Fire Safe 802 Program

OVERVIEW:

FIRE SAFE 802 is a statewide community risk reduction and rural home fire safety improvement project developed by the VT Division of Fire Safety. The program was launched in 2017 with funding support from a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grant.

In Vermont, residential properties account for most of the structure fires and civilian fatalities. Working with local fire departments and other community volunteers, this program builds on past fire prevention efforts and enhances the safety of Vermont's most at risk rural residents in their homes by conducting home safety surveys, providing fire prevention education and installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes that need them. All program resources and supplies are free to fire departments and trained teams who in turn offer them free to the public.

As we navigate the evolving situation with COVID-19, the Division of Fire Safety and Vermont’s emergency services remain committed to delivering resources to help minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire and other emergencies.

VISION and GOALS:

The FIRE SAFE 802 Program will be a flexible, nimble, and strategic fire safety and community risk reeducation (CRR) program to enhance the overall safety of Vermonters of all ages in addition to empowering local teams to reach high-risk Vermonters and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire.

Fire Safe 802 Program Aims To:

To empower local fire departments and other community volunteer teams to conduct home safety surveys, identifying and correcting home fire hazards and identify any additional needs.
Provide free in-home fire safety prevention education and perform home safety visits to ensure each home is equipped with working home safety devices and assist with installing them on site.
Provide special devices and assistance for older Vermonters and people who are hearing impaired.
Perform additional studies and detailed risk assessments, to develop CRR plans and other resources that can support local teams' continued prevention efforts.

SPECIAL NOTES:

This program is designed for owner occupied single-family homes only. It is not designed to fulfill insurance policies requirements or code inspection requirements. Residential buildings that are classified as rental property, Rooming and Lodging or other types of occupancy may require additional fire detection and fire and building code measures that the Fire Safe 802 program is not designed to provide.

In light of the COVID-19 situation, many departments have put their “door to door” programs on hold to keep responders and residents safe. Fire safety education and working alarms are still essential in keeping our families safe from fire. We have provided temporary changes and additional safety guidance to allow the teams to preform emergency home safety visits. or provide homeowners with the needed equipment and safety information