Fire Prevention Education Unit
Fire prevention education teaches people how to recognize hazards, practice safety, and respond to emergencies. It helps reduce fire risks and protect lives and property.
The mission of the Boston Fire Prevention Education Unit is to enhance community safety and well-being through proactive and engaging educational initiatives. We are committed to reducing the risk of fire incidents by imparting crucial knowledge and fostering a culture of fire prevention awareness. Our dedicated team strives to empower individuals of all ages with the necessary skills and information to make informed decisions about fire safety, creating a resilient and prepared community. Through collaboration, innovation, and outreach, we aim to build a safer Boston where every resident is equipped to prevent and respond effectively to fire emergencies.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Fire Prevention
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1010 Mass Avenue
4th FloorBoston, MA 02118
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To schedule a presentation?
Contact us at 617-343-3337 and bfdeducationunit@boston.gov
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Protecting Our Community Through Education and Awareness
The Boston Fire Prevention Education Unit is dedicated to safeguarding the lives and property of our residents through proactive fire prevention efforts. Our mission is to reduce fire related risks by providing comprehensive safety training, community outreach, and educational programs. We aim to empower individuals, families, and businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies.
We collaborate with schools, community groups, and local organizations to promote awareness and preparedness, ensuring every Bostonian is equipped to stay safe.
In response to past tragedies, Boston Fire is committed to preventing future incidents through public education, the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and initiatives that ensure every home has life saving protection. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, but with proper awareness and safety measures, lives can be saved.
Free Bed Shaker Alarm Program
If someone in your household is deaf or hard of hearing, you may be eligible for a free bed shaker alarm: a device designed to alert individuals through vibration when a smoke or CO alarm is activated.
This program prioritizes:
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Households facing financial hardship
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Seniors
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Residents receiving government assistance
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. If you qualify, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For more information or to apply, please contact the Boston Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Education Unit.
Why This Matters
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Without a working CO detector, families may not realize they are in danger until it’s too late.
What You Can Do:
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Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas
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Test your detectors monthly
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Have your heating systems, water heaters, and appliances inspected annually
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Never use gas powered equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces or in close proximity of doors or windows
Events/Services
Events/ServicesWe offer free smoke alarms for seniors to help ensure their safety and peace of mind at home. Through this community program, eligible seniors can receive a smoke alarm installed at no cost, helping to reduce the risk of fire related injuries. Our trained professionals will also provide basic fire safety education during the visit. This service is available to residents aged 60 and over. Protect yourself or a loved one apply today and take a simple step toward a safer home.
Our Touch-a-Truck Fire Truck Program offers children and families an exciting, hands on opportunity to explore a real fire truck up close! Participants can meet local firefighters, sit in the driver’s seat, try on gear, and learn about fire safety in a fun, interactive environment. This engaging community event is perfect for kids of all ages and helps build positive connections between families and first responders while promoting safety awareness. Whether it’s sounding the siren or exploring the equipment, it’s a memorable experience for the whole family!
Our K–12 Fire Safety Presentation is an age appropriate, interactive program designed to educate students about fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and life saving safety skills. Tailored for each grade level, the presentation includes engaging activities, demonstrations, and discussions led by experienced firefighters. Students will learn how to recognize fire hazards, create a home escape plan, safely use 911, and stop, drop, and roll. For older students, the program also covers responsible behavior during emergencies and the science of fire. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in any fire related situation.
| Grade | Program Description |
|---|---|
| Grade | Pre-K and Daycare |
| Program Description | This fun, friendly presentation introduces young children to firefighters as community helpers. Kids see firefighter gear, explore the fire truck, and learn simple fire safety rules like “stop, drop, and roll” and “don’t hide from firefighters.” The tour focuses on building comfort with emergency responders and teaching children to stay calm and safe in emergencies through songs, movement, and age appropriate activities. |
| Grade | Early Elementary |
| Program Description | This fun and interactive presentation introduces young students to firefighters as friendly community helpers. Children explore fire trucks, see firefighter gear up close, and learn basic fire safety rules like “stop, drop, and roll,” crawling under smoke, and how to call 911. The tour helps reduce fear of firefighters in gear and teaches kids how to stay calm and safe during emergencies. |
| Grade | Late Elementary |
| Program Description | This engaging and age-appropriate presentation introduces late elementary students to the role of firefighters, the purpose of fire gear and trucks, and essential fire safety practices. Students learn how to stay safe during a fire, when and how to call 911, and how to create a home escape plan. The tour encourages leadership in fire safety and emphasizes real life responsibility through interactive discussion and hands on learning. |
| Grade | Middle School |
| Program Description | This informative and interactive presentation gives middle school students a behind the scenes look at fire service operations. Students learn about firefighter roles, emergency response tools, and fire cooking safety, while also discussing real life fire risks, prevention strategies, and responsible decision making. The presentation emphasizes leadership, community safety, and potential career paths in fire and emergency services. |
| Grade | High School |
| Program Description | This educational presentation provides high school students with an in depth look at fire department operations, emergency response procedures, and the science of fire behavior. It emphasizes personal and community fire safety, introduces real world emergency scenarios, and highlights teen academy program, cadet program and career opportunities in fire service, EMS, and public safety. The experience encourages critical thinking, leadership, and civic responsibility. |
| Grade | Career Opportunities |
| Program Description | The Boston Fire Department offers structured programs for young residents interested in pursuing careers in firefighting and public safety. Click here for more info |
Our Fire Education Information Table is a staffed, interactive display designed to provide valuable fire safety resources to the community. Visitors can pick up brochures, safety checklists, and home escape plan templates, as well as learn about smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency preparedness. Fire department personnel are available to answer questions, offer tips, and provide guidance on protecting your home and family from fire hazards. Ideal for community events, school fairs, and health expos, the table helps raise awareness and encourages proactive fire safety habits for all ages.
