October is National Fire Prevention Month with Fire Prevention Week falling Oct. 9-15, 2022. For many departments that means a week of touring elementary students around the fire house or judging a coloring contest. Spreading awareness of fire prevention can be achieved many ways. The bonus: strengthening relationships in the community. Here’s a short list of how to promote fire prevention and build community relations:

1) Sponsor an Art Contest.

Amboy Fire Dept. visits the elementary school during Fire Prevention Week.

Think beyond the typical coloring contest. Challenge students to create art using any material to illustrate what they think about fire and fire prevention.

Google “Fire Prevention Coloring Contest” for sample pictures.

Consider the prize. Gift certificates to the local ice cream parlor or fast food restaurant are favorites. But how about hitching a ride to school in a fire truck?! OR for older students, shadowing a fire fighter around the department for a few hours.

2) Sponsor a video / social media contest.

Older students are experts at using social media. Invite them to create a social media campaign promoting Fire Prevention in your community. Using TiKToK, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube, they can showcase escape plans from their home or schools OR talk about how to prevent fires. Either way, they learn and you end up with a great promotion piece!

3) Host a department open house.

If the visiting elementary students haven’t worn you out, invite the community in to visit. Many of us have fond memories of visiting the fire department in our early school years. Ask us back now that we are adults. During a tour of the department, highlight how the department prioritizes safety of its members and the community with new purchases of equipment and tools. Share what improvements are still needed to better serve the community. Use this opportunity to “paint a picture” of your department for the tax paying residents of your district.

4) Plan a “Fire-Fighter For A Day” event for older students and young adults.

Think of this as career exploration focused on fire fighting. Attendees rotate through a series of hands-on activities covering all the tasks of a fire fighter. Basic first aid, CPR, donning and doffing gear, managing a fire hose, exploring a fire engine, etc. Appeal to the high school or community college by exploring the science of fire and firefighting – what makes gear fire resistant? What makes a fire burn brighter, hotter, etc.? What are the latest innovations that keep fire fighters safe?

5) Contact local media.

Your local newspaper, radio and tv stations are always looking for that easy story to highlight the community within a broader topic. Don’t wait for them to find you. Invite media in for a specific reason. For example, “This Fire Prevention Week, we want to talk about the newest innovations in fire service.”

6) Put your message in lights!

Post your fire prevention message on a lighted message board or on posters hung in high traffic businesses or locations. Simple messages like, “Check your smoke alarms.” or “Do you have an escape plan for your family?” will raise awareness and promote your department.

What does your department do to promote fire prevention? Share in the comments and we’ll keep adding to our list!