As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our community
safe, Fire Chief Corey Smedley is excited to announce the department's participation in
Community
Risk Reduction Week. This important week (January 20 - 26) is an opportunity for the department
to collaborate with residents, businesses, schools, and other local
organizations to raise awareness about fire prevention, safety, and risk
reduction. This year, we will be focusing our efforts on the
“5 E’s” to
guide our initiatives. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service, MCFRS will be kicking off CRR week this weekend with an exciting series of Home Safety Checks in the Prathertown community in honor of Dr. King.
What Are the “5 E’s”?
The “5 E’s” are a set of principles used to reduce risks and
improve safety across all aspects of community life. They are:
- Education
- Engineering
- Enforcement
- Economic
Incentives
- Emergency
Response
Each of these components plays a critical role in reducing
fire risks, saving lives, and preventing property damage. During Community Risk
Reduction Week, we will be actively applying all five E’s to enhance safety and
build awareness about how individuals can protect themselves, their families,
and their neighbors.
Our Focus During Community Risk Reduction Week
1. Education:
Education is the cornerstone of risk reduction. MCFRS believes that informed
communities are safer communities. Throughout the week, we will host a variety
of educational activities designed to empower our residents with the knowledge
they need to prevent fires and respond effectively in case of an emergency.
From events at local schools to community events and home safety visits, MCFRS is
making sure residents have access to vital fire safety information.
2. Engineering:
In addition to education, engineering solutions can help prevent fire incidents
and reduce their severity. We will be showcasing the latest fire prevention
technologies in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, residential sprinkler systems,
and more.
3. Enforcement:
While voluntary participation in safety initiatives is vital, there are times
when enforcement is necessary to ensure that fire safety regulations are
followed. Our partners with the Fire Code Compliance Office (Department of
Permitting) make fire safety a priority in every corner of Montgomery County.
4. Economic Incentives:
We understand that cost can sometimes be a barrier to implementing fire safety
measures. That’s why we are introducing various economic incentives
during Community Risk Reduction Week. The department will be installing free
smoke alarms for those in need or lack access to fire safety equipment. By lowering these financial barriers, we hope
to make fire safety more accessible for everyone. A call to 311 will connect you
with the MCFRS Community Risk Reduction team for help.
5. Emergency Response:
Last but not least, Community Risk Reduction Week is a chance for us to remind
the community of the importance of preparedness in case of a fire emergency. Did you know that the
department provides Hands Only CPR training, Narcan and Stop the Bleed demonstrations
and training? We're building resilience Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference in an emergency.
Out in the Community: Engaging with Our Neighbors
Throughout this week, you’ll find our firefighters and Community
Risk Reduction team out and about in neighborhoods, schools, and local
businesses, providing fire safety materials, offering free smoke alarm checks,
and answering questions about fire prevention. We’ll be at community centers,
senior centers, schools, and local events to connect directly with residents. Fire
Chief Smedley’s goal is to create a “Fire Prevention Mindset” across the County
(and State) where everyone plays an active role in fire safety.
We encourage you to follow us on Social Media (@mcfrs and
@mcfrspio) for more information. One of
the best ways you can participate is to TEST your smoke alarms and practice
a Home Fire Drill with the whole family.
A Safer Future Starts Now
Community Risk Reduction Week is more than just a series of
events – it’s a vital part of the department’s year-round commitment to keeping
our community safe. By focusing on the “5 E’s,” we hope to foster a culture of
safety that extends beyond CRR week and into every day. Together, we can reduce
the risk of fires and emergencies in our community and build a safer future for
generations to come.
Be sure to schedule your FREE home safety visit and smoke alarm check … it might even be the Fire Chief at
your door!
