Today fire deaths have decreased by 51% from 1973 to 2009. This is the result after 40 years of increased federal involvement and support to improve local fire safety and improved understanding of the fire problem.

Local fire departments play a huge role in educating the public about fire safety — a proven strategy against the devastation of fire.

Budget cuts are straining these public outreach programs. Fire departments are looking for extra resources to help fund fire safety programs.

Why help? Because fire safety education saves lives.

Kylie O’Leary (11) and Austin Uthoff (9), of Cottleville, Mo. were announced heroes by the St. Louis Post Dispatch for helping their families evacuate from a house fire. Both children credited a firefighter who visited their classrooms as the source of the information they used to take life-saving precautions.

Keep Fire-Safety Strong in Pennsylvania!

Help a Pennsylvania fire department near you by clicking on any of the links below. Choose from a range of learning materials for classroom visits and fire departments’ open house.

Only one Lancaster County Fire Department is listed at the NFPA Website to which you can make an online donation that will deliver quality fire-safety education materials straight to a fire department of your choice. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and helps get important life-saving messages to our young citizens.

COLUMBIA CONSOLIDATED FIRE DEPT. COLUMBIA

(SOURCE: NFPA email)