Release: Dec. 20, 2024

Detroit Fire Department kicks off DFD Safety Series, webinars to help keep residents safe

• Commissioner Chuck Simms wants to make sure residents have the information they need to stay safe
• Fire prevention comes in many forms, from cooking safety to lithium-ion battery best practices
• Ensuring residents have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and a fire safety plan is crucial

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms is pleased to announce the Detroit Fire Department’s Community Relations Division is launching a series of webinars to help educate the public on fire prevention and safety to help keep our residents safe.

The webinars will kick off Wednesday, January 8 at 6 p.m.

This is a true collaboration of all divisions of the Detroit Fire Department. “Our team does a great job of meeting residents where they are by hosting fire safety presentations at schools and senior centers across the city,” said Commissioner Simms. “This webinar series will fill a critical gap and ensure residents of all ages are connected to resources and education to keep themselves and their families safe.”

Community Relations Chief James Harris will moderate the webinars, and the hosts, who are subject matter experts, will vary from month to month as the topics of discussions shift. During the webinars, residents will have the opportunity to ask questions of the team and have those questions answered in real time.

The topics and host for the first six months of the DFD Safety Series are as follows:

• January 8: Learn best practices when it comes to lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from cell phones to e-bikes and scooters with your host Chief Damon Robinson of the Fire Marshal Division
• February 12: Learn how to keep your family safe while you are heating your home with your host Chief of Fire Prevention, Dennis Hunter
• March 12: Learn how to prevent fires when cooking, smoking, or using candles in your home with your host Captain Theresa Halsell of the Community Relations Division
• April 9: Learn how to create and practice a great fire safety plan for your home or business with your host Captain Edward Davis of the Fire Marshal Division
• May 14: Learn how to keep your family safe this summer when grilling, using fire pits or fireworks with your host Lt. Stacy Taylor of the Community Relations Division
• June 11: Learn what it means to be HEARTSafe in Detroit and how you can get involved with your host Captain Jeffrey Forbes, EMS Training Division

Residents can join the January 8 webinar here: https://detroitmi.gov/SafetySeries.

# # #