Mississippi Fire Departments Ask Communities to Support Fire Prevention Education

BRANDON, Miss., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While working to beat back a fire death rate well above the national average, fire departments across Mississippi also are struggling with limited budgets to support fire prevention education. Now they are asking the community for help.

"Firefighters' first priority always is to save lives and prevent injury," said Chief Scott Berry, president of the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association. "And the best way to protect lives is to prevent fires in the first place. That's the value of fire prevention education and the value of community investment."

Fire Prevention Week materials are used in trainings for young children, the elderly and others. But with tight budgets, the supply of these materials is at risk. With the help of an online tool, fire departments are now able to invite others to purchase materials they need. 

The online tool, Sparky's Wish List, works much like a modern bridal registry. Fire departments register for the items they need (DVDs, posters, stickers, etc.) and others go online to make the purchases. The materials ship directly to the fire departments.

Mississippi has the third highest fire death rate in the nation. In 2009 Mississippi had 28.1 deaths per million, as compared to the national average of 11 deaths per million¹. Children under five are at the greatest risk from home fire death and injury. 

Eighteen Mississippi fire departments from all across the state already have created wish lists, with the cost of individual items starting at $12.50.

"The impact of fire ripples throughout the community," said Berry. "Even a small purchase can help."

"Fire prevention education saves lives," said James M. Shannon, president of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the program's sponsor. "Educational materials are essential for fire departments to spread their message of safety to classrooms and beyond, and this registry enables community members to come to the aid of fire departments asking for help."

For more information, visit http://www.sparkyswishlist.org/give.

NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building and life safety. Sparky® and Sparky the Fire Dog® are registered trademarks of NFPA.

¹ Data credited to the U.S. Fire Administration

SOURCE National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)