Fire Prevention Advocacy Toolkit

A Guide to Fire Prevention Advocacy

The Public

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS

The Public

fire department working with the public
Image courtesy of the Vancouver (Washington) Fire Department

Your biggest challenge and biggest potential ally is the general public. Firefighters already enjoy high esteem in the community. The public looks to fire departments to protect their lives, their families and their property. By demonstrating the need for investing in fire prevention policy and actions, you can influence the public to bring pressure on elected officials to support prevention programs. But they need to know you need their help. And they need to know what they can do and why it is important. Consider these tactics to gain the support of the public:

  • Marketing/Public Relations: Reach out to your community in a variety of ways and with a well developed strategy. Here are some suggestions:
    • Use the brief “Prevention Saves” video provided by Vision 20/20. See the section on Using the Vision 20/20 “Prevention Saves” Video.
    • Develop a regular newsletter to be sent to all segments of the community that you’ve identified.
    • Partner with businesses to place paid media outreach, such as advertisements in publications, on billboards and on transit signage.
  • Internet and Social Media: Creating a presence on the Internet and through popular social media outlets can be an inexpensive and effective way to extend the reach and impact of your fire prevention advocacy messages. See the section on Communicating Via the Internet and Social Media.
  • Media Relations: A strong media relations plan can help you focus attention on the problem of fire and the value of prevention activities. See the section on Working with the Media in this Guide.
  • Presentations: Reach the public through live fire demonstrations, presentations, school outreach and participation in other public events (home shows, school sports, business expos, etc.). See the section on Making Effective Presentations in this Guide.
  • Fire Station Open House: Many departments have annual open houses, often tied to Fire Prevention Month in October. These present the opportunity to get to know residents in your jurisdiction and to help them understand what is involved in fire suppression, enforcement and prevention.

With all of these community outreach activities, there are two valuable follow-up strategies to consider. When you find advocates for fire prevention, work to recognize their support and efforts in the community. And keep them up to date on fire prevention concerns, activities and achievements.

  • Recognition Program: Create special recognition for those who become fire safety advocates. This can be as simple as providing certificates to hosting formal award ceremonies. The main thing is to let them know you appreciate their support.
  • Plano Citizens Fire AcademyCitizens Fire Academy: Citizens fire academies can be effective strategies to engage and involve the public in fire safety.
  • Email Updates: Develop a contact list for email updates about your department’s activities. Use these updates to communicate about incidents and to reinforce the real cost of fires. Use the Vision 20/20 video “Prevention Saves.”