November 2011 - DFS Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services

DFS will soon be announcing a new public awareness campaign on cooking safety which will include television, English and Portuguese radio, and a toolkit for local fire chiefs with educational materials, lesson plans, bookmarks, a print PSA and customizable press release.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires.  In 2010 there were 9,806 residential fires in Massachusetts that resulted in 95 civilian injuries and one death.  Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries and older adults are at greater risk.  The two main messages of the campaign are “Stand by your Pan” and “Put a Lid on it”.  Watch our website for further information and the link to the toolkit.  I hope you'll join us in our education efforts this year and in 2012, which will include cooking and also winter heating safety.  For the fourth year, "Keep Warm Keep Safe" will highlight winter heating tips.

Also in November Briefs you will find a flyer in both English and Portuguese on Winter Holiday Safety, a job posting for a Juvenile Firesetting Coordinator, an advisory on Carbon Dioxide Used in Soda Filling Areas, as well as information on important training opportunities.

Hold the date - the 2011 Firefighter of the Year Event is scheduled for November 30 at 2 p.m. at Hanover Theater in Worcester.

If you have comments, questions and suggestions about DFS Briefs, then please email me at Stephen.Coan@state.ma.us