Tactics are important, but they should always be dictated by the overall strategy. This is why a Fire Master Plan is essential. It can help the fire department see the bigger picture and allow them to focus when critical emergencies arise.
What Is A Fire Master Plan?
The Fire Master Plan is a long-term strategic plan that helps guide priorities with key actions that need to be taken. It allows fire departments to ensure efficient fire protection and to be a stronger overall emergency service provider.
What Is Included In A Fire Master Plan?
Most Fire Master Plans have a summary of everything included along with their recommendations section. This section will often include what they plan to do, the estimated costs, and the suggested timeline for completion. Also, most plans are based on a ten-year period, and a new plan is created each decade.
In order to guide growing fire department needs, a Fire Master Plan may include (but isn’t limited to):
Building New Fire Stations
Planning the construction of new fire stations is crucial for growing cities. It helps ensure good service coverage and lower response time, something that is extremely important when every second matters.
A Hiring Strategy
Not just to staff the new stations, but the current ones as well. A growing population means more firefighters will be needed. A good hiring strategy helps fire departments hire the right amount of staff, at the right time.
Public Education Cycles
When the public knows more about fire safety, there are fewer fires, and less resources need to be spent fighting them. The best solution to fire safety is always preventing them from ever happening!
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Performance Benchmarks
In order to help guide hiring, construction, and more, benchmarks can be set and achieved. If the department is falling short, it’s a good indicator that updates and upgrades are needed.
Diversity And Inclusion Efforts
Like all emergency services, fire departments should reflect the community they serve. Recruitment efforts should be equally available for any individual.
Technology Implementation
The world moves fast, especially when it comes to new technologies. Researching and implementing new (and thoroughly tested) tech can mean a stronger fire department and a safer community.
Revenue Generation
While most fire departments receive publicly funded dollars, discovering new business opportunities to generate additional revenue will only serve to strengthen the service.
Mental Health
Firefighting isn’t an easy job, and it can take a toll on the mental health of those who serve. Having a properly updated plan to ensure the well-being and resiliency of the team is essential.
Service Support
All emergency services must work in unison with one another. Very rarely, fire departments are the only ones on the scene, and effort should be made to strengthen the critical partnership between Fire, EMS, and Police services.
This support also includes fire departments from other regions. Each department can tap into the knowledge and expertise of others.
Establish Committees
For critical recommendations, the formation of committees can often be necessary to ensure the success of its implementation.
For an example of a thorough Fire Master Plan, click here.
