About Us
as
Kids learning escape routes during a simulated home fire.
The James Island Fire Alliance is a non-profit organization founded in November 2010 whose mission is to promote public education about fire safety and prevention and to assist our firefighters in having the best in equipment and training. It consists of a five-person volunteer board of directors - three of which are currently, or have been, career firefighters.
We are currently building a network of free public education presentations on fire safety and prevention. These presentations will include valuable information about fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, CPR, basic first aid, exit plans, children and pets, what to do in case of fire, proper 911 calls, self home inspections... etc.
We don't forget the kids either. We are currently scheduling kid's night at the fire station. Kids are invited to attend a 30-45 minute presentation on fire safety and prevention geared toward the needs for their age group. At the end of the presentation, kids will be allowed a behind the scenes look at the fire station, the firetrucks and the dispatcher's office. They can see where the firemen work and what they do. Because the fire stations are manned 24/7 there should be plenty of on-duty firemen to answer kids' questions - unless they get an emergency call, of course.
We are currently building a network of free public education presentations on fire safety and prevention. These presentations will include valuable information about fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, CPR, basic first aid, exit plans, children and pets, what to do in case of fire, proper 911 calls, self home inspections... etc.
We don't forget the kids either. We are currently scheduling kid's night at the fire station. Kids are invited to attend a 30-45 minute presentation on fire safety and prevention geared toward the needs for their age group. At the end of the presentation, kids will be allowed a behind the scenes look at the fire station, the firetrucks and the dispatcher's office. They can see where the firemen work and what they do. Because the fire stations are manned 24/7 there should be plenty of on-duty firemen to answer kids' questions - unless they get an emergency call, of course.
All too often fires result in significant loss of life and property. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports the following fire statistics for 2009 in the United States:
* A fire department responded to a fire call every 23 seconds.
* A structure fire was reported every 66 seconds.
* One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds.
* One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 55 minutes.
These statistics might seem high, but the NFPA also reports that the chances of dying unintentionally due to fire is 12 times less likely today than it was 90 years ago. 2
* A fire department responded to a fire call every 23 seconds.
* A structure fire was reported every 66 seconds.
* One home structure fire was reported every 87 seconds.
* One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 55 minutes.
These statistics might seem high, but the NFPA also reports that the chances of dying unintentionally due to fire is 12 times less likely today than it was 90 years ago. 2
It would seem this progression toward reduction of loss could be a direct result of better education about fire and life safety as well as better equipment and training for our firefighters.
We believe that the statistics can always be improved. Any loss of life is one too many. The mission of the James Island Fire Alliance is to actively work toward expansion of public education on fire prevention and safety.
Coupled with education is ensuring that our firefighters have the best equipment and training. Like many governmental entities, our local government, the James Island Public Service District, is faced with budget balancing struggles. The Fire Alliance is here to help fill the gaps by providing equipment and training to James Island's bravest so that they have the ability to save and protect us and themselves.
We believe that the statistics can always be improved. Any loss of life is one too many. The mission of the James Island Fire Alliance is to actively work toward expansion of public education on fire prevention and safety.
Coupled with education is ensuring that our firefighters have the best equipment and training. Like many governmental entities, our local government, the James Island Public Service District, is faced with budget balancing struggles. The Fire Alliance is here to help fill the gaps by providing equipment and training to James Island's bravest so that they have the ability to save and protect us and themselves.
Resources
Fire Loss in the United States During 2009 by Michael J. Karter, Jr., August 2010. Read the full report.
A Few Facts at the Household Level, NFPA Fire and Analysis Research Division, July 2009. Read the full report.
A Few Facts at the Household Level, NFPA Fire and Analysis Research Division, July 2009. Read the full report.
