BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – First responders everywhere are making changes to how they conduct community affairs during the pandemic.
The Beckley Volunteer Fire Department for instance has restricted visitors, safety training and all events for the foreseeable future. Adam Carrico, a firefighter at the department, says they are going through extra measures to make sure their staff is safe.
“So sanitizing before and after meals and screening before anybody enters the property allows us to control our environment a little bit more, because we truly can’t quarantine here, because we are essential,” Carrico said.
Four firefighters are present at any given time in the station. Their office is not currently staffed and they only allow firefighters into the station. All firefighters have their temperature taken upon entering the building to help catch symptoms more quickly. During calls, firefighters will where ventilator masks when interacting with others as an added precaution.
Despite their thorough screening measures, the department is still responding to calls without issue during the pandemic.
