Programs
100 Dollar Program
The SFD has long recognized that some situations our fire companies
responded require something other than a hose line or bandage. 2008 was
the initial year of the program which gives firefighters the authority
to spend up to $100 - at their discretion - to help a citizen in need.
Be it groceries for a single mom, a bed for a child post-fire, gas for
a stranded motorist, or a space heater for an elderly couple, our $100
Program is a means for getting people back on their feet again.
The 100 Dollar Program involves empowerment and trust - traits
sometimes missing within government and public sector arenas. If they
see someone in need, firefighters can spend up to $100 – no questions
asked! The $100 Program is easily accessed by firefighters. They carry
the money on apparatus and are reimbursed through the Foundation after
submitting an explanation (situation, purpose, amount of expenditure,
etc).
In 2008, the SFD Foundation was able to
distribute $1,798.00 to needy citizens and visitors through the 100
Dollar Program.
Smoke Detector Distribution
In 2008, the Foundation also purchased
72 smoke detectors with funds primarily
received from a grant through the Wal-Mart Corporation. These detectors
are stored on fire apparatus and in Fire Stations. When Administration
receives a request for a smoke detector from a citizen in need; or when
Fire Companies identify a need, we install them promptly and
correctly--no questions asked, no charge and no cost to the taxpayer.
Hundreds of free smoke detectors have been installed by SFD companies
around the City. While it is difficult to quantify the number of lives
this program has saved;
Spokane has definitely been made a safer by providing this life-saving
tool for those in need.
C.A.R.E.S. Progam - Creative Solutions to Complex and Ever Growing
Challenges
The Community Assistance
Response Team (CARES) debuted as a stronger, evolving aspect to the SFD
in 2008 with incredible success in a such a short amount of time. The
Community Assistance Response Team (CARES) collaborates with the
Spokane Fire Department and emergency responders to help vulnerable
populations who face barriers in identifying and utilizing appropriate
community resources. CARES assists these individuals by connecting them
with appropriate resources that address their immediate, short term,
and long term needs. The program aims at solving community problems by
enhancing independent living for seniors or individuals with
disabilities, increasing access to healthcare and other basic needs,
participate in organizing the community around issues that are
important to a broad sector of Spokane City, all while promoting
diversity awareness, understanding, and inclusiveness. The Foundation
provides small amounts of funding to the CARES Team for small
equipment, perishables, clothing and other items that help them respond
to the needs of the companies in the field.
Fire Prevention
Public Education Program
The Public Education program of the SFD has been the hardest hit
through the years from budget cuts and is now even barely funded--hence
the need for the Foundation’s support.
On-site Presentation at Schools
Preschool
Spokane Fire Department visits
approximately 40 preschool classrooms per school year. Includes Teacher
Kit with NFPA “Learn Not To Burn” Preschool book and cassette of Fire
safety songs, BIC “Play safe! Be safe” story cards and video. along
with parent pamphlets (“Babysitter Safety”, “Fire Safety for
Preschoolers”, home fire escape planning) and individual coloring books
and cardboard fire truck to reinforce the lessons.
Fire Prevention cost for one (1) preschool classroom $50
Primary
School - Kindergarten through Grade 2
Set includes “The ABCs of Fire Safety”
activity book, “Test your smoke alarm” Sparky
sticker, Sparky’s Home Inspection brochure, fire escape plan and note
to parent, and
“Practice your escape plan” Sparky magnet.
Fire Prevention cost for one (1)
classroom of 25 students - $31.25
Primary
School - Grades 3 and 4
These children participates in the
Children’s Fire Safety House brought on location to schools. Set
includes Children’s Fire Safety House booklet, “Test your smoke alarm”
sticker, “Practice your escape plan” Sparky magnet, and Sparky Pencil
caddy with “Get out! Stay out!” message and letter to parents.
Fire Prevention cost for one (1)
school with an average of 150 3rd and 4th graders - $360
Middle
School - Grades 5 through 8
Set includes “Firesafety Workbook,
grades 5 – 8” designed by Spokane Fire Department and Spokane Fire
Department magnet with message on fireworks. Spokane Fire Department
teaches “Fireworks and Flammables to approximately 600.
Middle School students per year for a total cost of over $600
Fire Station Tours
$2.40 per student (300 persons x 14 stations = $10,080)
Set includes red plastic firefighter hat (for preschool through grade
1) or clip-on flashing safety light for pedestrian safety for kids
grade 2 and older, age-appropriate activity book (e.g. Sparky’s
“Stuff-to-do”, Sparky’s Fire Safety Show comic, or Risk Watch (injury
prevention) workbook), and fire escape plan and letter on
photoelectric detectors.
Senior Citizens
$42 buys the two NFPA brochures on preventing fires and falls for 100
older adults.
$24 buys two photoelectric smoke detectors for low-income seniors or
homeowners.
