MOULTRIE, Ga. — The dangers firefighters are exposed to are not limited to smoke inhalation, flames and falling timbers. There’s much more to the picture.

Moultrie firefighters will be protected through newly passed House Bill 146.

Effective Jan. 1, House Bill 146 requires additional insurance protection for firefighters while on the job, including a $25,000 lump sum should affected firefighters be diagnosed with cancer, according to information obtained from the Georgia Municipal Association.

Firefighters are exposed to various toxic chemicals and carcinogens throughout their careers, according to documents provided by the Moultrie Fire Department.

Preventative measures such as decontamination kits are next for firetrucks in Moultrie.

These decontamination kits will be added to firetrucks complete with Rescue Wipes and hoses to ensure the neck areas that aren’t protected by helmets are cleaned properly after responding to a call, said Moultrie Fire Chief Kenny Hannon.

The mission of Rescue Wipes is to prevent firefighters from absorbing toxic carcinogens while in the line of duty.

Procedures are being implemented since the beginning of the year, with official standard operating guidelines to be set by the middle of February.

New hoods that will be used along with the decontamination kits and fire helmets will be purchased later this year to further minimize any contamination risks.

Turn-out gear being used currently does not have a vapor barrier so they are washed in a decontamination extractor at Fire Station No. 3, similar to an industrial strength washing machine.

Hannon said the firefighters will be required to used the decontamination protocol based on the type of call they respond to and depending on the magnitude of the call.

“It takes about 20 minutes to wash the hoods and about 20 minutes to dry them,” Hannon said. “After they are cleaned, they can be placed back onto the truck to be used again.”

“It’s a new process for all of the fire departments in the state, so we’re moving towards that,” Hannon said. “I’m hoping that this new procedure will increase the protection of our employees and prevent anyone from getting cancer.”

Hannon said he is glad that the bill was passed, but each fire department has to step up and do their part to prevent cancer too.