Public Education
Fire and Life Safety Education Each year, the District educates or interacts with nearly every full-time resident of Bonita Springs through over 30 Public Education programs. The programs are designed to provide education to enable students, of any age, to become successful in their lives. In the case of fire and life safety, that includes perhaps the greatest and most important success of all, daily well being. In 2022, the Fire and Life Safety Public Educator had a unique opportunity to make learning relatable, concrete, and meaningful to students. The District was able to educate or interact with people of all Interactive activities, guidance, emphasis on individual problem solving, and positive feedback ensured effective learning regardless of age, topic, or setting. In order to reach visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners, the safety messages are offered through the use of various learning methods. The lessons were reinforced by visuals and props, group discussions, hands on educational activities, and age-appropriate literature. These learning methods created an engaging and fun environment that completed the Bonita Springs Fire District’s Public Education Division mission and helped all students succeed. Since it is typically difficult to gauge the success of preventative fire and life safety programs, we may never know how many accidents or fires have been prevented by the education that was offered. Fire Prevention in the Schools Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of Oct 1871. This devastating fire changed the way firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the fire, the Fire Marshals Association decided that the day should be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In an effort to provide comprehensive fire and life safety education, the Bonita Springs Firefighters visit local middle, elementary, and preschools to spread education about fire safety during the entire month of October, and sometimes into September and November depending on scheduling needs, to ensure education is provided to each classroom.
S.A.F.E. Home Project In 1996, the Smoke Alarms For Every (SAFE) Home initiative provided smoke alarms for the community. Throughout the year, free 10 year built-in lithium battery smoke alarms are distributed to families in need during community outreach events. Location matters when it comes to your smoke alarm. Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep? Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced twice a year during Daylight Savings Time. The actual smoke alarm unit itself should be replaced every 10 years. Make sure you know how old all the smoke alarms are in your home. To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date. If your family does not have a smoke alarm due to financial hardship, please contact the Bonita Springs Fire District at 239-949-6200. National Fire Safety Council The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District continued our Fire Safety and Injury Prevention Education Program for children and parents as part of the National Fire Safety Council. The Public Education Division is confident that fires and fire losses can be prevented, but children and their parents must be properly educated in fire safety. To support this program, businesses and community partners within Bonita Springs donate to provide fire safety education materials to children in Bonita Springs. This vital program assists the Fire District in teaching children fire safety and injury prevention. We strongly believe that by making children aware, we can prevent tragic fire losses and deaths. The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District has been associated with National Fire Safety Council, Inc. since 1988 and believe in their programs. Victim Assistance Program In 2001, the District realized a need that wasn’t fully met on emergency scenes – emotional first aid. This program delivers additional support to victims beyond the emergency response, such as coordinating with the American Red Cross and other agencies for assistance with lodging, clothing, food, and emotional first aid. Community Emergency Response Teams The Bonita Springs Fire District began offering the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class program in 2007. Participants were instructed in disaster preparedness, fire safety, and extinguisher training, basic first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. The CERT Basic Training course consists of a total of 16 hours of instruction. Media Relations The Department provided Public Information and communication. The District continues to enjoy an exceptional relationship with the media. The media served as a valuable vehicle for bolstering the community’s knowledge of the District’s events, safety presentations and classes, and by informing residents of hazards in their home, such as generator and carbon monoxide safety. Educational Programs for the Community The District continued its educational programs for the community by offering fire and life safety presentation topics.
Page Last Updated: Apr 29, 2020 (12:02:00)
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