H2M helping to modernize fire district buildings by upgrading their functionality and safety

With recent wildfires in the news, local communities have finally started to take notice of fire and emergency services. This increased awareness by communities has led to questions about how the fire services use their allotted budgets. The state has mandated public budget hearings held in October, now residents have the opportunity to review these budgets and how districts plan to spend their tax dollars. Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrel, P.C. (H2M) of Melville, N.Y.; is a multi-disciplined engineering, architectural service firm, that has been assisting Fire Districts all over N.Y. and N.J. H2M's goal has been to help modernize fire district buildings by upgrading their functionality and safety for the firefighters, and the community at large. H2M assists districts as they develop long range plans for costs of proposed projects for the maintenance and upkeep of the fire department's facilities. H2M has been assisting districts in meeting their needs in training, safety (vehicle exhaust system, segregated bunker gear areas) and the changing makeup of the fire services (first responders, bunk rooms). Currently there's also a national trend which encourages the implementation of environmentally responsible and sustainable principles into building design and construction. Many fire districts are viewing their projects as an opportunity to demonstrate environmental as well as fiscal responsibility to their communities. By taking all of these points into effect when laying out the budget, Fire districts and communities will be prepared for any facilities expenditures required in the future. Planning is the key in any emergency situation. The challenges of the post 9/11 fire and emergency service underscore the importance of proper planning, especially for district facilities. By preparing a plan for their capital budget needs, fire districts with the help from architecture and engineering firms such as H2M, can show their communities the importance of having well designed and maintained fire houses, within their budget, based on sound fiscal planning.