By Kathi Osmonson
Fire & Life Safety Educator
Young adults can be a tough demographic to reach with fire prevention messaging. Today, they seem very interested in environmental issues. Let's expand our messages to appeal to their interests!
Both building fires and wildfires can negatively affect the environment. By practicing fire prevention, young adults can help to save our environment's four elements:
Water. Some foams used in structural firefighting are toxic to the environment. If proper containment doesn't happen, not only can the foam travel to nearby ground water, but also all the toxins from the fire.
Air. The fire plume and its subsequent diffusion sends products of combustion in an upward spread and drop down to the water and soil miles away from the fire, depending on wind conditions.
Earth. Fire's impact on the terrestrial environment can be long term. Erosion comes over time, not immediately. Wildfires can clear acres in days, and regrowth takes many years. At the same time, fire is said to replenish the environment (think blueberries).
Fire. Firefighter cancer talk is prevalent in the firehouse these days. Remember, fire prevention is lifesaving firefighter safety. Help make a difference in the lives of our sisters and brothers.
As Fire and Life Safety Educators, we warn people about the risks of dying in a fire, or losing their home and all of their belongings. Young adults are “invincible" and may feel they won't be affected by these worst-case scenarios.
Speaking our target audience's language is important in any situation. Social media may reach young adults with messages about:
If you smoke, smoke outside. Use a sturdy ashtray and don't flick it out the car window.
Be responsible with fireworks. Only use legal fireworks. Be a good example for others.
Keep lighters and fire starting tools away from children.
Practice the three-foot rule; keep anything that burns three feet away from anything that gets hot.
Campfire safety – wildfire prevention.
In many cases, young adults are in a unique position to share fire prevention practices with their children and parents. The four elements aspect may help them remember the reasons behind fire prevention's importance.
