Fire Safety - Breathmatters Monthly Meeting May 2026

May 11, 2026 Meeting of Breathmatters Topic: FIRE SAFETY Presentation by Lieut. Chip Loving Fire & Safety Division Chesterfield Fire & EMS Important topics for Pulmonary Patients in regards to open flames, gas ranges, oxygen tanks, mobility and evacuation planning. The meeting featured a presentation by Chip Loving, a fire lieutenant and paramedic with Chesterfield Fire and EMS, who provided an overview of the department's operations and fire safety recommendations. Chip discussed the department's structure, response times, and challenges in serving Chesterfield County's growing population, which has reached over 401,000 residents. The presentation covered fire safety practices including the importance of working smoke alarms, escape plans, and safety considerations for individuals using oxygen equipment. Participants asked questions about oxygen safety, fire extinguishers, and emergency preparedness, with Chip providing specific advice about managing oxygen concentrators and tanks during fires. The conversation ended with announcements about upcoming events, including a picnic scheduled for June 8th and an IPF run in September. BREATH MATTERS IS A LUNG DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP Since 2005, the Breath Matters Lung Disease Support Group has been meeting and presenting speakers to the community of those living with lung disease in the Central Virginia/ Richmond area. Our speakers present expertise, news, information, and dialogue about various lung diseases and how best to manage them. Our goal is to engage those diagnosed with lung diseases with the best available information, to provide support, and be a resource in the shifting world of pulmonary and respiratory affliction. We meet each month. There is no cost to attend. Any person with a lung condition, their family, or friends are also encouraged to attend. Refreshments are always provided, and questions and answers always accompany our presentations. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. breathmatters.org