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Outdoor fire safety education booth under a red canopy labeled “COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION.” A person in a Sparky the Fire Dog mascot costume stands behind a table waving. The table is covered with a red cloth featuring a fire department emblem and displays brochures, flyers, and a tablet screen. Buildings and trees are visible in the background.

Public Educational Campaigns

Safer Communities Through Knowledge

Learn More Resources for Parents

Public Educational Campaigns

At the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP), we believe that knowledge is the foundation of safety.

Our Public Education Campaigns, led by our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) team, are designed to inform and empower communities across Virginia with the tools and information needed to prevent fire-related incidents and ensure personal safety.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances is engulfed in a fire emergency. Flames erupt from a pan on the stovetop of a central island, sending thick black smoke toward the overhead range hood. Natural light streams through large glass doors, contrasting with the dangerous blaze. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries. Did You Know? 

Most house fires start in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries.

But the kitchen isn’t the only danger zone. Other common culprits include:
A pile of smoke alarms

Smoke Alarm Distribution Program

Offering the opportunity for fire departments to apply to receive up to 30 smoke alarms. It is planned that these alarms will be distributed to at least four departments in each VDFP division annually. 

Sparky the Fire Dog holds a fire extinguisher indoors, wearing a red helmet and yellow firefighter uniform.

Community Risk Reduction Week

A statewide initiative every February to raise awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

Fire safety booth with red tablecloth, VDFP helmets, brochures, pens, and rulers at an outdoor community event.

Interactive Community Outreach

Events such as the Family and Baby Expo and Midlothian Block party, where the team demonstrates fire safety techniques using simulators and interactive tools. 

Children and adults gather around a firefighter near a garage door with safety posters inside a fire station.

Educational Programs

Hosting workshops and distributing materials to educate communities on fire prevention, community risk hazards and safety. 

Activities for Parents to Try at Home

Fire safety starts at home and parents play a vital role in helping kids build lifelong habits that protect themselves and others. These simple, engaging activities make it easy to turn everyday moments into teachable ones.

Home Fire Escape Plan Grid

Interactive Games for Kids

Resources for Educators

Listings for NFPA Resources

Contact Us

For additional details or questions regarding Public Education Campaigns, please contact Community Risk Reduction at communityrisk@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-249-1982.