Rethinking Fire Prevention: How Fire Departments Can Bridge the Gap with Middle School and High School Students

In fire prevention, we’re united by a common mission: protecting lives and property. We have witnessed the devastating consequences of fire firsthand, which fuels our passion to prevent tragedies before they happen. We invest heavily in community education, and for good reason: It works. However, there are two groups that we consistently overlook: middle school and high school students.

Shortly after my 21st birthday, I began my fire service career. At that time, I was the youngest fire inspector in my department. Twenty years later, I am a mother to teenagers, and reaching young people remains a passion of mine.

The Seminole County, FL, Fire Department (SCFD) is an ISO Class 1, mid-size department that has more than 570 members and 20 stations. We recently examined our data on community outreach and education and made a telling discovery: Of the 680 fire prevention events that we conducted in a year, more than 90 percent focused on pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. I believe that many departments would find similar results in their community risk reduction outreach efforts.

Why the gap?

Simply put, we have the most demand from the pre-K through fifth grade audience. Daycares, elementary schools, scout troops and homeschool groups frequently reach out, eager for fire station tours and safety presentations. We’re happy to oblige.

However, middle school and high school students rarely are part of the conversation, and that’s a problem.

The SCFD is working hard to change that, because these students aren’t just future adults; they already are decision-makers in their home. They’re babysitting younger siblings, cooking meals and using lithium-ion devices every day. They need fire safety education that’s tailored to them.

Reaching “tweenagers” and teenagers requires us to do things differently. It means rethinking not just what we teach but how we teach it—and finding the right places to engage.

Below are strategies with which the SCFD had success.

Tap into clubs and specialized classes

Getting on the regular school day agenda is difficult. Schools are packed with state-mandated curriculum and are time-limited. That’s why the SCFD focuses on after-school clubs and elective courses that welcome community engagement.

Partner with youth clubs. At Lyman High School in Longwood, FL, the department teamed up with the American Red Cross Youth Club to co-create a fire safety lunch display. The students drove the messaging and later helped us during smoke alarm blitz events. It was youth-led, which made it more impactful.

·         Leverage unique curriculum. After visiting One School of the Arts & Sciences in Longwood, the SCFD discovered that the school offers a forensics class. The department was invited to speak about careers in fire investigation. During the presentation, we shared insights into the science behind how fires start and spread. We also brought our interactive fire prevention safety trailer, which gave students a hands-on learning experience. The students particularly were engaged by real-life photos and videos that demonstrated actual fire scenarios.

One case that particularly resonated with them involved a house fire that was caused by an overheated plug-in air freshener. Real stories such as this, paired with strong visuals, left a lasting impression, particularly with teens.

·         Other ideas to consider. Health science magnet programs or EMT or first-aid classes at high schools are perfect audiences for fire-related presentations. Junior ROTC programs often emphasize leadership and public safety, which is great for partnerships.

Speak their language: Social media with student voices

Teenagers aren’t just digital natives. They’re digital creators. Instead of just broadcasting safety tips to them, empower them to create the content with you.

The SCFD partnered with a local IT magnet school to have students design fire prevention content for the department’s social media. Projects include:

• Dangers of the TikTok Chrome Challenge.
• Lithium-ion battery charging do’s and don’ts.
• Microwave and cooking safety for teens home alone.

This not only educates students, it gives them ownership, boosts creativity and strengthens their portfolios.

Pro tips:

• Use Instagram Reels and/or TikTok-style videos. Let students film in the firehouse.
• Host a Fire Safety Content Challenge, with prizes for the best short videos.
• Get school media clubs involved; they often handle school news shows or video announcements.

Build on what you already offer

The SCFD runs the Safe Sitter program, which is aimed at middle schoolers who are preparing to babysit. It includes CPR certification, basic first aid and fire safety education. It’s a great way to meet kids where they are and while they’re learning responsibility.

The department expanded access by partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida’s East Altamonte Club and offering the class free through a Lake Mary Rotary grant. This brought in kids who the SCFD never reached, particularly those who help to care for siblings at home.

Also, audit all of your community risk reduction programs and consider how you can reach middle school and high school students better for their sake. You can start small, but making those small changes can shift the imbalance of more younger students reached than older students.

Creativity and patience

Those who run fire prevention programs can’t rely on traditional methods to reach today’s teens. They’re growing up in a world that changes constantly. They’re tech-savvy, curious and full of potential. They want to be heard, to be part of something real and to know that what they’re learning matters.

Meet them where they are. Ask what grabs their attention, what matters to them. Find ways to make fire safety feel relevant, personal and, even, empowering. It takes creativity. It takes patience. More than anything, it takes honesty and heart.

When we truly invest in our youth—when we show up, listen and care—we aren’t just teaching them safety. We’re building a future that’s stronger and more resilient.

Don’t let them slip through the cracks. Invite them in, give them ownership, and let them be the messengers of safety in their homes, schools and communities. Together, we can make a difference, one conversation, one connection, one teen at a time.