NFPA receives Fire Prevention and Safety Grant 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has received nearly $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to transform its classroom-based wildfire risk reduction training into a digital learning experience. Over the next two years, NFPA’s Education and Development and Wildfire Divisions will collaborate with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to develop experiential courses and interactive tools to help communities safeguard life and property from wildfires.  “About 44 million U.S. structures are at high risk of destruction from wildfire, and many people in those areas have no easy access to wildfire risk reduction training or education,” said NFPA Wildfire Division Director Michele Steinberg. “Digital delivery can reach millions of people directly, helping firefighters, residents and business owners expand their knowledge of wildfire causes and disaster prevention strategies, and, most importantly, engage people in safety actions long before a fire starts. NFPA believes the courses and tools we will build with the support of this grant will help spur much needed risk-reduction measures at the property and neighborhood levels.”  Past funding via FEMA’s Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Program has helped NFPA deliver in-person wildfire mitigation classes to volunteer and rural fire departments, and enabled its Education & Development Emerging Issues Team to create groundbreaking digital simulations for training in energy storage system safety and alternative fuel vehicle safety for the U.S. fire service.  NFPA has 35 years of wildfire safety program experience.  Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org.