Educating Polk County citizens on issues such as fire safety, severe weather awareness, disaster preparedness and Emergency 9-1-1 is a priority for Polk County Fire Rescue. If your civic organization, business, or community is interested in an presentation, call the Public Education Office at (863) 519-FIRE (3473)
Public Education Classes Offered:
Remembering When - At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires or falls compared to the population at large. That is why Polk County Fire Rescue is offering a series on fire and falls prevention for older citizens called “Remembering When.” This program, designed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), focuses on the many causes of injury to older residents and how to go about preventing them from happening. It is centered around 16 key safety messages developed by experts from national and local safety organizations as well as through focus group testing
Family Safety House - Serves multiple purposes. It is equipped to simulate a smoke filled house to teach children and adults how to properly escape in the event of a fire. It has also been outfitted with a hazardous weather package that will simulate various weather threats such as hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Adults, as well as children, will receive instruction in preparedness and safety when readying for an impending storm. Additionally, participants will receive instruction in the proper use of 9-1-1 and the Emergency Medical Services system. **Family Safety House cannot operate in inclement weather
Emergency? 9-1-1 - This program is designed to teach children of all ages how and when to call 9-1-1. What to expect when calling 9-1-1. Encourages callers to know their full name, address and telephone number.
E.D.I.T.H. - Exit Drills In The Home is a program designed to teach the basics of recognizing, planning, and safely exiting a home or structure during a fire emergency. Participants will learn how to create a home fire escape plan, how and when to test home smoke alarms, and the proper way to exit the building.
Fire Engine Visit - Fire equipment from your local fire station may be parked at your event to give your attendees a chance to see actual fire equipment up close. Fire crews will remain available for call-out to other emergencies, but may show off their apparatus while not on an emergency run.
Fire Station Tour - Groups have the opportunity to schedule a visit to the local fire station to have an opportunity to see actual fire equipment up close and where firefighters work and stay. Fire crews will remain available for call-out to other emergencies, but may show off their apparatus while not on an emergency run.
Holiday Fire Safety - During the Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays we talk about how to have a SAFE and happy holiday season by being safe during the celebration time.
Friendly Firefighter - This program is designed to familiarize children with firefighters and their protective gear. The goal is to create the perception of firefighters as friends, heroes and community helpers. Students will learn the pieces of protective gear and how they work to protect each firefighter.
Hurry Let's Talk about Hurricanes - This class is designed for children from 3rd grade to 6th grade, this class teaches the children about hurricanes and how to prepare themselves and their pets. Click Here to view PowerPoint.
Citizen Hurricane Preparedness - Representatives from Polk County Public Safety will discuss with citizens how to prepare their family and home for hurricane season. This class also teaches the public how to prepare their children and pets.
Project S.A.F.E Home (Smoke Alarms for Every Home) - Polk County FIre Department is on a mission to ensure that each and every home in our area is afforded the level of protection provided by even the most basic smoke alarms unit. If you are in need of a Smoke Alarm and cannot afford one we will supply one to you. If you are unable to install a smoke alarm or check and change the battery we will have a fire crew come to your assistance free of charge as a public service.
Florida Firewise - For more Information on Florida Firewise call Bill Delph Division of Forestry 863-648-3152.