INTRODUCTION
Vision 20/20 is working to support activities directed toward a comprehensive national strategy for fire prevention investment. The goal is to focus activities and energy in effective and collaborative efforts to help address the fire problem in the United States. Prevention programs are an integral part of fire protection strategies. This Guide is intended to help fire departments advocate for increased fire prevention.
The Vision 20/20 Guide to Fire Prevention Advocacy
Thank you for taking the time to use this Vision 20/20 Guide to Fire Prevention Advocacy.
Vision 20/20 is a project of the Institution of Fire Engineers, United States Branch (IFE). The U.S. Branch was established in 1996. Learn more about IFE.
Vision 20/20 is led by an Executive Committee and advised by a Steering Committee of organizations and individuals with experience and expertise in all areas of fire prevention.
Vision 20/20 is working to unite efforts toward a comprehensive national strategy for fire prevention. The goal is to focus activities and energy in an effective and collaborative effort to address the fire problem in the United States.
Through a national forum that included more than 170 fire and stakeholder organizations, five main strategy areas were identified that represent gaps not currently given adequate attention and that offer the greatest potential benefit to all fire prevention efforts. By focusing national attention on these strategic areas, together we can achieve a more fire-safe nation.
These strategic areas were published in a report, National Strategies for Fire Loss Prevention. They include:
Strategy 1: Prevention Advocacy
Increase advocacy for fire prevention.
Strategy 2: Prevention Marketing
Conduct a national fire safety education/social marketing campaign.
Strategy 3: Prevention Culture
Raise the importance of fire prevention within the fire service.
Strategy 4: Prevention Technology
Promote technology to enhance fire and life safety.
Strategy 5: Prevention Codes and Standards
Refine and improve the application of codes and standards that enhance public and firefighter safety and preserve community assets.
A 6th strategic area was added to help fulfill work performed through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Strategy 6: Prevention Model Measurement
Establish model evaluation and performance measures for fire prevention efforts and highlight models in prevention performance that others may replicate to achieve measurable, successful results.
Read the report: National Strategies for Fire Loss Prevention
The Vision 20/20 Online Guide
This Guide provides information and advice in support of the goals and objectives outlined in Strategy 1: “Increase the level of advocacy for fire prevention to policymakers, decision-makers and community leaders that supports a balanced approach to reduce the social and economic impact of fire losses.”
The forum revealed a shared view that many, if not most people, do not fully appreciate the total impact of fire on a community, nor is there wide acceptance of personal and public responsibility for fire prevention. Finally, the benefits of investing in prevention are underappreciated.
On the Web:
Visit Vision 20/20 online. The site is regularly updated with useful data tools, case studies and testimonials, in addition to other resources and links to relevant organizations with readily available materials to support local prevention advocacy.
Submit your experiences with increasing fire prevention efforts through advocacy in your community by contacting us here. By sharing your experiences, others can benefit from your success.
Contact Us:
Questions and comments are welcomed and should be directed to the Vision 20/20 Executive Committee, you can contact us here.
Executive Committee Liaisons:
Margaret Wilson, Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Department of Homeland Security
Sandy Facinoli, Branch Chief of Fire Prevention, United States Fire Administration
In Appreciation
This Guide is made possible as part of a generous 2008 and 2011 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Grants Programs Directorate as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.