SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC EDUCATION
VOLUNTEERS CORNER
How can a small, all-volunteer fire department work to reduce fire loss and injury incidents in its response district? For the Staunton (IL) Fire Department (SFD), the answer is three years of aggressive public education.
Prior to 1987, the SFD had a very limited public education program, consisting of an occasional station tour and the yearly distribution of educational materials to schoolchildren. But during the late 1980s, following a change in department management and personnel, the department started an improved training and management program, as well as a public education program.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The public education program involves the following:
Print media. This is the cornerstone of the program. From the beginning, the program revolved around the local newspaper, the Staunton Star Times, published weekly. Initially, we submitted articles on fire prevention topics to the paper monthly. As the program matured, the frequency of articles increased—first to biweekly, then to weekly; now we submit two articles almost every week. Topics range from seasonal concerns to special hazards to department activities (see box on page 13).
The department training officer writes the articles from fire prevention pamphlets, magazine articles, local fire department/association newsletters, and many other sources. Many articles include statistics and information directly from local fire reports.
We submit articles at least a week in advance. Each one is accompanied by a news release that lists the department contact, special instructions, etc. The local newspaper is receptive to our submissions and tries to publish as many articles as space allows. The newspaper also works with the department to obtain appropriate photos and information on incidents.
Future plans with the print media include using a local shopper’s paper for public service print ads and possibly including articles in two other larger circulation papers that serve the Staunton area.
Radio/cable TV. We are using radio and cable TV with more frequency by running occasional radio spots and public service announcements. We also contact the newsroom directly after incidents to provide correct information. We try to add some type of fire prevention message to the news clips to drive home the causes of and solutions to local fire problems.
We still are not using the radio portion to its lull potential, but we’re working to strengthen ties with the local radio station. We would like to present more frequent public service announcements (at least every other week) and try to work into the talk show schedule at least biannually, if not quarterly.
The local cable TV station runs an electronic bulletin board during the largest portion of its broadcast day. We have used the bulletin board to announce public education events and present routine fire prevention and safety slogans. As with the radio contacts, future plans include extended use of this service.
Presentations. The SFD looks for any opportunityto make a pitch for fire prevention. Department members frequently use weekly newspaper articles to advertise their availability for public speaking engagements. We make presentations to school student organizations, parent-teacher organizations, church groups, service clubs, and senior citizen organizations. We have developed special classes for babysitters and hospital and nursing home staffs. The department also routinely displays its equipment at local health fairs and church festivals.
The presentations are not limited to speaking engagements. Department members have provided fire extinguisher training, demonstrated auto extrication drills, and allowed students and teachers to play junior firefighters to respond to simulated fires. No matter how short the presentations, the SFD always tries to work in some of its equipment as show-andtell items. This allows district residents to see what they are paying for with their tax dollars.
Department members continue to pass the word along that they are available to speak to all civic, church, and school groups. This promotes professionalism among department members as well as fire safety. Many residents are totally unaware of the manpower, services, equipment, and training the SFD has available until they see our presentations.
Open house. During a yearly Fire Prevention Week open house, department members man several different stations located throughout the engine house. One group of firefighters explains the apparatus to visitors. Another group explains fire extinguishers and conducts live fire demonstrations. Another group hands out literature and sells smoke detectors. We arrange a special tour of the firehouse for children.
The local ambulance service displays the latest EMS technologies. As a closing event last year, the department held an auto extrication demonstration. The demonstration allowed the department to show off its new hydraulic rescue tool system that was purchased with funds raised over the past two years.
Video programs. We currently use two different types of video programs. The first type is a standard set of videos purchased with department funds and public education grants. Topics include everything from fire extinguisher use to fire safety for children and for health-care facilities. The tapes are available to the general public, but the SFD has even gone as far as purchasing a copy of some inexpensive video programs for each school within the fire district.
The other type of video employed by the SFD is self-produced videos. Through the use of department member video cameras and the efforts of a local video production business, the department has and is developing different public education programs. The initial video was a promotional video used to raise funds for a hydraulic rescue tool system. This was followed by the production of a history of the department’s annual Fourth of July celebration.
We currently are developing a video that will give a general overview of the department. It will include department history and equipment, clips of incident scenes and training, and a tribute to past and present firefighters and their families.
