RISK REDUCTION

The Risk Reduction Division coordinates efforts to inform the public of fire preventive methods, with a focus on education, awareness, public relations, fire inspections and fire investigations to prevent fires befiore they occur.

The department works with insurance companies to assist in identifying the estimated dollar loss incurred at all fires. The department also investigates causes to assist in determining trends and the means to prevent future fires.



Risk Reduction Division Chief David Becker

"Striving for Excellence ... Exceeding Expectations"


EDUCATION/COMMUNITY SERVICES
Each year, Fire Department personnel train hundreds of citizens in using fire extinguishers, AEDs and other devices. Programs include fire station tours, educational puppet shows and monthly CPR training classes. Among the most well-attended events are the Fire Prevention Open House, the School Fire Education Blitz and the Great American Teach-In.


AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs)
The City has been a leader in promoting Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) both locally and regionally. The City has made a commitment to become a Heart Safe Community by supporting Public Access Defibrillation (PAD). The Department continues to train and recertify all City employees and has installed AEDs in the City’s:

  • Fire Department Station #1
  • Fire Department Station #2
  • City Hall
  • Library
  • Public Works
  • Lightfoot Recreation Center
  • Family Recreation Center
  • Police Vehicles (9)
  • Water Treatment Plant

The Fire Department has also assisted local businesses and organizations in establishing in-house AED programs.  Among the businesses and organizations locally with AEDs and trained personnel on site:

  • Most Dentist Offices
  • Leslie Controls
  • Bob Evans Restaurant
  • Coca-Cola
  • Florida Orthopedic Institute
  • Rx Solutions
  • Wendy’s Restaurant
  • Gator’s Dockside Restaurant
  • First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace

Because of the countywide effort promoting Public Access Defibrillation, more than eight lives have been saved since the program implementation as a result of a resident utilizing an AED on a patient with sudden cardiac arrest.