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Geneva Fire Department’s Innovative Fire Prevention Program Draws National Praise

By HelloNation, Rochester, NY
PUBLISHED 6:23 PM ET Jan. 20, 2024

The City of Geneva, NY, is taking proactive measures to protect its residents and educate its youngest citizens about fire safety through a groundbreaking Fire Prevention Program. Spearheaded by Chief Del Parrotta and his dedicated team at the Geneva Fire Department, the initiative goes beyond traditional fire safety efforts, integrating the community in ways that have garnered both local and national attention.


October: A Month of Education and Engagement

October is Fire Prevention Month, and Geneva makes every moment count. The city has transformed this observance into an interactive, community-centered program aimed at fostering fire safety awareness among children and families.

“We spend an entire week visiting every school, meeting with every child in one way or another,” explains Chief Parrotta. “From hosting fire drills to providing fire safety presentations for first and third graders, we ensure the message reaches everyone.”

One of the standout features is the Fire Prevention Poster Contest, where young students illustrate their understanding of fire safety principles. Winners not only receive recognition but also help reinforce critical messages to their peers and families.


A Community Open House Like No Other

The program culminates in a highly anticipated Community Open House, held at the Geneva Fire Station. This event draws between 500 and 600 visitors in a single evening, offering families a chance to engage with the fire department in a hands-on, memorable way.

“We host about eight different stations during the open house,” says Chief Parrotta. “Kids can participate in bus evacuation drills, spray fire extinguishers, climb our vehicles, tour our apparatus, and even visit the smokehouse for real-life fire safety demonstrations.”

For families, the event also includes medical technique stations, where children and parents can learn CPR, how to apply tourniquets, and techniques to stop bleeding. These practical skills ensure the community is prepared not just for fire emergencies but for other life-threatening situations as well.


A Broader Vision for Geneva

The success of the fire prevention program is part of a larger vision shared by the Geneva Fire Department and the city’s leadership. “The leadership team here in Geneva, along with our city council, plans on making this the best city in the state,” Chief Parrotta affirms.

Geneva’s program reflects a growing trend in cities across the nation to involve communities in fire safety education. A recent article in Firehouse Magazine highlighted the importance of integrating public education with hands-on learning experiences. According to the publication, “Interactive fire prevention programs, like those in Geneva, demonstrate how local departments can go beyond emergency response to create safer, more informed communities.”


Recognition and Inspiration

Geneva’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Local leaders and neighboring municipalities have praised the city’s innovative approach, citing its effectiveness in reaching diverse audiences.

Mayor Jane Doe of a nearby city remarked, “Geneva’s program sets a gold standard for fire prevention. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve combined education, community engagement, and practical training into a cohesive initiative.”

National organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have also lauded the program, emphasizing its alignment with best practices in fire safety education.


Empowering Future Generations

The Geneva Fire Department’s program isn’t just about fire prevention; it’s about community empowerment. By equipping children and families with knowledge and practical skills, the initiative fosters a culture of preparedness and resilience.

“It’s not just about teaching fire safety,” says Chief Parrotta. “It’s about ensuring every resident feels confident and equipped to respond in an emergency. That’s what makes Geneva special.”


Join the Movement

The Geneva Fire Department invites residents and neighboring communities to participate in its Fire Prevention Month activities. From the poster contest to the open house, there are countless opportunities to learn, engage, and make Geneva safer for all.

For more information, visit the Geneva Fire Department’s website or follow them on social media for updates on events and safety tips. Together, Geneva is proving that education, engagement, and innovation can truly save lives.

Matt Cottengim is an experienced professional with a strong background in sales, marketing, workflow automation, and business strategy. He serves as the Brand Affiliate for Community Showcase Banners, Inc., a company that specializes in decorative streetscape banner displays for municipalities. Matt is also an expert in software tools such as WooCommerce, ActiveCampaign, Monday.com, Airtable, Synthflow, Chat GPT, Click Up and Zapier, which he uses to optimize all aspects of the business’s operations.

 

 

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