Winners of Sparky's "College Fire Safety Video Contest" announced
Sparky teamed up with The Center for Campus Fire Safety and asked college students to submit video public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting the importance of fire safety during Campus Fire Safety Month (September).
Based on votes from the public, the following three students received gift cards for their efforts: Andy Nguyen of Columbia University came in first with his video “College Fire Safety Tips”; Katelyn Watkinson of Vancouver Island University came in second with her entry “Adults Need Fire Safety Too”; and Anthony Gentles of Northeastern University placed third with his “Fire Prevention Video.”
Barry Brickey is the new "Voice of Sparky®"
Contest recognizes spokesdog’s 60th birthday
Barry Brickey, a public education officer for the Kingsport (TN) Fire Department, has been selected as the new "Voice of Sparky®". He received an authentic Sparky the Fire Dog® costume, a trip to Boston to record for the NFPA Fire Prevention Week video, and a selection of NFPA public education materials. Career firefighters, volunteer firefighters or other fire department employees were invited to submit videos of themselves giving their best Sparky impersonation. NFPA received two dozen videos, and a panel of judges selected three finalists based on the best representation of Sparky's voice, as well as the creativity and enthusiasm used in the creation of the video.
Read more about Barry Brickey and the "Voice of Sparky" contest.
NFPA launches new Sparky the Fire Dog match game
Online game makes learning about smoke alarm safety interactive and fun
As part of the year-long celebration of Sparky the Fire Dog®’s 60th birthday, NFPA has launched a new educational matching game which teaches preschoolers about smoke alarms on Sparky's website (www.sparky.org). The game, designed for children ages three to five, was created by NFPA and WGBH Kids Interactive, makers of PBS websites like Curious George and Martha Speaks.
In the game, children are shown by Sparky himself what a smoke alarm looks like, the sound it makes, and what to do when they hear that sound. This message is especially important to small children, who may not recognize the sound or are unaware that hearing a smoke alarm means get outside and stay outside. In the game, kids will be rewarded for doing the right thing when a smoke alarm goes off.
NFPA observes Sparky's 60th birthday
We're celebrating our mascot's birthday all year long!
"Sparky has allowed us to connect with millions of children and their families by making it exciting to learn about fire prevention and safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications. “With this anniversary, we aim to reach more children, parents and educators with fun events and new educational programs throughout the year.”
Since Sparky’s inception in the 1950’s, the number of fires and fire injuries in the United States has declined, which is due in part to enhanced public education efforts. Today, approximately 3,000 people die each year because of fires and thousands are injured. Sparky’s work continues and is more important than ever because most fires can be prevented when people take personal responsibility and follow a few safety guidelines. Sparky is asking everyone to take a few moments during his special anniversary year to learn what they can do to reduce the number of fires and fire-related injuries. |