Outreach Events

Guideline Purpose

• This guideline provides instructions for Spring Fire Department members when scheduling, managing, and attending Outreach Events.

Guideline Scope

• Applies to all members of Spring Fire Department.

Outreach Event Purpose

• Outreach events are designed to achieve the organization's goals by engaging the community, improving public perception, and building trust in the department.
• Outreach events are used to promote risk reduction initiatives, targeting programs to improve safety behaviors and outcomes within the community.

Outreach Event Staff

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

Event Types

• There is a degree of overlap in function and type.
• Some events are special events that also serve as risk reduction education opportunities.
• Risk reduction activities should be incorporated into events whenever possible.

Event Types (Specific)

• Open Houses/Station tours: Invite the public to tour the fire station, meet firefighters, and learn about equipment.
• Demonstrations: Show firefighting techniques, rescue operations, and equipment use.
• Risk Reduction Education: Targeted education programs that focus on reducing risk and improving safety behaviors.
• CRR Targeted Education Events, Car Seat Events, and Smoke Alarm Blitz are examples of risk reduction education.
• Partnership Events: Collaborate with local businesses, schools, or civic groups for joint initiatives.
• Blood Drives, Toys for Tots, Pet Microchip Clinics, and Share Your Holidays Food Drive are examples of partnership events.
• Special Events: Events hosted by the Spring Fire Department.
• Safetober, Spring Fire Safety Expo, Badge Pinning Ceremonies, Truck-or-Treat, Haunted Firehouse, Santa Drive Through, and Parades are examples of special events.
• Any other event type must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Fire Chief or designee.

Out of Territory Events:

• Events outside of the geographic territory of Spring Fire Department are approved by the Fire Chief or designee using a specific process.
• The Outreach Coordinator approves the event.
• The Outreach Coordinator submits the event to the Chief of Strategic Services for approval.
• The Chief of Strategic Services submits the event to the Chief of Operations for approval.
• The Outreach Coordinator notifies the appropriate District Chief.

Operational Events:

• Event requests involving first responder stand by or first response are forwarded to the Chief of Strategic Services and then coordinated with the Chief of Operations.
• Fireworks events, safety standby events, and unified command are examples of operational events.

Waterflow Events:

• Water usage for public events can pose risks and impact emergency response systems.
• Waterflow events require a specific process and considerations due to the impact on water resources.
• Special permissions may be required based on water pressure and availability.
• Hose streams will never be directed at people to prevent injury.
• Water from fire apparatus tanks or water exiting firefighting pumps is not potable and may contain contaminants.

Scheduling

• Working apparatus are busy with emergency calls, maintenance, training, and other essential duties.
• Scheduling Outreach events with specific equipment or personnel requires careful coordination to avoid disruptions to operational readiness.

Uniforms

• Department uniform policy applies.
• Exceptions require approval from the Fire Chief or designee.
• Requests for alternative uniforms are routinely made by the District Chief to the Chief of Strategic Services.
• Exceptions are based on activity type, heat index, and other factors such as waterflow events or potential for soiling uniforms.

This quiz covers the guidelines for scheduling, managing, and attending outreach events conducted by the Spring Fire Department. It highlights the importance of community engagement, risk reduction initiatives, and staffing requirements for effective event execution. Participants will gain insights into the various types of outreach events and their objectives.