Schedule Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 - 8:30 am | Registration |
| 7:30 - 4:30 pm | Exhibitors |
| 8:30 – 8:45 am | Opening Remarks |
| 8:45 – 12:15 pm | Keynote Presentation: Catch the Threat, Behavior Observation |
| 12:15 – 1:15 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 – 1:30 pm | Welcome and Remarks: Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier |
| 1:45 – 3:15 pm | Block B Workshops |
| 3:30 – 4:30 pm | Block C Workshops |
| 4:45 - 6:00 pm | Open Social Hour (cash bar) |
| 6:00 pm | Networking Dinner: Outdoor BBQ (Reserve on your registration form) |
Keynote Presentation (8:45 – 12:15 pm)
Catch the Threat: Behavior Observation
Keynote Speaker Dan Wells, C.A.T.C.H. Corp.
The need for conduct assessment has increased significantly with the rising number of violent attacks at public venues around the globe. Staff trained in C.A.T.C.H. (Conduct Assessment Targeting Criminality and Hostility Training), together with public safety personnel, can provide a comprehensive security model.
C.A.T.C.H. training enhances observational skills and creates an understanding of baseline conditions and behaviors attendees may encounter in their work. Attendees will learn about:
- C.A.T.C.H. concepts and why they are relevant,
- How to enhance observation skills and establish baseline conduct,
- The roles of stress, body language, and emotional cues in conduct assessment,
- Potential indicators of suspicious activity,
- Physical warning signals of potential hostile conduct, and
- The importance of vigilance & mental preparedness.
The workshop includes lecture, activities and facilitated discussions.
Workshop Categories
Core skills: Workshops to keep both new and experienced educators up to date on consistent messages and best practices.
Partnerships: Workshops about developing and working within the partnerships that are essential to effective community risk reduction.
Using the Tools: Workshops that introduce specific tools, props, and curriculums that help teach fire and life safety.
New Topics: Workshops about information new to the field or new to this conference.
Block B Workshops (1:45 – 3:15 pm)
B1 NFPA Steps to Safety – Train the Trainer (3 sessions)
Kelly Ransdell, Director, Public Education, NFPA
Session 1 of 3. Please note: You must participate in both days of the workshop, all 3 sessions (B1, C1, D1).
In this interactive workshop, attendees learn about the Steps to Safety - Prevent Fire and Falls at Home program. It pairs fire and EMS professionals with community partners to educate older adults about home fire and fall safety through group presentations, home visits and the creation of a local resources network. Formerly titled Remembering When - A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults, the updated Steps to Safety (STS) program includes an online training curriculum and new digital and print assets that support learning and behavior change in older adults. The program promotes independence, collaboration, engagement, and empowerment. Rooted in fire and behavioral science and educational principles, STS provides the framework and tools for fire and EMS professionals and their health and social service partners to impact communities and reduce the incidence of and injury from home fires and falls.
B2 Red Cross: More Than Blood and Fire
Ryan Avery, Regional Disaster Officer, Massachusetts Region, American Red Cross
Across Massachusetts, local Red Cross disaster program managers and volunteers work with communities to respond to home fires, open emergency shelters, plan for large disasters, educate youth and adults on disaster preparedness, install smoke and CO alarms, provide fire prevention education, and so much more. Our ability to best serve communities requires us to build and maintain strong partnerships with local emergency management, fire departments, elected officials, and other non-profits working in the disaster preparedness, response, and recovery sectors. Learn more about our staff, programs, and ways to partner with your local Red Cross team.
B3 Fire and Life Safety Education Doesn’t End with High School
Chief Mike Cassidy, Emergency Mgmt. Director, Holliston Fire Dept.
Captain Rob Feeney, Onset Fire Dept.
Each year, college and university students experience fire-related emergencies both on and off campus. This workshop focuses on how to equip high school students with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and healthy as they leave high school and go out into the world. Topics include safe housing, safety in various establishments and venues, and workplace safety. Whether young adults are headed to post-secondary education or into the workforce, there are key fire safety behaviors every young adult (and all adults of all ages) should know. The workshop includes resource lists and suggests different ways to present fire and life safety information to young adults.
