By Marcy Ost
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week, observed annually in January, is a vital opportunity for the fire service to spotlight the proactive measures that keep our communities safer and healthier.
As fire chiefs, you understand that emergencies don’t just happen—they’re often the result of identifiable and preventable risks. CRR provides a structured approach to mitigate those risks, focusing on identifying hazards, prioritizing them, and implementing strategies to address them. A strong CRR program doesn’t just save lives and property; it enhances trust and engagement within your community.
CRR Week offers the fire service a platform to reinforce the value of prevention within your departments and communities. It’s an opportunity to:
- Strengthen partnerships: Collaborate with local agencies, schools, and community groups to address shared risks.
- Engage your team: Encourage your personnel to embrace CRR as a core component of the department’s mission.
- Highlight successes: Share stories and data that demonstrate the impact of CRR efforts in reducing incidents and saving lives.
As leaders in fire service, fire chiefs have the unique ability to drive meaningful change. Community Risk Reduction Week is more than an annual event—it’s a chance to showcase your commitment to protecting lives and building stronger, more resilient communities.
Keep an eye on the SFM Facebook page, where we will be spotlighting ND departments with initiatives that correspond with the 5 E’s!
Coming Up
January (date TBD): Lunch & Learn – Temporary Shelters
January 17th: CRR Kitchen Table – Youth Firesetting with Karla Klas
Keep an eye on our calendar here.
Resources Available
CRR Kitchen Table meetings are recorded and posted on the website here
Lunch & Learn’s are recorded and posted on the website here
Fact sheets, talking points and other outreach materials are here
In the News
Family Tradition: three generations of Dickinson family serve as firefighters (KFYR-TV)
Couple donates $100K to Rugby fire department (KFYR-TV)
Two firefighters receive awards from Minot Rural Fire Department (KX News)
Fighting the Flames: North Dakota’s historic October wildfires, a mini-documentary (KFYR-TV)
Man rescued from grain bin in Mooreton, North Dakota (Valley News Live)
Bismarck firefighters spread Christmas cheer through toy delivery (KFYR-TV)