Editor's Note: This is a shortened version of the full final report provided to the board of MySafe:LA, the command staff of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Rec & Parks, and other agencies.

Report Date: June 26, 2009

Program Overview

MySafe:LA’s primary mission is to bring life safety education to the citizens of Los Angeles. We chose to achieve this objective through multiple distribution mechanisms including the internet, print and DVD “leave-behind” materials, and in-person training presentations.

In January, when we began developing MySafe:LA in earnest, we decided our in-person presentations would begin as a four-school pilot program. A pilot program would allow MySafe:LA’s team to deliver a presentation to a large enough group of children, that it would produce a measurable assessment. Ultimately, the goal is to assess the program, change it based on the assessment, and polished it in time for the 2009/2010 school year.

We chose 4th grade as our target audience for several reasons, which included:

• Our subjects were age-appropriate for this grade level
• State curriculum guidelines for 4th graders included science lessons that fit well into our trial curriculum as well as future curricula we wish to develop involving earthquake preparation
• One 5th grade class was added at one participating school because recent cost-saving measures in LAUSD have created multi-grade classrooms in several schools

Curriculum

We chose to teach three basic fire safety lessons:

• Family Escape Planning
• Recognizing Fire Service Personal Protective Equipment
• Fire Extinguisher Usage

The curriculum was developed with the help of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the National Fire Protection Bureau, and the National Safety Council. It was delivered by LAFD sworn members including an Engine Company, a Battalion Chief and Staff Assistant and the DAC unit of the Disaster Preparedness Unit. We carefully evaluated the current trends and activities relative to fire and life safety. It should be noted there are numerous printed and video training materials in existence that are out-of-date, or inappropriate, based on improved experience in real world situation.

We produced an educational DVD on family escape planning and practice, an interactive lecture presented by an LAFD Captain, a PPE race involving two members of an LAFD engine company,  an interactive stations that taught/demonstrated:

• fire extinguisher usage
• 1-inch fire hose demonstration
• LAFD PPE explanation

Our team has also developed a fully functional awareness and informational website (www.mysafela.org) plus an online education center. The education center houses online courses and follows State approved SCORM practices for testing and evaluation of delivered materials.

Preparation

The MySafe:LA team developed the overall education program working closely with our board of advisors, the command staff of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and other agencies. Multiple meetings were conducted with Fire Chief Douglas Barry, CLO and Battalion Commander Ronnie Villanueva, as well as others involved in training and/or education. Presentations were made to the entire Bureau Command staff and to others on multiple occasions, to ensure proper awareness, acceptance, and to generate feedback regarding the program.

Prior to any school visit, our team would meet with the local Engine company, plus the District Battalion Commander to ensure all parties were prepared for the presentation. Each step of the presentation was pre-determined, as the entire program requires exactly 60 minutes to complete.

Materials were ordered and packaged, and DVDs were produced and prepared. Each school received printed safety materials, posters, and information on the LAFD Historical Society and how to become a member of the organization. Teachers were also given some background about the museum, how to arrange a visit. Every school received multiple copies of the LAFD Museum and Memorial DVD.

Advance visits to the selected schools were arranged, so that our team could meet school administrators, scout the theater and field for our presentation, and to ensure appropriate A/V materials were on-hand.

Schools Participating

The MySafe:LA team presented to four elementary schools within Council District 4, represented by Councilmember Tom LaBonge. We chose CD 4 in our pilot program, as Tom LaBonge is actively involved in education and fire safety. His Education Deputy, Mary Rodriguez, was a fantastic supporter. She was actively involved in our planning, made introductions, and otherwise supported the effort.
The presentations were made to:

• Valley View Elementary School
• Gardner Street Elementary School
• Ivanhoe Elementary School
• Cheremoya Elementary School

Fire Stations Participating

Each presentation was made by a LAFD Captain and his engine crew, RA personnel when available, and the DAC unit of DPU. Frequently, Battalion Chiefs and their Staff Assistants were also in attendance. At each event, MySafe:LA staff and volunteers were present, including William Whitney, the current Secretary for the LAFD Historical Society. Upon completion of the pilot program, our team has certified the following LAFD resources:

• Battalion 5 Command Staff
• Engine 76
• Engine 41
• Engine 82
• Disaster Preparedness Unit

Assessments

The MySafe:LA pilot program’s first objective was to create a program that could be assessed and improved, so that it  could then be presented in a much larger format to schools in the 2009/2010 school year. To that end, we conducted the following assessments:

• Complete review of materials presented
• Evaluation of all video shot on location, including reaction of teachers, students, and firefighters
• Meetings with LAFD and the Home Safety Council to review the pilot program
• Discussion with MySafe:LA board members relative to the program and suggestions moving forward

A number of small changes will be made, and a final report will be available to any party interested in learning more about the pilot and what we learned. As one example, we no longer will demonstrate the use of fire extinguishers to any classes that contain minors (anyone under 18 years of age). According to FEMA and the Home Safety Council, in the event of fire, kids should do one thing: Get Out! We wholeheartedly agree with this position.

In the fall of 2009, our school program will continue. We also intend to begin safety education sessions at the LAFD Museum and Memorial in Hollywood. If you haven't visited this remarkable museum, plan on stopping by nearly any Saturday during the year.