How to Make Your Child Education Programs More Effective

As a fire educator, have you ever wondered if you were getting through to those cute little kids listening to you? A recent study shows that they might remember more than your turnout gear or Dalmatian companion if you present your fire safety information in the appropriate manner.

Fire and life safety educators should take note of both a research report and guide that were just released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The report, "Understanding the Impact of Fire and Life Safety Messages," is based on the findings from an NFPA research study funded by the FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. It details the best ways to communicate safety messages to children aged 4-9 years old.

A key finding in the study report is that fire safety education aimed at children is most effective when it is framed positively, or when it shows positive (safe) behaviors resulting in positive outcomes. Education tactics that show the negative outcomes of negative (unsafe) behaviors are less effective for children in this age group. The effectiveness of child fire safety education is further increased when parents are given guidance and review the content of the education program with their children.

An executive summary of the report can be found on the NFPA website.

As a result of the study, NFPA also prepared "Evaluating and Creating Fire and Life Safety Materials: A Guide for the Fire Service." This user-friendly guide will be helpful to fire educators who are developing new education programs and materials for children in their communities. The guide incorporates the research study results and is also a nice refresher for experienced public educators.

The guide can be accessed on the NFPA website.