January 2012 - DFS Briefs - Monthly Updates from the Department of Fire Services

This winter DFS will be continuing with the Keep Warm Keep Safe campaign. We have placed updated materials on our website under the Keep Warm Keep Safe Toolkit (www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe).  It includes a customizable press release, sample op-ed piece for local newspapers, and educational materials in several languages.

 You should be receiving my mail, copies of the full-color, bi-lingual Keep Warm, Keep Safe brochure which we hope you will distribute in your community in places such as senior centers, social services agencies where people might receive fuel assistance, or food pantries. DFS will be supporting your essential local educational efforts with transit ads in some major cities and some radio advertising. There is a significant reduction in fuel assistance funds this year, which means that people will have a harder time paying the heating bills sooner this winter. And that means they may turn to alternative ways of keeping warm that can increase their risk of fires. Let’s work together to keep our communities warm and safe this winter.

I also want to remind you of the on-going Firefighter Service Award Program.  In this month’s Briefs, you will find information and forms. 

Please be sure to avail yourself to all the important information contained in the January 2012 DFS Briefs.