The new Tactical Considerations for Research-Based Public Fire Safety Education online course helps firefighters understand and explain the research behind fire safety messages for the public. Developed by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, this free course equips firefighters to deliver more impactful fire safety education in their communities. 

Today’s firefighters do more than just respond to emergencies—they’re often asked to serve as fire safety educators as well. Whether it is during school visits, home safety inspections, or even casual conversations while out in the community, firefighters’ roles make them a credible and powerful voice for fire safety. These everyday interactions with the community are opportunities to save lives. 

Unpacking the Science of Life-Saving Public Safety Education 

Many civilians believe they have more time to escape a fire than they actually do, or they don’t recognize the dangers posed by modern materials in their homes. Community members rely on firefighters to explain life-saving fire safety practices and dispel misconceptions. By proactively educating the public, firefighters can play a stronger role in community risk reduction and fire prevention.

This course prepares firefighters to educate their communities by delving into the science behind FSRI’s key public safety education messages: 

1. Close Before You Doze (close doors to slow fire spread)
2. Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (use and store batteries safely)
3. Smoke Alarms Save Lives (install and maintain smoke alarms)

After taking this course, firefighters will be able to:

• Explain complex fire science topics in simple, relatable terms;
• Address common misconceptions about fire behavior; and
• Use evidence-based fire safety messages to drive home life-saving strategies.

“For years, firefighters have asked us how they can better explain the science behind public fire safety messages. This course offers a solution. With more firefighters being called on to lead community education without formal training, this course helps bridge that critical gap.”

—Nicole Sanders, Public Education Lead, FSRI

Bonus Material Helps Firefighters Better Answer Questions from the Community During Public Safety Education

FSRI offers more than 30 online firefighter training courses on the Fire Safety Academy, and this is the first course with a focus on our public education messages. In addition, it is the first course to include bonus Community Conversation Guides to further support firefighters’ learning. These guides explain common public education topics and share frequently asked questions to help firefighters effectively navigate conversations and respond to questions about specific situations. 

Community Conversation Guides available to download:

1. Know How Fast Fire Spreads and Why Smoke is the Real Threat
2. Install and Maintain Working Smoke Alarms
3. Close Doors to Slow Fire Spread and Buy Time to Escape
4. Create and Practice Escape Plans A, B, and C
5. Use, Handle, and Store Lithium-Ion Battery Devices Safely
6. Implementation Call to Action 

The public already sees firefighters as fire safety experts, and this course will help them step confidently into that role, ultimately better preparing the public and preventing fires before they start.

“When we take a greater perspective of public safety education and connect smoke alarms, escape plans, closing doors, and battery safety, we’re really equipping our community with a much bigger toolbox to intervene before we arrive.”

—Brian Brush, Training Chief, Midwest City Fire Department

Ready to take the next step in keeping your community safe? Start the course today!

Take the course