A 5E Approach to Community Risk Reduction

By Marcy Ost

Community Risk Reduction Week 2025 is just around the corner! Always starting on Martin Luther King Day, a National Day of Service, CRR week 2025 will run from Monday, January 15 through Sunday, January 21. There is a whole website dedicated to the week here, but, as always, keep an eye on our social media for CRR week posts and announcements. The 5 E’s of CRR are:

Education

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch targeted campaigns to educate the public about fire safety, including home escape plans, smoke alarm maintenance, and kitchen safety.
• School Programs: Partner with local schools to implement age-appropriate fire safety education programs, such as fire drills and classroom visits.
• Senior Citizen Outreach: Provide tailored fire safety information to senior citizens, focusing on common hazards and prevention tips.

Economic Incentives

• Discount Programs: Collaborate with local hardware stores to offer discounts on smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.
  • Partner with the Red Cross for smoke alarms.

Engineering

• Code Enforcement: Enforce building codes and fire safety standards to ensure structures are built and maintained to minimize fire risks.
• Technology Integration: Explore the use of technology, such as smart home devices and fire suppression systems, to enhance fire safety.

Emergency Response

• Drill and Training: Conduct regular drills and training exercises to improve response times and coordination among emergency responders.
• Community Preparedness: Educate the public on emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation routes and procedures.

Enforcement

• Code Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of commercial and residential properties to identify and address fire hazards.
• Fire Code Violations: Enforce fire codes and issue citations for violations to ensure compliance.

By focusing on these five key areas, you can significantly reduce fire risk in your community.