In this economy, we should take 10 minutes and call our local Fire Department (FD) and discuss any changes that have been made that could impact our business. FACT: All fire departments have been forced to make cuts in recent years; some more than others, but all have had to cut their budgets. The first cuts come to specialized programs, such as HAZMAT teams, Special Rescue teams, etc. The vast majority of U.S. businesses rely solely on their local FD to provide 100% of their emergency response needs (i.e. fire, rescue, HAZMAT, EMS) and even some very “minor” changes in their local FD can have MAJOR implications on their business.