Getting Started

Childhood injury is a community-based problem requiring a community-based response. The Office of the Fire Marshal encourages fire departments and safety advocates to develop coalitions with community organizations to assist in implementing and maintaining Risk Watch in their area. This coalition-based approach develops support for the program across the community. It also engages a broad range of expertise, resources and grassroots experience in injury prevention to facilitate the implementation and on-going maintenance of the program.

If you are a teacher or safety advocate not affiliated with a Risk Watch coalition but would like to get involved with the Risk Watch program, contact your local fire department to see if there is an existing coalition in your community.

At the left are links to various sections of the Risk Watch Leaders' Guide. They provide valuable information that will put much of your work as a coalition into context and help you tackle some of the challenges you face implementing the program.

Among the information are tips and advice for coalitions just starting out; suggestions about how to lead effective teacher training workshops; and ways of promoting the program to develop long-term interest and momentum for Risk Watch.

This information is an excellent resource that will help make Risk Watch a success in your community.