GRFD and GRPS Launch Monthly Fire Safety Campaign
Published on March 01, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) announced today that they are joining forces to launch a monthly fire safety campaign.
In 2020, Grand Rapids experienced a significant increase in fire fatalities with nine lives lost in five fatal fires. Considering these fatalities, the GRFD is seeking to significantly increase its approach to fire prevention.
“This new educational approach aims to empower residents to create fire-safe environments through information on installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for early detection and notification, as well as creating exit strategies in case of fire emergency,” said Fire Chief John Lehman, Grand Rapids Fire Department.
Grand Rapids Public Schools will be leveraging all available communications channels to help promote this fire safety campaign including the We Are GR newspaper, We Are GR enews, social media, flyers home with students, and more.
“We take great pride in the longstanding partnership that exists between GRPS and the City of Grand Rapids” said Larry Johnson, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety and School Security. “We are excited to work together with our friends at the fire department on this important fire safety campaign.”
The campaign will kick off in March. The following is a tentative list of the monthly communications:
- March: Change your clock/change your batteries, smoke alarm testing and home escape planning.
- April: Spring safety, toxic fume awareness, outdoor grilling safety, and recreational fire safety.
- May: Gearing up for summer safety, arson awareness, and what to do in a fire emergency in a public building.
- June: Fire safety and the great outdoors, fireworks safety, and water safety.
- July: Youth fire safety, stop-drop-cover-and-roll, matches and lighters, escape planning.
- August: Eliminate hazards in living spaces, fire safety for people with disabilities, fire safety for older adults, fire safety for pets, and hoarding hazards.
- September: Fire safety in public places, tampering with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide safety, and 911 for emergencies.
- October: Elements of a fire-safe home, serving fire safety in the kitchen, home fire escape planning, and Halloween safety.
- November: A fire-safe Thanksgiving, electrical hazards, home heating, and ice awareness.
- December: Holiday fire safety, candles and holiday décor hazards, New Year’s celebration safety, holiday cooking safety, and Christmas tree safety.
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