The Concord Fire Department was awarded grants for its Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E) and Senior S.A.F.E programs.
Concord Fire was awarded $4,381 and $2,277 for the S.A.F.E and Senior S.A.F.E programs, respectively, by the Department of Fire Services, Fire Chief Thomas Judge announced in a news release.
The funding gives the department the opportunity to work directly with students in schools and seniors to educate them about fire safety and prevention. Each program is tailored to the common needs of each age group and includes general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home. Lessons feature many safety topics including steps to take in the event of a fire alarm activation.
The lessons taught in the school- based program are in line with the standards of the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.
Twenty-seven years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fire deaths has decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which administers the two programs.