Museum Seeks to Reach Those Most Victimized by House Fires
The Challenge
Over the last 15 years, children have accounted for 18% of the fire deaths in Portland while 45% of fire deaths have victimized senior citizens, for an appalling total of 62%. New and innovative outreach efforts to safeguard these vulnerable citizens is needed. Most preventable injuries occur where people feel the safest--in their own homes--and, therefore, knowledge of home safety is critical.
The Solution
A cooperative effort between Portland Fire & Rescue and its non-profit affiliate, the Jeff Morris Fire & Life Safety Foundation, resulted in a safety learning center and fire museum that blends safety education with a presentation of the history of the fire service in Portland. The Safety Learning Center & Fire Museum, located in the Historic Belmont Firehouse, is an educational linchpin for Portland Fire & Rescue as its members strive to create a safer community for the most at-risk groups: children and senior citizens. The Safety Learning Center is a full-sensory experience, effectively matching the attraction of other education and entertainment venues.
The Outcome
Staffed by fire and life safety educators and supplemented by volunteers, the Safety Learning Center hosted 5,000 visitors in 2005, its first year of operation. Visitors come to this "safety education destination" for general tours, targeted education programs, meetings, and various events based on a common theme.
The Organization
The Jeff Morris Foundation was founded in the memory of Portland Battalion Chief Jeff Morris, who succumbed to cancer in 1974. By 1982, his friends had formed a non-profit in his memory to perpetuate his true passions: education and the preservation of fire service history. The Foundation has served many "non-traditional" funding needs for Portland Fire & Rescue over the subsequent years.
Portland Fire & Rescue has served as a city agency since 1883. While the most recognized function of the Fire Bureau is to respond to emergencies within the city of Portland, prevention is really job #1.
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