FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 11, 2017

 

 Every Second Counts: Have 2 Ways Out!

TRENTON – The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, in partnership with the New Jersey Fire Prevention and Protection Association (NJFPPA), today kicked off the annual scholastic Fire Prevention Poster Contest during National Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 8-14. Each year, student artists throughout New Jersey are asked to submit posters that focus on the annual National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme, promote fire prevention and encourage fire safety awareness in the home, school, and community. This year’s theme is “Every Second Counts: Have 2 Ways Out!”

"We think that National Fire Prevention Week is the ideal time to once again join with our NJFPPA partners as their professional organization advances the goals of fire prevention among peers,” said Louis Kilmer, Acting Director and State Fire Marshal of the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. “The contest not only serves to educate the students who participate about preventing fires but strengthens the overall effort of the organizations involved in our shared community risk reduction goals."

Interested students may participate through their school art instructor. All posters must be submitted by May 15. Submissions are then judged at state level.

Students compete in seven different categories, including two categories for Special Education students. NJFPPA presents gift certificates to Division winners before the end of the scholastic year, which amount to the cost of a computer and printer, which they are then able to pick on their own. Winning posters are also featured in the 2017-2018 Fire Safety Poster Contest Calendar, which is distributed in all 21 counties.

“We continue to be amazed at both the level and depth of artistic expression of our student participants. However, it is not just about that, it is to fully involve them, their family members, schools, and the entire community in the need to be aware of the threat that fire poses to life and property,” says Richard Silvia, President of the NJFPPA.

Contest rules and registration are available on the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety website at www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dfs/ or through Scholastic Fire Safety Poster Contest County Coordinators. Participants are asked to contact their County Coordinator for more information.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs.

 

 

 

CONTACT:
Tammori Petty
Lisa Ryan
(609) 292-6055