I want to thank you and congratulate you for purchasing the book "The Beginners Guide to Becoming a Firefighter". This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to become a firefighter in the U.S. Here's an inescapable fact: in order to stand amongst the other candidates, you need to start preparing for the tests early and get some hands-on experience to compete better. This book will help you understand and prepare you to find out the best ways to increase your chances in order to get hired into a fire service. If you do not learn the tips and tricks to help you prepare better, you may lose the opportunity to land your dream career at the fire department. It is time for you to hone up your skills and serve America. Downloading this book brings you one step closer to achieving your dream career with the fire service. Your purchase of this book demonstrates your will and enthusiasm to become a firefighter. There is fierce competition for firefighter jobs so preparation is going to be the key to landing the job. Chapter 1: How to Become a Firefighter in the U.S. Firefighters work in different places like the forests, suburbs or the metropolitan cities. If you want to become a firefighter you need to first find out the kind of service you are interested to join - federal, state, rural, regional, or city. Some jobs at the fire department may apply to a high school student whereas some may require an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Find out which path applies to you before prepare or apply for the job. There are around 300,000 firefighter positions in the U.S. You will find most of these positions in the metropolitans where they have more sources of funding due to larger tax base. Smaller towns or communities may rely more on the volunteer firefighting services. Sometimes if there is expansion in the area, more funds can be provided for expanding the fire departments too. Attrition rate is pretty low and so is the hiring rate. The exams are held yearly most of the time. You may find public announcements in the local media several weeks ahead of the test. If you are serious about joining the fire service, it is better you fill up the application form now itself so that once the exam dates are finalized, you will be notified immediately by mail. That way you will not miss any exam. If you miss the chance, you may have to wait for another year. Typically, you will find the application forms at your local fire department or even the civil service bureau. Your duties at the fire department will vary. Sometimes you may have to just perform mundane tasks like testing and keeping the fire equipment ready for any emergency. Sometimes you may have to work long hours under dangerous circumstances to provide rescue and relief. You may be exposed to hazardous conditions like smoke inhalation, carcinogenic materials, unstable buildings, falling debris, etc. You may have to perform salvaging operations like removing debris, transporting injured victims, sweep water, speak to schools about evacuation procedure, assist medical personnel in evaluating victims, etc. Firefighters normally spend 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty. Some departments also have better shifts like 8-10 hour daily shifts. Under any circumstances you will typically spend 45 to 50 hours every week at work. In case you are on 24 hours shifts, you will be provided accommodation inside the fire department facility. So you will have access to kitchen, study, locker rooms, sleeping areas, bathrooms, etc. Amidst the shift you will also have access to games, technical reading and other fun activities. Just make sure you are ready to leave at the sound of an emergency. New hires typically engage after 1 to 3 months of intense study and training. During this period they learn about how to use all the firefighting equipment and about fire technology. They may be allowed to demonstrate their skills but under the close supervis....