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Dog mascot named “Sparky” dressed in a yellow and red firefighter outfit with a clear visor, standing in front of a red “Department of Fire Programs” tent at an outdoor event. Fire department emblem is visible on the tent. Background includes people and booths, suggesting a community fire safety outreach event.

Fire & Life Safety

Fire Prevention, Community Risk Reduction & Safety

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Fire & Life Safety

At the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) team is dedicated to prevention and safety to keep our communities safe from Fire & Life Safety hazards.  

 Circular infographic illustrating six components of Community Risk Reduction (CRR), each represented as a puzzle piece: Education (graduation cap), Engineering (gears), Enforcement (gavel), Emergency Response (fire truck), Economic Incentive (dollar sign), and Community Risk Reduction (firefighter with family). Surrounding text reads “COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION,” “GETTING AHEAD OF THE CALL,” and “CR Five E’s for Risk Reduction

 

Education: Assess statewide Fire Prevent & Life Safety needs using data tools such as the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), then develop and disseminate targeted educational materials and public outreach campaigns.
Engineering: Support the integration of safety innovations and technology into prevention programs, collaborating with partners to promote best practices in fire-safe building design and community planning. 

Enforcement: Coordinate with agencies to align prevention efforts with local and state codes and standards, reinforcing fire and injury prevention through policy development and compliance support. 

Emergency Response: Act as a liaison between federal, state, and local organizations, ensuring emergency services are connected, informed and equipped to address evolving community needs. 

Economic Incentive: Identify and promote programs that provide grants, funding opportunities, or cost-benefit resources to help communities invest in proactive fire safety measures. 

What is Community Risk Reduction?  

Watch as VDFP's Community Risk Reduction Coordinator shares a quick explanation of the 5 E's for Community Risk Reduction.

Fire Prevention

Education is at the heart of fire prevention and risk reduction. Through partnerships with localities, our CRR team offers tools and resources to educate schools, businesses and the public on critical fire and risk prevention strategies.

Community Risk Reduction Resources

Contact Us

For additional details or questions regarding Fire Prevention & Safety, please contact Community Risk Reduction at communityrisk@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-249-1982.