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Savannah Fire Department Shifts to Year-Round Fire Safety

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 1:14 GMT by WSAV Savannah
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

SAVANNAH, Ga. (February 11, 2026) - While traditionally focused on the annual National Fire Prevention Week, the Savannah Fire Department (SFD) has quietly undergone a significant shift towards year-round, proactive fire safety education and preventative measures. This evolution, initiated in late 2023 following the annual October campaign, reflects a growing understanding of the need for sustained community engagement to reduce fire-related incidents and bolster overall public safety. The department's initial focus during 2023's National Fire Prevention Week - cooking safety - has blossomed into a multi-faceted strategy addressing a wider range of hazards.

Speaking to WSAV News today, Fire Chief Michael Davis explained, "We realized that a week-long push, while crucial, wasn't enough. The data showed a consistent stream of preventable fires throughout the year, and we needed to find a way to keep fire safety top-of-mind for our citizens beyond that single week."

Historically, the SFD's National Fire Prevention Week campaigns concentrated on the year's designated theme. In 2023, this meant emphasizing the dangers of unattended cooking, a statistic consistently showing it as the leading cause of home fires and associated injuries. Tips included maintaining clean cooking surfaces, the critical importance of never leaving cooking unattended, and ensuring readily accessible and properly maintained fire extinguishers. The department also tirelessly promoted the installation and regular testing of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - a message repeated ad nauseam, but demonstrably effective in saving lives.

However, the SFD didn't stop at simply repeating these safety points during one week. The department launched "Safe Savannah Homes," a program offering free home fire safety assessments. Trained firefighters now conduct these assessments, identifying potential hazards - not just in the kitchen, but also concerning electrical wiring, heating systems, and escape routes. These assessments, initially piloted in high-risk neighborhoods, have proven incredibly popular, with a waiting list extending several months. The program provides individualized recommendations and, where possible, assists residents with installing smoke detectors and developing fire escape plans.

Furthermore, the SFD has invested heavily in digital outreach. A series of engaging videos demonstrating safe cooking practices, proper use of fire extinguishers, and escape plan drills are now available on the department's website and social media channels. They've even partnered with local schools to implement age-appropriate fire safety education programs for children, fostering a culture of fire prevention from a young age. This includes interactive workshops and school visits by firefighters, providing children with practical skills and knowledge.

The department has also extended its outreach to vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Specifically tailored programs address the unique fire safety challenges faced by these groups, such as providing assistance with smoke detector maintenance and developing personalized evacuation plans.

Data from the past two years demonstrates the positive impact of these expanded initiatives. While the total number of fires remains relatively stable (attributable to Savannah's ongoing growth), the severity of fires - measured by property damage and injuries - has decreased by 15% since the implementation of "Safe Savannah Homes." The number of false alarms, often triggered by malfunctioning smoke detectors, has also decreased, indicating improved detector maintenance and resident education.

Kelli Johnson, now Director of Community Risk Reduction for the SFD, adds, "It's about more than just responding to fires; it's about preventing them from happening in the first place. We're building a partnership with our community, empowering residents with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe."

The Savannah Fire Department's transformation is a model for other municipalities looking to move beyond reactive firefighting and embrace a proactive, community-centered approach to fire safety. The department's website ([ https://www.savannahga.gov/fire ] - link checked and confirmed functional as of 2026-02-11) remains a valuable resource for fire safety information and program details.