Community Programs

Smoke Detector Program | File of Life | Juvenile Firesetters | S.A.F.E. Kids House
Sparky the Fire Dog | National Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest | Shattered Dreams | Adopt-a-School
Visits & Presentation | Fire Training for Organization | Support From Partners

SAFD offers or participates in a range of programs focused on fire prevention and safety issues.
Smoke Detector Program SAFD believes smoke detectors are a key factor in preventing fire-related deaths. Through our Smoke Detector Program we offer free smoke detectors, including installation, to citizens living in single family homes in San Antonio. To date, SAFD has installed tens of thousands of smoke detectors throughout San Antonio, saving countless lives. For more information on any of the programs offered by the SAFD’s Community Safety & Education Division, please call (210) 207-8422 or email them at firesafety-education@sanantonio.gov .
“File of Life” The “File of Life” (FOL) Program provides a way for seniors and others with known medical conditions to quickly and clearly communicate their medical information to EMT-Paramedics should a situation arrive. The FOL Program provides convenient packets and forms for important medical information. Special door decals alert response personnel that there is a “File of Life” packet in the home. Visit the “File of Life” website for more information, or call our Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 .
Juvenile Firesetters Modeled after successful programs in other jurisdictions, this program provides a system of intake, education and referral for children who have set fires or display fire setting 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 designed for the child's learning capabilities. Children in the program range in age from three to seventeen years. This service is free and sessions are conducted in the privacy of the family’s home. To make a referral or to request more information, call (210) 207-8422.
S.A.F.E. Kids 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 presentations and demonstrations. The program concludes with the room filling with safe "theatrical" smoke so that participants can practice escaping in simulated fire scene conditions. Children learn best through participation and the Firefighters who volunteer their time to this project provide an engaging learning experience. Fax requests for the S.A.F.E. House to (210) 206-2320.
Sparky the Fire Dog Sparky is the official SAFD mascot, making frequent public appearances at various community events. Children associate Sparky with other programs they have seen at their schools, re-enforcing the lessons of the fire safety presentations. Sparky is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association. To request an appearance by Sparky, call our Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 or fill out this Community Safety Education Form & fax your request to (210) 206-2320. Sparky’s website teaches children about fire safety.
National Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest Each year just prior to Fire Prevention Week, SAFD and the Bexar County Fire Marshal Office sponsors a poster contest for San Antonio and Bexar County area schools. Children in Pre-Kindergarten through High School are encouraged to create posters that convey fire safety and education messages. The poster contest helps students and their families to learn fire safety, while getting a chance to win nice prizes donated by area businesses and organizations. Poster contest information is distributed to schools during the first week of September. For more information call our Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 .	Take at look at past contest winners.
Shattered Dreams Held annually, the “Shattered Dreams” Program targets local high school teens and is designed to help them experience the negative consequences of drunk driving—including a mock car crash and ambulance ride. SAFD partners with the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission to host these events. Thousands of area students have participated and learned. Visit the TABC’s Shattered Dreams website for more information. For more information call our Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 .	"Shattered Dreams" simulation
Adopt-a-School This program pairs up elementary schools within San Antonio with a nearby firefighting company in order to provide monthly fire safety lessons, mentoring, fire station tours, career talks, and fire safety demonstrations. Annually this program reaches over 80,000 students. For more information call our Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 .
Demos, Station Visits & General Presentations In addition to our many community programs, SAFD personnel are also available for: On-site visits and equipment demonstrations at local schools and other organizations. Station tours for scout troops or other small groups of 10 or less. Presenters for health and safety fairs, or other general fire safety presentations. Presenters for career days and job fairs. If you would like SAFD to participate at your next program, fill out this Community Safety Education Form & fax your request to (210) 206-2320. Be sure to include the name, date, time and location of the program.
Fire Training for Organizations Fire extinguisher training, fire warden training, and fire drill observation and evaluation are provided free of charge to schools, businesses, and organizations requesting these services. If you would like a presentation for your business or organization, fill out this Community Safety Education Form & fax your request to (210) 206-2320.
Support From Our Partners SAFD relies heavily on the participation of volunteers, outside agencies, and local businesses to help us attain our goals for community outreach. We appreciate the continued support of these valued partners. We’re always looking for new partnerships to help us expand our reach. If you would like to discuss how you or your organization can contribute, call the Community Safety & Education Division at (210) 207-8422 .