Sample Orientation Agenda Approximately Four Hours – Scheduled after work hours or a weekend. Approximate Time (Minutes) Topic Key Points Presenter Comments 5 Welcome and Introduction Review housekeeping (washrooms, breaks) Review agenda Intro to key speakers Fire Chief Deputy Training Officer Other members Council Rep Coffee or refreshments available. 5 Municipal Government Welcome Welcome speech from the municipality Mayor/Chief or Council Member Municipal Government Representative should be scheduled well in advance of the orientation date. 15 Resources Paperwork Personal information or Community Human Resources Representative See Relevant Resources Forms 10 History Date department established Significant milestones Fire n/a 10 Organizational Chart How the fire department fits into the municipal organization Rank and reporting structure of the department Fire Chief See Sample in Handbook 20 Mission, Vision, Values Vision, Mission Goals and Objectives How members’ actions contribute to the achievement of goals and objectives Fire Chief See Sample in Handbook 15 Break 15 Core Programs and Services Geographical Area of coverage; Core services; Station information (human resources and apparatus). Fire Chief for: Suppression; Prevention; Training Officer; Administration. A map of the area of coverage would assist in explaining. 30 Expectations Code of Conduct; Relevant policies, procedures, operating guidelines; Attendance; Training; Role in responses; Equipment provided; Fire Chief Leads for: Suppression Prevention Training Officer Administration Refer to established policies or operating guidelines (e.g. Local Assistants Handbook - see MACA).
Mentor opportunities; Performance expectations; Milestones and timeframes; Progress probation. See Sample Code of Conduct in Handbook. 10 Other Scheduled Events (if applicable) Meetings Fundraising Fire department events Chief Deputy Training officer As established by the fire department. 15 Break 20 Occupational Health and Safety Occupational Health and Safety Requirements; Rights and responsibilities; Potential hazards, controls, equipment and training to prevent or mitigate hazards; Hazard reporting; Accident reporting and process. Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) Fire Chief or delegate Other seasoned Volunteer Fire Fighters WSCC staff participation should be scheduled well in advance of the orientation date. 45 Overview of Equipment and Apparatus Distribute PPE; Review apparatus and equipment; Review public education and prevention equipment; Review administrative supplies and equipment. Fire Chief Leads for: Suppression; Prevention; Training Officer; Equipment should all be serviceable, and well organized and/or displayed. 15 Break 20 The Good, Bad and the Ugly The benefits and challenges of joining – the good, the bad and the ugly Critical Incident Stress overview Coping with the demands Department members Significant other or family member Participation on behalf of family members for current volunteers should be organized well in advance. 10 Closing remarks Questions and answers and contact information for future inquiries. Chief A handout with contact information is most helpful. See Volunteer Recruitment brochure.