Aiming to keep residents safe in a novel and animated way, a fire prevention video series produced by Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service (KLFRS) in partnership with Rogers TV North Durham-Kawartha and producer Mel Shannon has netted a provincial award.
The City of Kawartha Lakes recently announced that the Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE) has chosen “Jump into Fire Safety with Katie” for its 2024 Program of the Year award. According to the OAFE website, the award “honours an Ontario fire department that has demonstrated remarkable creativity and effectiveness in developing a new program, or modernizing an existing one, to engage and benefit their community in a unique and impactful way.”
The “Jump into Fire Safety with Katie” series is available on the Rogers TV YouTube channel and through cable providers Rogers TV and Cable Cable that covers a range of safety topics like fire prevention, lithium-ion battery safety, and school bus safety. The show is designed to ensure that viewers of all ages gain knowledge on preventing accidents and responding effectively in emergencies.
Katie Dukelow, fire prevention public educator with KLFRS and the show’s host, was honoured during the OAFE public education conference held in Ajax on October 22 and 23, where fire safety professionals gathered to share knowledge and best practices.
Dukelow shared with kawarthaNOW her thoughts around the success of the video series and its appeal to viewers.
“I think the biggest benefit of Jump into Fire Safety with Katie is its ability to reach a wide audience with fire and life safety information in an engaging, accessible format,” Dukelow said. “By covering a range of safety topics like fire prevention, lithium-ion battery safety, and school bus safety, the show ensures that viewers of all ages gain knowledge on preventing accidents and responding effectively in emergencies.”
“Its presence across cable channels, the Rogers TV website, YouTube, and other platforms expands its reach, making information available to a diverse audience. This accessibility helps inform communities by increasing public awareness and preparedness,” she added.
Dukelow had the opportunity to present the winning program during the conference, sharing the program, partnerships, and successes with the conference attendees.
According to a media release, “Jump into Fire Safety with Katie” was selected from five “outstanding” nominees and evaluated by a panel of judges, which included a current fire chief from New York state, a retired fire chief from Alberta, and a retired fire prevention officer from Ontario.
“Their expertise and insights underscored the program’s exceptional quality and impact on community fire safety education,” stated the release.
Shanyn Godward, President of OAFE, expressed her enthusiasm for the award, saying, “This program exemplifies innovation and dedication to public safety. It effectively engages the community in an essential conversation about fire safety.”
During the announcement, KLFRS chief Terry Jones said he was proud of Dukelow and the program, and pleased how the community enjoys and appreciates the segment.
As part of the recognition, KLFRS is awarded a $500 credit from the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, which can be used to further enhance its community outreach efforts.
Dukelow said she was “truly honored” to receive the nod from OAFE. As for what’s next for “Jump into Fire Safety with Kate,” she said the plan is to produce additional episodes and build a comprehensive catalogue of content.
“This catalogue will be accessible to schools and community groups through a dedicated website platform, where teachers can select episodes by topic or grade level, aligning with current curriculum needs,” she said.
“Additionally, I aim to develop a knowledge-testing application to measure information retention in students. This data will inform best practices and help shape an effective public education strategy, ensuring that safety messages are engaging, relevant, and impactful.”