Prevention materials. Fire prevention materials are made readily available to all citizens in the district. Materials are available at the fire station for any visitors. They also are available at open houses, demonstrations, and lectures in which the department participates. The local hospital and doctors’ offices have consented to make the materials available in their waiting rooms. Currently a literature rack is being developed that will allow materials to be displayed in different businesses throughout the community.
The funds for these materials come from many sources. Most of the materials used in the local school programs were purchased through reputable fire prevention organizations by local businesses and civic organizations. Many of the materials aimed at the adult population are received free of charge from local insurance representatives, cooperative extension services, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency/U.S. Fire Administration.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE TOPICS
Ice Safety
Yearly Incident Report
Winter Heating Tips
How to Contact the Fire Department
Common Questions about the Fire Department
Fire Safety Statistics
Fire Safety in Businesses
Heat Detector Use
How Does Arson Affect You?
Fire Safety for the Smoker
Home Fire Escape Plans
Farm Chemical Safety
Smoke Detectors
Fire/Safety Equipment for the Home-
Spring Cleanup for Fire Safety
Residential Sprinklers
Hazardous Chemicals in the Home-
Handling Flammable Liquids Safely
Outdoor Cooking Safety
Electrical Safety
Seatbelts Are Lifesavers
State Smoke Detector Law
Water Safety
Hotel and Motel Fire Safety
Fireworks Safety
Brush Fire Season
Fire/Safety Education
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Fire Safety in Apartment Complexes
Fire Safety Myths
Surviving an Auto Accident
Help the Fire Department Help You
Fire Safety for Children
Fire Department Program Updates
laundry Room Fire Safety
Mobile Home Fire Safety
Vehicle Fires
Fire Safety in the Garage/Workshop
Fire Safety for the Handicapped
Kitchen Fire Safety
Drunk Driving Facts
Fire Safety in Large Buildings
Public Education Program Speakers Bureau
Outdoor Burning Safety
Farm Implement Safety
Fire Safety Surveys
In recent years, the SFD also has purchased some materials with grant money. Most of these materials are specialty materials that supplement videos or other public education programs in existence.
Last but not least are the self-produced publications. They include everything from handouts reproduced from public education kits to tips on smoke detector installation that are distributed with purchased smoke detectors. A little creativity, a personal computer with graphics capability and a printer, and a good copy machine can do wonders for a lowbudget source of public education materials.
Promotional programs. These “canned programs” are directed toward public awareness of a wide variety of areas. Most provide sample news releases, camera-ready artwork or print ads, and reference sources for additional background on the subject matter. Some programs provide everything from presentation/program teaching outlines to sample radio announcements to posters. Some go as far as offering videotapes or slide shows. The materials usually can be tailored to your department.
Advertisements. Like any good business, the SFD uses advertisements for publicity purposes. The forms of advertising used are relatively simple. Local store owners allow fire prevention slogans to be displayed on their ad boards. Many businesses and individuals place posters in their windows to promote educational activities. Easel boards with posters and announcements of fire prevention activities are routinely displayed in business lobbies throughout the district. Computer-generated banners also are displayed in the windows of the fire station.
The SFD currently is looking into erecting a display board in front of the fire station. We already have begun collecting fire prevention slogans to adorn the new sign. Another avenue being pursued is the possibility of using one of the large billboards within the city limits to provide a highprofile public education message.
Public service activities. Many fire departments feel public service activities are a necessary evil. This is completely false. A strong commitment to the community and its citizens is an essential part of any good public education program. Over the years, we have provided vehicles and manpower for parades; have sponsored little league baseball, softball, and soccer teams; and have been very active in community fundraising efforts, including donations to major charities. Department members have done everything from participate in walk-athons to help man booths at the high school after-prom party.
The SFD routinely takes part in fire drills at local schools and health-care facilities. We urge district residents to call fire department personnel any time they have questions on fire safety matters.
The SFD also provides a number of fire prevention services to district residents. The department sells smoke detectors at cost to district residents. We offer free installation and maintenance of smoke detectors to elderly and handicapped residents. Tot-finder stickers are available to all district residents, and fire extinguishers used to combat a fire prior to the SFD’s arrival are refilled by the department free of charge.
The SFD continously tries to take the extra step to make itself available to district residents. Maintaining a high profile is a major boost to any public education program. If you can get area residents on your side, half the battle is won. Getting them to follow and practice your prevention tips is the icing on the cake.
