The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, hosted its annual Public Education Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting on September 25-26, 2024, at its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. Established in 2023, the PAC plays a vital role in shaping FSRI's public education and outreach initiatives. By leveraging findings from cutting-edge research and collaborating with industry leaders, FSRI ensures that its public education campaigns are technically accurate, relevant, and engaging.
Setting the Stage For the Next Phase of Public Education
The meeting kicked off with a review of FSRI's current public education landscape. Research amplification leads Nicole Sanders and Jennifer Williams presented a comprehensive analysis of outcomes from our most recent campaigns and shared recent accomplishments that included, 1) the successful launch of the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety campaign, 2) FSRI’s first federal grant for research amplification, and 3) industry awards and recognition from esteemed organizations like PR News.
PAC members then engaged directly with FSRI research experts. Adam Barowy, lead lithium-ion battery researcher, provided insights into the development of the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. campaign and upcoming research that will guide the program's next phase. Discussions also focused on the future of wildland urban interface (WUI) public education, with FSRI experts, Derek Alkonis sharing insights from the recent Maui report and Gavin Horn exploring how ongoing research can support communities impacted by WUI fires.
Expanding Our Public Education Outreach
Beyond technical discussions, the PAC explored FSRI's efforts to contribute research-based fire safety education to broader community risk reduction (CRR) initiatives. Several committee members are currently contributing to the development of FSRI's first training course focused on public education that launches in early 2025. This course will teach firefighters and company officers how to use their fireground knowledge to translate fire safety messages into clear, relatable, actionable steps for the public. The committee also reviewed updates to the National Emergency Response Information System and explored how real-time data can be used to tailor public safety education efforts for specific communities.
Building Relationships and Fostering Collaboration
To encourage informal discussion and networking, the group also set aside time for team-building activities and a tour of the Baltimore Harbor. The group enjoyed local cuisine and learned about Maryland's rich history.
FSRI expresses its sincere gratitude for the PAC's invaluable contributions. Their insights will be instrumental in developing a strategic roadmap for the coming year, ensuring FSRI continues to deliver effective evidence-based public education resources to the public and fire service.
