Community Risk Reduction Week: How the Statesville Fire Department Is Working to Prevent Emergencies Before They Happen

Each year, fire departments across the country recognize Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week (January 19 - 25, 2026) to highlight the importance of preventing emergencies before they occur. At the Statesville Fire Department, Community Risk Reduction is more than a weeklong focus – it is a year-round commitment to protecting lives, property, and our community through education, prevention, and planning.

CRR Week provides an opportunity to share how proactive safety efforts reduce risk, strengthen neighborhoods, and help keep Statesville a safe place to live, work, and play.

What Is Community Risk Reduction?

Community Risk Reduction, or CRR, is a strategic, data-driven approach used by fire departments to identify the most common and most serious risks within a community. Rather than focusing only on emergency response, CRR emphasizes prevention whenever possible.

Why Community Risk Reduction Matters in Statesville

Every community faces unique risks, and Community Risk Reduction allows the Statesville Fire Department to focus on the issues that matter most locally.

Through careful review of emergency response data and community conditions, we identify patterns such as where fires occur most often, what causes injuries, and which populations may be more vulnerable. This information helps guide prevention programs, inspections, education efforts, and community outreach that directly benefit Statesville residents.

Preventing emergencies before they happen not only protects lives, but also reduces property loss, minimizes disruption, and ensures emergency resources are available when they are needed most.

How the Statesville Fire Department Uses Community Risk Reduction

Community Risk Reduction is integrated into many aspects of the Statesville Fire Department’s daily operations. These efforts include:

• Public education and safety outreach
• Smoke alarm education and installation
• Fire inspections and code enforcement
• Partnerships with local organizations and city departments
• Proactive identification of risks before emergencies occur

By combining prevention, education, and preparedness, CRR strengthens safety while building trust between the fire department and the community we serve.

Community Risk Reduction in Action: Top Ways to Reduce Risk in Our Community

Community Risk Reduction focuses on practical, proven actions that reduce emergencies and save lives. In Statesville, these efforts center on the risks we see most often and the steps that make the greatest impact. Some of the most effective ways to reduce risk in the community include:

Ensure Working Smoke Alarms Are in Every Home

Working smoke alarms provide early warning during a fire, giving families critical time to escape. Every home should have smoke alarms installed on every level and INSIDE BEDROOMS, with batteries checked regularly.

Practice Home Fire Safety

Simple habits – such as staying in the kitchen while cooking, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and using space heaters safely – help reduce the risk of residential fires.

Reduce Fall Risks in the Home

Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially among older adults. Keeping walkways clear, improving lighting, and installing handrails or grab bars where needed can significantly reduce fall-related emergencies.

Follow Fire Codes and Safety Inspections

Fire codes and safety inspections exist to protect lives. Ensuring buildings meet safety standards helps prevent fires, supports safe evacuation, and allows first responders to operate more effectively during emergencies.

Participate in Fire Safety Education and Community

Outreach Education is a key part of prevention. Learning fire safety basics, understanding emergency preparedness, and sharing safety information with family and neighbors helps create safer homes and stronger neighborhoods.

By focusing on these proactive steps, Community Risk Reduction helps prevent emergencies before they happen – protecting people, property, and the community as a whole.

Community Risk Reduction Is a Shared Responsibility

Community Risk Reduction works best when the entire community is involved. Firefighters, city leaders, educators, healthcare partners, businesses, and residents all play a role in reducing risk.

Small actions – such as maintaining smoke alarms, following safety guidelines, and participating in prevention programs – can have a lasting impact. When we work together, we build a safer and more resilient Statesville.

Prevention Today, Safety Tomorrow

Community Risk Reduction Week highlights an important truth: the safest emergency is the one that never happens. Through education, prevention, and strong community partnerships, the Statesville Fire Department remains committed to reducing risk and protecting lives.

By understanding local hazards and taking proactive steps, we can continue building a safer Statesville – today and for the future.