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
ages via in-person instruction and social media.

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 40^th 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.

CPR Classes The District believes what you learn today could save a life tomorrow. This is why we offer classes to prepare individuals to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants.  While the classes are offered to residents and nonresidents, Bonita Springs residents pay half price- only $20. The American Heart Association curriculum covers instruction on CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), as well as how to treat a choking victim.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Classes The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District (BSFD) recognizes the public's need for disaster preparedness training on a variety of disasters and emergencies, specific to Bonita Springs. The Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Program provides education about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Bonita Springs and trains citizens in basic disaster response skills on topics such as Introduction to Disasters, Disaster Medical Care, Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue, and Disaster Planning will be taught to all who attend.  After completing the two-day training, CERT volunteers will be better prepared to respond and cope with the aftermath of natural or man made disasters. Classes will be held from approximately 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and are taught at the Bonita Springs Fire Station at 27701 Bonita Grande Drive. Register today at: https://www.bonitafire.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/form_page.cfm&formID=72682  Cost: The certification is $20 for all participants and can be paid over the phone at 239-949-6200 or in=person at 27701 Bonita Grande Drive.  Date/Time: 01/22/2025 - 01/23/2025    8:30AM - 5:00PM on both days Attire: Most of the course will be indoors. A light sweater might be needed for those who chill easily. For times when outdoors, please dress according to local weather.  Location: Bonita Springs Fire Station Four @ 27701 Bonita Grande Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Child Car Seat Inspection and Installation Under the instruction of the Lee County Safe Kids Coalition, the Bonita Springs Fire District became certified in 2008 to safely install child restraint seats.  Through a donation funded budget, the Fire District also provides car seats to families in need. The District is proud to announce that it has multiple certified Car Seat Technicians through Safe Kids Worldwide.

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.

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.