DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS

Policymakers

Here are some tactics you might consider for reaching key policymakers, convincing them to invest in fire prevention, and recruiting them as fire safety advocates:

• Presentations: Use the localized data you developed to create presentations tailored to the specific concerns of your various policymaking audiences. These can be used before groups or individuals. You might also consider making them available online.
• One-on-One Meetings: Identify the key policymakers you want to work with and arrange to meet with them. This will give you an opportunity to not only present your case for supporting fire prevention programs but also to demonstrate how important that person is to the program.
• Special Open House: Arrange a “behind-the-scenes” open house for small targeted groups of policymakers. This can help them understand what goes into keeping the community safe and allows you to demonstrate the need to prevent fires.