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As the end of National Safety Month approaches, first responders are reminded not only of the tremendous impact that public awareness can have on preventing common injuries and deaths, but also the unique role they have in fostering that awareness. Pursuant to a recent court case*, first responders have an affirmative duty to act-whether by educating the public or otherwise ensuring their safety-when there is a known and present danger. With more than 177 million Americans relying on natural gas to meet their energy needs, there are few dangers as universally threatening as the fires and explosions resulting from gas leaks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, pipelines are the safest means of transporting natural gas. Nevertheless, their figures indicate that nearly 900 natural gas pipeline incidents over the past 20 years have resulted in serious bodily injuries or fatalities. As the 2.5 million miles of pipeline nationwide continue to naturally degrade over time, first responders' training about and management of these leaks will become increasingly important.

There are strong correlations between rising temperatures and crime rates. To keep the public safe, leaders need not only to be aware of this relationship, but also to engage peers and the public in developing solutions to the impending resource gaps.

There is no scientific evidence that hot weather causes crime, but experts have found strong correlations between rising temperatures and more frequent violent crime. To keep the public safe, officers must be aware of this relationship and anticipate how resource availability and workload may change in the future.

Mental illness has long been one of the most difficult health problems to diagnose. Because so many of the symptoms are hidden from sight, it is not easy to recognize when people need help. For police officers, this assessment is often made under stressful conditions, when an individual may present a danger to themselves or others. Faced with societal stigmas against mental illness, first responders struggle to marry sensitivity and safety.

In the year following the Newtown tragedy, police have reassessed the way they'd respond to a similar incident, and a number of departments are learning how to better work with people who have mental health issues or are in crisis.