Chief's Corner Archive

New Program to Address the Frequency of Hispanic Children Hurt or Killed by Fire

Posted on October 12, 2005 by Charlie Dickinson, Acting Assistant Administrator, USFA

Mis Primeros Pasos

Mis primeros pasos

For my first entry in the Chief's Corner, I would like to draw your attention to a new program, Mis Primeros Pasos, created by the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Center for High-Risk Outreach with funding from First Alert. The program addresses the frequency of Hispanic children hurt or killed by fire. The NFPA created Mis Primeros Pasos as a result of learning that children migrating from Hispanic countries have limited exposure to local fire prevention initiatives. Mis Primeros Pasos is based on the NFPA's Learn Not to Burn® Program. It is very interactive and designed to stimulate all five senses. The program includes a teacher's guide, lesson plans, fire safety songs and original artwork.

As the result of a partnership between NFPA and the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHF), this innovative program has been taught to over 900 teachers in over 30 states, reaching 27,000 children with fire safety lessons. In cities where the program has been taught, not a single child fire fatality has been reported. The success of the program is attributed to the dedication of NAHF members to reduce fire fatalities. The NAHF has secured additional funds through the NFPA and the Fire Prevention and Safety Grant this year to expand the program. I encourage you to visit the NAHF and NFPA Web sites to learn more about this outstanding program.

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