Friday, April 26, 2024 452 View all Fort Lewis College news USFA partners with FLC marketing professor on fire safety education initiative The collaboration aims to enhance fire safety awareness and preparedness within the campus community, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate the risk of fires. The U.S. Fire Administration is partnering with Fort Lewis College to help promote its fire safety and prevention education initiative known as Fire is Everyone's Fight® (FIEF®). The collaboration aims to enhance fire safety awareness and preparedness within the campus community, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate the risk of fires. “We’ve partnered with higher education institutions like FLC to equip students with the knowledge and skills to create impactful branding and social media campaigns that can drive behavior change, with a specific focus on fire safety awareness,” said USFA Fire Specialist Abigail Christian. In the partnership, USFA connects with marketing and communications professors to implement a lesson plan that teaches their students how to craft key messages, use digital platforms effectively and adhere to compliance guidelines, ultimately preparing them for successful careers in marketing. At FLC, USFA partnered with Cristian Sepulveda, PhD, assistant professor of marketing at Fort Lewis College's Katz Business School, to integrate this lesson plan into his course titled, “Social Media Marketing.” "Being situated at Fort Lewis College, amidst forests and facing high fire risk, it's imperative for our students to grasp fire safety concepts,” Sepulveda said. “When this opportunity came my way, I recognized its suitability for our students. This initiative not only serves as fire safety education but also offers a practical avenue to delve into marketing strategies and promote awareness for our students and the overall community of Durango." The course aims to equip students with a fundamental understanding and practical skills relevant to the constantly evolving landscape of social media tools and tactics, empowering them to apply these insights directly in their professional environments. The FIEF® initiative emphasizes the importance of proactive risk management and community safety. By embracing its principles, individuals take ownership of fire safety and contribute to creating a safer environment for all. “For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school, so as they enter more independent phases of their lives, it's crucial that they understand the vulnerabilities to fire risks and the prevention strategies that could literally save their lives,” Christian added. “By integrating fire safety into their learning, we're equipping them with practical tools and knowledge that transcend academic achievement and contribute to the well-being of their communities.” Learn more about USFA and the Fire Is Everyone’s Fight® initiative.