FIR011 - Community Education

Subject Title
Community Education

Subject Description
Firefighters play a key role in the community, educating the public about fire safety, projecting a professional image and shaping opinion. This subject covers such community education as well as the use of pre-incident planning as part of an incident management approach. This subject is divided into two sections: A. Public Education/Relations and B. Pre-incident Plans

Credit Status
One credit toward the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Ontario College Certificate

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

A. Public Education/Relations

1. describe the role and responsibilities of the firefighter and the fire department in providing varied public relations/education activities which form an integral part of the community's fire protection
2. describe communication strategies and ethical considerations when dealing with issues of confidentiality
3. describe different methods to use for public education/relations with different age groups and for people with special needs
4. describe fire service protocol during special events
5. provide examples of cooperative efforts between the fire department and other agencies in delivering or promoting life safety
6. describe the procedures and benefits of conducting a home inspection in terms of public education/relations
7. describe the role of the instructors in the fire service; characteristics of a good instructor
8. describe the communication process and the components of effective communications
9. describe effective public speaking techniques
10. identify the types of learning according to age groups and special needs groups
11. define the terms - public education/relations and customer service
12. identify the "publics" in the local community which fire departments target for public relations activities
13. identify the role and responsibility of various fire department personnel in promoting public education/relations
14. describe acceptable behaviour and attitudes exhibited by firefighters when interacting with members of the community
15. describe the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act which relate to the role of the firefighter when responding to a request for information
16. describe the various reasons for, and methods of fund raising by the fire department
in the community
17. describe the importance and role the media plays in shaping public opinion and
delivering/supporting public education/relation initiatives
18. describe procedures for conducting station tours

B. Pre-incident Plans

- describe the purpose, procedures and steps for developing a pre-incident plan
- describe the role of the firefighter in developing a pre-incident plan
- identify the types of occupancies that should be pre-incident planned
- identify the major types of building construction
- identify the building structural features that may influence fire spread and safety
- identify type and location of fire protection and detection equipment
- identify type and location of hazardous materials
- identify sources of water supply
- identify locations of utility shutoffs
- identify apparatus placement and company assignment
- identify emergency contacts
- describe the equipment required to draft a pre-incident plan
- describe the importance of regular review and updating of a pre-incident plan

Specific Skill Learning Outcomes

A. Public Education/Relations

- deliver training, as assigned to individuals or groups in workplace settings
- use communication skills and ethical considerations when dealing with issues of confidentiality
- instruct students, including pre-school or elementary level students
- conduct a home inspection in private dwellings, provide literature to the homeowner
- conduct station tour

B. Pre-incident Plans

- prepare a pre-incident plan

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
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