Grant will support smoke alarm installation and lessons on escape planning
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named the Chambersburg Fire Department of Pennsylvania as the recipient of the 2014 Rolf H. Jensen Memorial Public Education Grant. The grant will support the department’s campaign, “The Smoke Alarm is Sounding: Know What to Do.” During a smoke alarm installation program in 2013, the fire department conducted a survey and found that most families did not have a fire escape plan.
As part of the campaign, the fire department will present a lesson on fire escape planning to children under 12, their parents, and older adults. The lesson will culminate in a fire drill designed to allow participants to practice what they learned in a controlled environment. The final step in the program is the installation of smoke alarms to any participant who does not have adequate coverage.
The program will be evaluated through surveys, comparisons of fire response data during a five-year span, and documentation on individuals reached and number of smoke alarms installed.
NFPA awards this grant annually to support a community-wide fire and life safety education program or campaign.
The Jensen Grant was named in honor of Rolf H. Jensen, founder of RJA Group, Inc., one of the largest fire protection consulting firms in the world. Recipients are chosen based on these criteria: demonstration of a plan to implement a community-wide fire and life safety program/campaign aimed at the general public or a targeted group; clearly stated goals and objectives; staff assigned to implement the program/campaign; and a final report.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at http://www.nfpa.org/freeaccess