O ver time, it has been shown that sick and injured members create financial costs to their organizations. The overall concept of this manual is to keep members safe from exposures, while protecting organizations from long- term injury, illness and even death. Considering these various best practices and their implementation, fire departments may use a phased-in approach as necessary. While many of the practices identify low cost items like garbage bags, other items have a significant cost. A fiscal analysis considers the money available, the money requested and the money actually spent. Fire departments are unique, they are funded differently—some are municipalities, some are fire districts, some employ career fire fighters, some have volunteers and some are combinations. In seeking a funding solution to implement the best practices, a “one size fits all” approach will not work for all fire departments. A fiscal analysis should be conducted to determine the level of participation for each individual department. Funding sources to consider include local fees associated with fire and building permits as allowed, sales tax, real estate excise tax, impact fees, bonds, levies and fees for service. Grants, including Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) may be considered for alternative funding for major/capital purchases. FINANCE “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” B E N J A M I N F R A N K L I N In the low cost category, items can include: 1 2-3 mil, 42-gallon garbage bags for transporting contaminated PPE, equipment and hose; can be purchased for approximately 50 cents per bag 1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) latex or nitrile gloves 1 N95 respirator for protection 1 Splash gown 1 Disposable wipes 1 Hand wash station on every fire engine; retrofitting with time and materials for approximately $300 1 Station shoes; can range from $30 to $60 FINANCE 4