Fire Safety Education Program

The Englewood Fire Department provides safety education programs to our citizens throughout the year, but especially during October, which has been designated Fire Safety Education Month. While all Divisions of the Department, Fire Suppression, EMS, and Fire Prevention can deliver education programs to our citizens, The Fire Prevention Bureau coordinates the department's Public Education program.

Effective public education needs to cover a variety of disciplines for a variety of age groups. However, most of our endeavors focus on the groups most at-risk, and where the message is more likely to have a positive impact. Studies have proven that these groups are elementary and middle school-aged children. In 2008, we were able to educate over 2200 students on various fire safety tips and techniques. Early intervention and repetition in educating children are proven to be the most effective method for establishing a lifelong memory of proper fire safety practices. To accomplish this training, our committed staff members and emergency responders utilize various tools and techniques. We use various props and media when delivering programs, as they aid in reinforcing the lessons we hope to pass on, these include a remotely-controlled, talking fire dog robot, a mobile Fire Safety Smoke House, shared between Teaneck and Englewood, and print media, educational coloring books and handouts. We have hand-outs in English, Spanish and Korean (Hangul), as well as the ability to provide limited documents in other languages. We also have bi-lingual members on staff who can deliver programs in the native tongue of some of our citizens. The core area of our education programs is the importance of practicing fire safety in the home on a daily basis. Other services we provide include our "Visit the Neighborhood" program during which our members can bring the message of Fire Safety directly to the various Englewood Neighborhoods during block parties, and street festivals, Fire Safety Education programs targeted to the sometimes unique needs of our Senior Citizens, and a Summer Youth Fire Academy Day Camp program. Upon special request, for a nominal fee, Fire Brigade training can be provided for commercial and industrial facilities located within the city.

In addition to the formal programs above, tours of the Firehouse, to meet your Firefighters or see our apparatus, are always welcome. Drop-in visits are allowed between the hours of 10 am to noon, and 3:30 pm to 6 pm, but we request that groups/parties larger than 10 calls at least two weeks in advance so we may ensure that we will have adequate materials and personnel available for your group. Please remember that this is a working facility, personnel may be out of the building, or if in quarters, your tour guides, at any time during your visit, may be required to respond to an emergency call. To ensure your safety, and that of your group, if present when an alarm is received, please follow their instructions carefully!

Our ultimate concern, and goal, is the preservation of life and we recognize that education, in a low-pressure environment, is a key factor in helping to achieve that goal. If you, or your group, have special needs, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your requirement. Contact Mrs. Jessie Coward, the Chief's Secretary, and Education Program Outreach Coordinator at 201-871-6694 or submit a Service Request through the QAlert Citizen Service Request System (CSRS) located on the City of Englewood home page.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Smoke Detectors - Stay Alert and Stay Alive!

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you're awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.