San Antonio Fire Department Office of Community Resources

2005 Poster Contest Winners

2005 Poster Contest Sponsors

The Fire Department has become increasingly aware over the past few years that if you reach the children, you reach the heart of the family. Through our youth-oriented programs we are able to promote a fire safe environment in the home. It is our firm belief that the future begins with the educational efforts that we extend to your youth.

In addition to our youth-oriented programs, the Community Resources Office is available to participate in Health & Safety Fairs, Career Days and Fire Safety Presentations. Fire extinguisher training and fire drill observation and evaluation are also provided free of charge to schools, businesses, and organizations requesting these services. If you would like a presentation for your business or organization, fax a request to (210) 337-8114.

SPARKY D. FIREDOG

 Sparky is the official Fire Department mascot and makes frequent public appearances at various events. Children associate Sparky with the programs they've seen at their schools and thus are reminded of the fire safety presentations. Sparky is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To request an appearance by Sparky, call Frank Ehrlich @ 337-1157and fax your request to (210) 337-8114.

S.A.F.E. HOUSE

Since November 1993, the San Antonio Fire Education (S.A.F.E) House has been traveling to area schools and social functions bringing a hands-on approach to teaching fire safety. Children are walked through the two-story, mobile structure and are taught about fire safety through lecture, demonstration and participation. The program concludes with the room filling with safe "theatrical" smoke that allows participants a chance to practice escape in simulated fire scene conditions. Children learn best through participation and the firefighters who volunteer their time to this project provide these children with an active learning experience. Requests for the S.A.F.E. House may be faxed to (210) 337-8114.

JUVENILE FIRESETTERS INTERVENTION PROGRAM

In March of 1994, in response to the increasing problem of children exhibiting firesetting behavior in our community, the Juvenile Firesetters Intervention Program began. Modeled after successful programs in other jurisdictions, the program provides a system of intake, education and referral for children who have set fires or display firesetting behaviors. This program serves children identified in the San Antonio area as well as children referred from other agencies in our region.

One-on-one interviews are conducted with the children and their families and an educational program is geared to the child's learning capabilities. The children range in age from three years to seventeen years. This service is free and sessions are conducted in the comfort of your own home.

To make a referral or request more information, please call F.A.O. David Valero at (210) 207-8422.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK POSTER CONTEST

Each year, just prior to Fire Prevention Week, the Fire Department sponsors a poster contest for area schools. Children in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade are encouraged to create posters that convey fire safety and fire education messages. This contest offers an excellent opportunity for students and their families to learn about fire safety and with a prize donated by area businesses and organizations. Information regarding the contest is distributed to San Antonio area schools during the first week of September.