Our Fire Safety Presentation for Business Staff is a professional training session designed to educate employees on essential fire prevention practices and emergency response procedures in the workplace. This interactive presentation covers topics such as identifying fire hazards, proper use of fire extinguishers, evacuation planning, and responding calmly during a fire emergency. Led by experienced fire personnel, the session can be customized to suit your business environment and includes real world scenarios to enhance preparedness. Equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to keep your workplace safe because fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Our Fire Station Tour offers a fun and educational behind the scenes look at how firefighters live, train, and respond to emergencies. Perfect for school groups, scouts, families, and community organizations, the tour includes a guided walk through the station, an up close look at fire trucks and equipment, and a chance to meet real firefighters. Visitors will learn about fire safety, the daily duties of a firefighter, and the importance of emergency preparedness. This engaging experience is designed to inspire curiosity, build community connections, and promote fire safety awareness for all ages.
Our Senior Fire Safety Education Presentation is designed to help older adults stay safe and prepared in the event of a fire. This informative and engaging session covers essential topics such as common fire risks in the home, the importance of working smoke alarms, safe cooking practices, and creating a personalized escape plan. Fire department professionals will provide practical tips tailored to the needs of seniors, including mobility considerations and medication reminders during emergencies. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive free fire safety materials. Empower yourself or a loved one with the knowledge to live safely and confidently at home.
A fire prevention bed shaker is a life-saving alert device designed specifically for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, especially while they’re asleep. Since traditional smoke alarms rely on loud sounds, bed shakers provide an accessible alternative by using vibrations, flashing lights, and low frequency alarms to wake people up during a fire emergency.
Fire prevention bed shakers are a critical part of home safety for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, offering peace of mind and reliable emergency alerts when seconds matter most.
Be the Hero. Start Your Fire Service Journey.
Are you ready to make a difference? Join us for an exciting and informative Firefighter Career Day where courage meets career! Whether you're just curious, exploring options, or ready to apply, this event is your gateway into a rewarding career in fire and emergency services.
What You’ll Experience:
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Live demonstrations of firefighting gear, tools, and rescue techniques
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Ride alongs, fire truck tours, and interactive activities
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Q&A with career firefighters, fire chiefs
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Learn about:
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Firefighter duties & schedules
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Training requirements and fire academies
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Specializations (rescue, hazmat, wildland, etc.)
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Physical fitness and testing tips
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Career paths in firefighting, fire prevention, and inspection
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Coffee, Conversation & Community Safety
Invite the Fire Education Unit to join you for a relaxed and informative Fire Prevention Coffee Hour. A chance for neighbors to connect with local fire safety professionals, ask questions, and learn practical ways to protect their homes and loved ones."
What’s Brewing:
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Friendly conversation with firefighters & fire prevention specialists
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Tips on preventing fires at home
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How to create a fire escape plan
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Live demos of smoke alarms, CO detectors, and alert systems
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Learn about safety tools for seniors & people with disabilities
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Special segment: Fire safety for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
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See how bed shakers, visual alarms, and low-frequency alerts work
Outreach Plan
We're proud to announce that we're expanding our community outreach efforts by connecting with residents in multiple languages!
Our mission is to keep everyone safe and informed, and that means making sure our messages about carbon monoxide safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness reach every member of our diverse community.
How We’re Connecting:
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Multilingual safety workshops
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Translated educational materials
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Community events with interpreters
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Partnering with local organizations and leaders
Together, we’re building a safer, more connected Boston. Whether it’s learning how to properly install a carbon monoxide detector or knowing what to do in an emergency, language should never be a barrier to safety.
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Fire Extinguisher Awareness
The Boston Fire Department emphasizes safety above all.
We do not encourage individuals to fight fires themselves. In the event of a fire, your first action should always be to call 911 immediately and evacuate the area if necessary.
We understand that in the case of a small, contained fire, and only if you feel safe and confident you may choose to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure you are familiar with the PASS method:
P – Pull the pin
A – Aim at the base of the fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep from side to side
NFPA reports consistently show that civilian injuries and deaths often occur when people try to fight fires themselves instead of escaping.
Learn Some Fire Safety Tools
Fire Safety Tools-
Still have questions? Contact:
Fire Prevention
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1010 Mass Avenue
4th FloorBoston, MA 02118
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To schedule a presentation?
Contact us at 617-343-3337 and bfdeducationunit@boston.gov
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