If fire strikes, would your child know what to do? The Durham Fire Department wants to help you confidently answer “yes.” Annually during the Durham Public School’s spring break the Durham Fire Department and Durham Parks and Recreation join forces to teach the City’s youth basic fire safety survival tips and are introduced to the world of career exploration. The program mimics mature scenarios which help to build character, and ignites interest for personal development.
The Junior Fire Marshal (JFM) program is three days long and ends with a graduation on the fourth day when the candidates are deemed Junior Fire Marshals by Durham’s Fire Marshal in front of family, past Junior Fire Marshals, and Council Members. The application deadline is March 19th, and youth ages 11-15 are encouraged to apply.
According to Safe Kids USA, youth are generally developmentally ready to stay home alone when they are 12 or 13. “We’re targeting the age group left home alone a few hours after school who may get anxious for dinner and attempt to prepare meals for themselves. This can potentially be a world of trouble should a fire start,” said Fire Marshal Edward Reid. “The major goals of the Junior Fire Marshal program are to get your child comfortable with knowing what to do in case of a fire and introducing to them many different future career opportunities that are available in this field.”
The program is free and focuses on preparing participants for the worst in case of an emergency. Some of this year’s highlights include incorporating one of the City’s core values, customer service, into every lesson taught. JFM slots are filling up quickly; to make sure you are a part of this year’s program contact Sierra Jackson, public affairs specialist for the DFD, at (919) 560-4233, extension 19242 or by email at Sierra.Jackson@durhamnc.gov or Durham Parks and Recreation’s Kendrick Vann at (919) 560-4405 extension 27322 or by email Kendrick.vann@durhamnc.gov. Candidates may also obtain an application online at http://durhamnc.gov/ich/op/Fire/Pages/jr_fire_marshal_form.aspx .
