Home Fire Sprinkler Education and Advocacy Project Concludes for 2018

Suzanne M. Syzdek
NYSAFC Grants Administrator

During the summer and fall of 2018, NYSAFC wrapped up its latest Home Fire Sprinkler Education and Advocacy Project. This initiative was funded by an award from FEMA’s Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant program and was the second consecutive fire sprinkler grant project for the association.

In October, NYSAFC launched its latest tool to help educate the public about home fire sprinklers. A colorful, easy-to-read infographic was developed to highlight the most important facts about how sprinklers work and describe the benefits of sprinklers. The infographic, titled "Sprinklers Save Lives," helps dispel myths about fire sprinklers. A supply of these useful education materials was mailed to every fire department in New York state in late October. Be sure to check your fire department mail! The infographic can also be downloaded from NYSAFC’s online Home Fire Sprinkler Advocacy & Awareness Toolbox. Additional copies can be requested by email.

The association also conducted a telephone survey to assess the impact of its recent home fire sprinkler public service announcement (PSA) campaign. This campaign was conducted in May through July in the Albany media market and included a social media component, digital advertising component, and high frequency television PSA campaign. The survey results indicated that NYSAFC’s PSA campaign was successful in changing the public’s attitudes about home fire sprinklers. There was a 5 percent increase in the number of respondents who would strongly favor a mandate to require home fire sprinklers in new construction. Additionally, of the survey respondents who reported seeing the ad, 52 percent stated that it increased their awareness and knowledge about the benefits and affordability of home fire sprinklers. A very strong majority (78 percent) of those who saw the ad stated that they were now more likely to support the installation and use of home fire sprinklers because of the PSA.

NYSAFC conducted another PSA campaign during Fire Prevention Week. In addition, the association participated in or supported various Fire Prevention Week public education activities to help promote the use of home fire sprinklers.