B4 Fire Service Filmmaking: CRR Media and Content Creation on a Budget
Lieutenant Matt Morin, Sunderland Fire Dept.
With today’s access to public media distribution platforms, anyone can promote their mission with content creation. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of content creation including conceptualizing a message, drafting a script, filming, editing, and preparing content for distribution. With iOS and Android devices, affordable accessories, some patience, imagination, and practice, any department can create high production value material to reach their audiences. Bring your media tools, and an iPad with the free software Adobe Premiere Rush.
B5 SAFE Grant 101: Back to Basics
Sheryl Hedlund, M.Ed., Fire Data & Pub. Ed. Program Coordinator, DFS
Lieutenant Christie Clement, DFS, Marlborough Fire Dept.
This workshop explores the new SAFE and Senior SAFE grant application and educates attendees on the process of applying for them. We will cover pre-planning, writing, and submitting your application. We will also provide an explanation of the Notice of Funding Opportunity, the scoring rubric, the determination of funds, what funding can be used for, and post-grant requirements including end-of-year reports and return of unexpended funds. You will leave this workshop with the tools and the confidence to apply for a grant successfully.
Block C Workshops (3:30 – 4:30 pm)
C1 NFPA Steps to Safety – Train the Trainer (3 sessions)
Kelly Ransdell, Director, Public Education, NFPA
Session 2 of 3. Please note: You must participate in both days of the workshop, all 3 sessions (B1, C1, D1).
This is part 2 of the three-part workshop on using the NFPA Steps to Safety - Prevent Fire and Falls at Home program. The program pairs fire and EMS professionals with community partners to educate older adults about home fires and fall safety through group presentations, home visits and the creation of a local resources network. See workshop B1 for more information.
C2 Smoke Alarm Inspections for Home Sales and Transfers - Code Up
Jake Nunnemacher, Fire Protection Engineer, DFS
The recently adopted Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code and the upcoming promulgation of the Massachusetts Residential Building Code – 10th Edition mean changes to smoke alarm inspections in one- and two-family dwellings. This workshop provides information on how the new codes affect smoke alarm inspections (MGL c. 148, s. 26F) in one- and two-family dwellings. The workshop provides examples to enhance the learning experience.
C3 Autism Awareness for First Responders
Assistant Chief Thomas Buckley, Foxborough Fire Dept.
Individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a range of issues and needs. The Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) has been delivering Autism Awareness for First Responders to Massachusetts and Rhode Island firefighters since 2004. The program, and this workshop, equip first responders with the knowledge and strategies to best serve individuals with autism spectrum disorders in a crisis situation. Bringing together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals, and individuals on the spectrum, students learn how to advocate and obtain support for the individual with autism more effectively. The goal is to empower professionals to make informed decisions.
C4 Even Safer: Data-Driven Community Risk Reduction from the NFPA
Karen Berard-Reed, Senior Strategist and CRR Lead, NFPA
The time is right to apply the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) process to your prevention efforts and multiply your positive results. In this session, attendees explore the transition from traditional fire prevention to CRR, rich with data-driven efforts and community partnerships, as a model for modern safety initiatives. Attendees learn how CRR is a driving force behind impactful community safety initiatives in fire departments, and how it can propel SAFE programs in the future. Attendees also explore the why behind CRR’s value and how to implement this progressive process in their departments. This session is appropriate for CRR newcomers as well as experienced professionals looking to elevate local CRR teams. Be part of the transformation! Equip yourself with knowledge to lead your community safety initiatives.
Identify risks in your community. Gather insights. Create a data-informed community risk reduction plan with CRAIG 1300.
C5 Getting the Most Out of Fire Station Tours
Captain Katherine Collins-Kalbaugh, Chicopee Fire Dept.
Lieutenant Maria Pelchar, Holyoke Fire Dept.
When we think about fire station tours, we picture second graders listening to a firefighter talk and getting red hats. This workshop will help you envision other opportunities to use fire station tours as a method to instruct and promote issues about fire prevention and safety. Planning is key, because you will be shifting the paradigm of what being in the fire house means to every age group: children, adults, and seniors. Learn from two experienced fire and life safety educators who are changing the concept of “ye old fire station tour.”