Fire Safety Education

Fire education with kids
The Charlotte Fire Department is about much more than fighting fires.

The most effective way to prevent the tragedy of fires and other injuries is to educate the public on their causes and to introduce strategies in dealing with these emergencies.

The CFD Office of Public Information & Community Engagement include a team of four NC Certified Fire & Life Safety Educators. CFD believes prevention through education is the key to reducing fires and injuries to the citizens of Charlotte. The Education Team along with support from all divisions of CFD, educate the public regarding fire and life safety hazards and prevention methods.

The Charlotte Fire Department Fire & Life Safety Education Team:
  • Plan and conduct community fire and life safety education programs including special events in fire, arson, and injury prevention.
  • Develop, monitor, and evaluate fire safety presentation and educational materials to meet the needs of the community.
  • Work closely with CFD Public Information Office to further educate the public.

Educational Resources:

Please allow 30 days' notice for all requests.


Most community events are best served with a fire truck visit from one of our stations. If you have a classroom-based event, consider inviting an educator to your program. The following programs are conducted by NC Fire & Life Safety Educators and offered to classes.

 

Community Programs

Charlotte Fire Department provides free, evidenced-based fire & life safety awareness and presentations to the City of Charlotte community.

To request CFD, complete the forms found at www.charlottefire.org

  • Fire Truck Display/Appearance

    CFD firefighters provide a demonstration of CFD equipment. This program is best for events such as fairs, festivals, or other events where a classroom is not available. Emergency services take priority. Time varies.

  • Fire Station Tours

    CFD firefighters provide a tour of the station and CFD equipment. Great for all ages. Emergency services take priority. Time varies.

  • General Workshop or Presentation Program

    This program consists of a CFD speaker attending/presenting fire & life safety information at your community meeting or other classroom event. 5–45 minutes.

  • Fire Extinguisher Training

    This program educates residents on proper fire evacuation procedures and teaches general principles of fire safety, fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage firefighting. *No Live Fire Involved* Approx. 60-90 minutes. Restrictions apply.

  • Blaze Mascot Program

    Blaze, the official mascot of CFD, regularly attends community programs and events to enhance fire & life safety education and awareness within the Charlotte community.

  • Pre-K and Early Elementary Reading Program

    This program consists of CFD reading fire safety books, and may include fire safety games/music, and displaying fire gear. Approx. 20-40 minutes.

  • 3rd Grade Fire and Life Safety Program

    This program is a standardized lesson plan presented to 3rd grade classrooms. Students are provided with the knowledge and materials to protect themselves and their families from a fire or burn injury. 40 minutes

  • Middle & High School Burn & Arson Prevention Programs

    These programs are a standardized lesson plan presented to middle/high school classrooms. Students are provided with the knowledge and materials to protect themselves and their families from a fire or burn injury, as well as arson prevention and fire careers. 40-60 minutes

  • Youth & Burn Prevention Program

    This program is a standardized, age-appropriate lesson plan presented to children 16 and under who have shown curiosity or started fires. Students and their families are provided with the knowledge and materials to protect themselves from future fire incidents. 90-120 minutes

  • Senior Fire & Falls Prevention/NFPA “Steps to Safety”

    This program is a standardized National Fire Protection Association fire & falls prevention presentation for active and independent Senior Citizens. 45-60 minutes

  • Donation & Community-Supported Fire Safety Programs

    Funding and/or pre-approved in-kind products accepted.

  • Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program

    Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are provided and installed (as available) free with fire safety education for qualified Charlotte homeowners. To apply, complete the on-line request form or contact 704-336-2697. Restrictions apply.

  • Annual Elementary Fire Prevention Week -Themed Competitions

    A community-funded, locally based National Fire Prevention Week competitions teaching fire safety, based on the national fire safety theme.

  • CFD Explorers Program

    A young adult fire service career awareness program aiming to instill the importance of obtaining a college education, being a responsible citizen, and most of all striving to be the best that they can be.

  • Camp Ignite (high school girls)

    A community-funded, resident camp for young women grades 9-12 that focuses on the development of teamwork, self-confidence, & leadership skills and introduces campers to fundamental firefighting. Campers train alongside professional female firefighters to break down barriers and stereotypes in all career fields.

  • Camp Hornets’ Nest (high school boys)

    A community-funded resident camp for young men grades 9-12 designed to introduce campers to the fire service and what it means to be a man of integrity.


Additional CFD Resources

  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund

    The non-profit FFBCF supports burn patients, survivors, and their families, and provides support for fire prevention programs. Aluminum can collection and other fundraisers support the FFBCF programs. www.ffbcf.org

  • Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation

    This non-profit organization aids and support to the members of the Charlotte Fire Department, their families, Mecklenburg County volunteer firefighters and the surrounding community in need. www.charlotteregionalfirefoundation.com

  • Child Safety Seats/Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg / Buckle Up NC

    Child Safety Seats / Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg or Buckle Up NC
    **CFD does not provide Child Safety Seat Inspections** Please contact one of our partners for assistance.