The Chattanooga Fire Department has formally established a Community Risk Reduction Division to coordinate and expand its prevention, education and outreach efforts across the city.
The new division will focus on identifying community-specific risks and implementing programs designed to prevent emergencies before they occur, according to a department announcement.
Although the fire department has long provided fire prevention education, safety programs and community outreach initiatives, officials say the creation of a dedicated division will allow those efforts to be organized under a unified strategy.
The Community Risk Reduction Division will oversee programs including public education, smoke alarm initiatives, fall prevention efforts, youth outreach, disaster preparedness, community partnerships and targeted safety campaigns based on local data and trends.
“Community risk reduction is about meeting people where they are and helping prevent emergencies before they occur,” Lt. Jumaane Lanier, the department’s fire and life safety educator, says.
“This work has always been part of our mission, but formalizing this team allows us to be even more intentional, collaborative and effective in serving our community.”
The division will work with schools, neighborhood organizations, healthcare partners, businesses and public safety agencies to address safety concerns through education, prevention and outreach programs.
Fire officials say the division reflects a broader trend within the fire service toward prevention-focused strategies aimed at improving quality of life, reducing injuries and strengthening community resilience.
“Fire departments today do far more than respond to emergencies,” Capt. Damien Vinson, community outreach and recruitment coordinator, says. “By investing in prevention and community partnerships, we can help create a safer community for everyone.”
The division’s first official community project will be an Elder Care Drive to collect household necessities for older adults and other vulnerable residents.
All 20 Chattanooga fire stations will serve as drop-off locations for donations including toilet paper, trash bags, bar soap, paper towels and laundry detergent pods. Donations will be accepted through June 8.
Department officials say the Community Risk Reduction Division will continue working to connect residents with resources, strengthen prevention efforts and promote safer homes throughout Chattanooga.
Source: Chattanooga Fire Department