed:
-Report it to your PC. They will involve OHS and AHS
-Fill out an exposure report (white envelopes in ambulances)
-See the WCB info sheet attached. If you are exposed at work this is a WCB case
-Make sure it is followed up on. Management is busy, AHS is busy, it is up to us to make sure we are taken care of.
-If you have any issues bring it up to your shop steward or the exec
–and lets keep each other updated through our Local 2461 Facebook group.
If you are put on isolation please email or call me.
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SCFP Spouse Association Message to Our Families
So, we’re in a situation where no one really knows what to do, or what needs to be done, or how to best support each other. But there are somethings we can do:
- Let’s stay in touch. The situation is changing day by day and that means that people’s needs might also change. Maybe you will need assistance, or maybe you can help someone else. If possible, connect with other Strathcona Firefighter families through our Facebook Group. If not possible, reply to this email or reach out using the scfpspouseassociation.ca website
- Members of the Spouse Association are beginning to think of ways in which we can support our community. Of course, these ideas are subject to change as the situation (and the best-practices within it) develops. But for now, some of us are available to buy and deliver groceries to families in need (this includes families in quarantine or self-induced isolation to lower risk of illness due to immunity issues in the family, newborn children, etc.). If you would like to access the list or add your name to it, please see the Facebook group or get in touch via email: [email protected]
- In the event that schools and daycares close, we are also building a list of spouses that will be able to provide emergency childcare for families where both parents work in the health care field and have no nearby family. To access or add your name to that list, please contact us.
- Don’t give in to panic shopping, but don’t do without either. We live in an abundant country and belong to a generous community and there’s more than enough to go around. If bare shelves have you low on life’s essentials, let us know so we can share what we have with you.
Please know we are moving forward with complete hope that these efforts will be unnecessary but with the knowledge that, either way, we’re all in this together.