Champaign Fire Department Adapts During Fire Prevention Week 2020

Two firefighters placing items into bagsThe Champaign Fire Department needed to find innovative ways during the Covid-19 pandemic, to provide public outreach during Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10th, 2020. Typically, suppression and fire prevention personnel can be found at the Market Place Mall providing a variety of materials and fun, educational activities for children of all ages. The Champaign Fire Department Prevention Team met this challenge by delivering fire safety educational materials directly to nearly 80 Daycare Centers, Preschools, and in-home daycare providers in Champaign, reaching over 1,700 children! Efforts were concentrated to in-home daycare providers in neighborhoods with higher fire incidents. National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Activity Calendars along with the ever popular dalmatian plastic fire helmets were delivered to the kids. Also included was a letter detailing online resources the educators and providers could utilize to teach fire safety to the children at NFPA’s Sparky’s Schoolhouse.