By Andy Marsh
Training Officer, Mount Oliver Fire Department
Lately, so much has been discussed about firefighter safety. We tend to think about firefighter safety as it relates to the fireground, accountability systems, offensive vs. defensive fire strategies, rapid intervention teams, and so on. What often times is left off of that list is fire prevention. Fire prevention and education are key components of firefighter safety. When it appears on our list, and I have a suspicion that in the future it will more often, we struggle with how we will deliver our programs. Quite a few departments provide "open houses." These events allow our residents an opportunity to see what equipment and apparatus we have obtained through their tax or fundraising dollars and also provide "meet and greet" sessions between us and our residents. The open houses also allow the public a chance to better acquaint themselves with those who are serving their community. These residents will look around, maybe ask some questions and leave with a few pamphlets. However, what did they really learn? Where do you think those pamphlets ended up?
In my own department as I am sure in many others as well, we provide fire safety classes for the "little ones." For me, in the past 12 years I have seen many children from pre-school, K and 1st grades. I try to keep them engaged in fire safety exercises like "Stop, Drop and Roll," and "Stay Low and Go." I instruct them on the importance of not playing with matches and helping out with the "cool stuff" in the kitchen to stay away from the "hot stuff." That age group, typically, has a short attention span and, because of that, we need to be more creative in how we deliver our messages about fire safety. You see, they will remember the visit to the firehouse, but what about the messages? Unless they have a parent in attendance, I'm afraid it gets lost. Furthermore, we should not hold these kids responsible for delivering fire safety messages to the adults in their lives. So where do we start? Our children are the next generation. What are we doing to prepare them to be fire safe? How do we get the adults in their lives more proactive in fire prevention?
We are in a unique era, not only in the fire service, but as a Nation. We are currently in an era that includes four generations of adults. Never have we had to deal with as many as we do now. That is a great challenge, especially when we talk about fire prevention. Each of these generations comes with their own unique and interesting characteristics. Each generation requires a specific approach and your fire prevention message must be suited to the generation of your audience. The four generations I will use for this article, are the Traditionalists, The Baby Boomers, The Generation X-ers, and The Generation Y-ers aka the "Millenials." I will try to identify those characteristics which I believe to be important and beneficial of each generation as it relates to the delivery of adult education in fire safety. Just as children require specific teaching techniques, the adult generations also require generation specific teaching techniques.
For our "traditionalists" we need to understand that while they may not be proficient with the internet, they are not clueless about it either. They appreciate printed materials, but you might want to use a larger font and darker print when addressing this group. It is also important to be respectful, polite, and pleasant with this group as well as with all of the generations you are addressing. If possible, include one or two seniors in the delivery and presentation of your message. This will provide someone with whom this group of learners can identify with and may also help you be perceived as someone who is credible and indeed may better your program.
For our "baby boomers," it is important to show that we care. There are approximately 70 million baby boomers, potentially a large and influential audience. As with any audience, we must maintain their interest. To do that, we need to understand that the "boomers" usually enjoy making a social contribution. I have also noticed that this generation tends to usually find personal satisfaction in their work. How do these factors come into play when speaking about fire prevention education? When spreading the fire prevention message to the "baby boomers," we may consider giving a specific task to allow them to contribute and feel personally responsible for their input. Knowing what you can and need to do is often the first step.
Our generation X-ers very much tend to be an independent group with a strong sense of self. This generation relies on their friends much more than previous generations discussed and have been in part defined by the "latch key" term. They are often not afraid to engage in open and straightforward discussions and they definitely expect to be heard. I have also noticed that in my experience, X-ers may be less inclined to seek out their instructors outside of the classroom. I believe that I am part of both the "boomers" and the "X-ers." Both of my parents worked and they grew up with technological advances happening all around them. They, as well as myself, expect technology to be an integral part of communication. In fact, some would say that communication is a cornerstone of the mentality of a generation X-er. They have been surrounded by MTV, computers and laptops, CD's and Power Point from their very beginnings. That is why it is so very important to use technology as a communication tool when trying to share the fire prevention message with those of Generation X. When we think of potential outreach, this generation is close to 60 million people. What a great audience to capture, especially in fire prevention!
Fire prevention is so very important. My department has recently realized the need and the importance of fire prevention and has taken action by forming a "Fire Prevention Committee." Truth be told, we always knew the necessity and importance of fire prevention, we just did not follow through very well. This committee is not a large one as I guessed might happen. This is a group that will not be throwing ladders, stretching hand lines or supply lines, or anything else that would lend to the glamour and prestige that we perceive firefighting to be. The challenge is to focus on what we will be doing as a group and that is saving lives. That is what it is all about! In fact, our mission statement in the fire service is to save lives, protect property and preserve the environment. An added benefit is that fire prevention may potentially lead to a decrease in firefighter line of duty injuries and fatalities. That is my theory anyway. How do we get that "buy in" from our firefighters that fire prevention is a key component of saving lives? Where do we start?
From my perspective, I believe that we need to focus on the many generations we encounter on a daily basis. I am certain that many of these generations are found in our own departments and also in our response districts. I am not here to tell you how to run your fire prevention committee, battalion, division or whatever you may call it. I will suggest to you that potential success rests among your approach to spreading the message and how you approach your intended audience. I do encourage you to learn more about these generations and really think about how to approach them. You may not agree with all of the members of each generation, or completely understand them, but you should be aware that they are out there and be mindful of them. I suspect that when we put the various individuals from each generation from our departments out there in the public that great and live saving things will occur!
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