Outreach Events (Hard)

Outreach Event Purpose

• Outreach Events aim to strengthen community ties, improve public perception, and enhance safety behaviors and outcomes.
• Events require coordination with the District Chief.

Event Types

• Types include open houses, demonstrations, risk reduction education, partnership events, and special events.
• Overlap may occur, with special events including risk reduction education.
• All events should include risk reduction activities whenever possible.

Outreach Events Staffing

• Outreach Events may be staffed by on-duty personnel, Outreach and CRR personnel, extra hours personnel, or volunteers.
• Staffing with on-duty personnel requires coordination with the appropriate District Chief.

Events Schedule

• Events should be no longer than 1.5 hours unless approved by the Outreach Coordinator and District Chief.
• Events may be scheduled between 0700-2100, with evening events ending by 2100, subject to approval by the Outreach Coordinator and District Chief.
• Meal times should generally be avoided.
• Event requests must be submitted through the website with at least 10 days' notice, preferably 21 days.

Location Scheduling

• Events will typically occur at the closest station to the geographic location of the event.
• With approval from the Outreach Coordinator and District, events may be held at a different station.

Waterflow Events

• Waterflow events require specific guidelines to ensure safety and minimal impact on emergency response.

Interactions

• All interactions with the public during events or otherwise must be respectful and professional.
• Outreach Events aim to enhance the reputation and public image of the organization, behavior should be aligned with this goal.

General Event Scheduling

• Working apparatus maintain busy schedules, with events planned to avoid impacting emergency response, maintenance, training, and other essential duties.
• Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by company officers if it is in the best interest of the organization’s relationship with the requestor and will not cause undue impact on the response system.
• High volume dates should be limited to 30 minute visits when possible.

Specific Event Types

• Open Houses/Station Tours: Public tours of the fire station, meeting firefighters, and learning about equipment.
• Demonstrations: Showcasing of firefighting techniques, rescue operations, and equipment use.
• Risk Reduction Education: Targeted educational programs to reduce risk and improve safety behaviors.
  • CRR Targeted Education Events: Specific programs designed to reduce risk.
  • Car Seat Events: Programs related to safe car seat installation.
  • Smoke Alarm Blitz: Campaigns focused on home fire safety and smoke alarm installation.
• Partnership Events: Collaborations with local businesses, schools, or civic groups for joint initiatives.
  • Blood Drives: Partnership event to collect blood donations.
  • Toys for Tots: Partnership to collect toys for children in need.
  • Pet Microchip Clinics: Partnership event for pet microchipping.
  • Share Your Holidays Food Drive: Partnership event for food collection and distribution.
• Special Events: Events hosted by the Spring Fire Department.
  • Safetober: Special event focused on fire safety during October.
  • Spring Fire Safety Expo: Comprehensive fire safety event.
  • Badge Pinning Ceremonies: Ceremonies for new firefighters receiving their badges.
  • Truck-or-Treat: Halloween event for children with trick-or-treating from fire trucks.
  • Haunted Firehouse: Halloween-themed event at the firehouse.
  • Santa Drive Through: Christmas event featuring Santa Claus.
  • Parades: Participation in community parades.
• Other Event Types: Additional event types must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Chief or designee.
  • Generally, the Spring Fire Department does not fill pools, attend private parties, or engage in events that do not align with the organizational mission.

This quiz covers the purpose, types, staffing, and scheduling of community outreach events. It highlights the importance of coordinating with officials and includes best practices for organizing successful community engagement activities. Test your knowledge on effective outreach strategies and safety education.