Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E)

Student Awareness of Fire Education or S.A.F.E is a program for grades Pre-K to 6th that introduces a comprehensive approach to fire safety education. The program teaches students the essentials of fire safety and injury prevention on a regular basis. When taught by both firefighters and teachers, students can be better prepared in emergency situations.

The Program

This national program helps young students recognize the dangers of fire and what to do in emergency situations. Students participate in fire drills, learn to identify emergency situations and the proper use of 9-1-1. They also learn useful tips that will help in case they are ever involved in a house fire such as stop, drop and roll, and using smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Students are encouraged to create exit drills in their own homes with their families and to discuss family procedures in case of emergency. Included in the education program, students learn about the fire hazards associated with using tobacco products. The program is funded by government grants and no students have to pay for the program.

S.A.F.E Coordinator

Each school or program has a S.A.F.E Coordinator that serves as the role model for the students and provides firsthand knowledge of the harmful effects of fire and smoke. The coordinator works with firefighters directly to ensure that students are learning the proper state laws.

Real World Applications

All information taught in the program is age appropriate and completely applicable in an emergency situation. Since the program began, there have been 318 documented instances of children using what they learned in the S.A.F.E program in a real emergency situation. Many families are alive today because of this education. The annual number of fire deaths of children has also fallen by 70% since the start of S.A.F.E.. Older students are even given the opportunity to participate in a mock house fire so the children can learn to escape successfully.

Senior S.A.F.E

A new version of the program was introduced in 2013 geared towards senior citizens. S.A.F.E. coordinators work with assisted living centers to educate seniors on how to prepare for emergency situations.

Support From Local Firefighters

Firefighters are enthusiastic about the programs because it allows young students to learn how to be prepared so they do not panic in emergency situations. Find out if your child’s school participates in the S.A.F.E program by talking with the administration.