Weekly Newspaper Articles - The department provides 3weekly public education articles (one on fire prevention, one on accident prevention, and one on SFPD operations) to two different local newspapers (a total of four article per week). The department currently has over 350 articles on file for use.
Weekly Cable TV Ads – The department has partnered with the local cable TV company and two different print ads (one on fire prevention and one on accident prevention) are run on the local cable TV channel each day for a week long period. The department provides the material content and the cable TV company provides the layout free of charge.
Weekly Radio Public Service Ads – The department has partnered with a local radio station and we provide the radio station with a weekly public service ad which they may use as time is available. The radio ads mirror the current articles which are being provided to the local newspapers in order to help drive home specific topics.
Speakers Bureau - The department has a speaker bureau available to provide speakers on different fire prevention topics. The department typically provides 15-20 speaking programs per year. Computer presentations have been developed to meet the specific needs of different groups within the community. Specific programs which have been developed include business fire safety, fire and safety for educational facilities, fire and safety for hospitals, senior safety, and fire safety for families.
Meet Your Volunteer Program – During 2004, the SFPD implemented a new program which introduces the SFPD volunteers to the community. Each week an article and picture of a different volunteer is featured in one of the local newspapers.
Public Education Sign - The department has installed a public education sign in front of the fire station. Weekly fire prevention and safety slogans are displayed on the sign.
Department Produced Pamphlets - During 1999 the department began developing its own pamphlets for public education use. The pamphlets include overview of department operations, recruitment, cost of fire department operations, and fire prevention programs. Other pamphlets are currently being developed. The rack is displayed at the city hall complex and is also displayed at other locations and businesses when requested.
Department Web Site – During 2004, the SFPD began the implementation of the web site. The web site contains an overview of SFPD operations, profiles on SFPD personnel, annual reports, information on volunteering, public education articles, customer relations information, and contact information.
Fire Prevention Week Activities - Each year the department conducts fire prevention week activities which include visits to all schools and also include special events such as fire department open house and equipment demonstrations.
School Partnership Program - The department has instituted a school partnership program. The department provides specific fire prevention programs for the schools (such as fire extinguisher training for shop classes, cooking safety classes for home economics classes, Risk Watch Program provided to all schools, Learn Not Burn Programs provided to all schools, fire safety videos purchased for schools) and the schools in turn provide services (shop class built a fire prevention sign for the department) for the department. This program continues to grow each year.
Operation Prom Night – Every other year, the SFPD works with the local high school and other area emergency services to stage a mock drunk driving program. This program is aimed at showing high school aged children the hazards of drinking and driving. The program is extremely successful.
National Fire Safety Council Program - For over 19 years the Staunton Volunteer Fire Department has participated in the National Fire Safety Council Program. This programs raises funds and provides fire prevention education materials to all pre-school through sixth grade students in all schools.
Illinois Fire Safety Alliance - The Staunton Fire Protection District is also a member of Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. The alliance is a statewide organization which administers and support fire prevention programs. Over the past 10 years, the SFPD has received four grants from the alliance to purchase specialized fire prevention materials.