Digital Imaging

I will just bet that many of you have a digital camera either your own or some member of your department has one, or maybe the department has even given the training division one.

What can you do with this camera to enhance your training sessions and get some positive benefits?

We will just discuss some of the key points of this technology.

* If you have a simple camera that takes images 640 x 480, that will be good enough if they are only going to be used in viewing on screen such as in PowerPoint.

* If you intend to print these photos on paper or to make transparencies that a higher pixel rate should be used, probably 1.3 megapixels. Size of about 960 x 1290.

* Take identification photos of all members and then file them electronically on the computer.

* Take photos of community events and members at work or play and use them in Microsoft Word or Publisher to make a department newsletter.

* Take any of the photos listed above and use them on the department website.

* Take training photos, insert them in PowerPoint presentations and use them for training.

* Use the camera to record departmental equipment inventory.

* In addition to regular standard film camera use the digital to help document fire scene investigations.

* Send each individual company out to document what they think are target hazards in their response district. Take photos of all four sides of the building, bring them back and review them with all shifts or groups.

* Take the photos of the target hazards and use them and merge them onto the prefire plans to show greater detail. For example if during a building survey, you find a deteriorated stairwell, or complex chemical machinery or process, take the floor plan, and place the digital image of the hazard right in the spot where it is in the building.

* Take a target hazard building and make it the windows wallpaper diagram on the station computer. The next time a member uses it they will think about the building down the street that could be their next response.

* Take photos at actual fires in progress and use them in a post incident analysis for training purposes.

The prices of cameras are tumbling down. Use this new technology to enhance your department's image and effectiveness.

PS: If you are using the technology in a different way then we explained above, please share it by sending in a comment below.

Thanks and stay safe!