Free e-book and storybook app now available
September 23, 2013 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its beloved mascot Sparky the Fire Dog® are calling on fire departments, parents and teachers to Read for Fire Safety during Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12) and throughout the year to raise awareness among children about the importance of fire safety. NFPA recently launched a new free e-book and a storybook app that offer fun and interactive learning experiences for readers and audiences alike. Visit www.sparky.org/parents to learn more and submit information on local efforts to support Read for Fire Safety.
“Children often associate ‘screen time’ with entertainment - with so many digital options competing for their attention these days, it was a natural fit for NFPA to offer fire-safety messages in this easily accessible and enjoyable format for our audiences,” said Judy Comoletti, division manager of Public Education for NFPA. “Children are excited about the new digital format because it keeps them engaged and entertained, teachers and parents like it because the kids are learning important safety lessons and enjoying it - it’s a win, win for everyone.”
In Sparky’s Birthday Surprise app, it’s the fire-safety dog’s birthday and children learn and play as they plan the party. The app is aimed at helping children ages 3-7 learn what to do if the smoke alarm sounds, how to exit the house safely, and choose an outside meeting place for their family. It has games, activities, coloring pages, and a sing-a-long.
The new e-book contains four stories and a poem about fire safety. Designed with content to captivate children ages 7-12, it includes a tale of rescue dog The Black Pearl, a story of a “superhero” kid who protected his family from fire, and intriguing scientific facts about smoke and fire. To help teachers incorporate these learning tools into the classroom, the app and e-book content is aligned to common core state standards. The e-book and app feature interactive whiteboard lessons on fire safety, addressing phonics, math, and reading comprehension. A teacher/parent guide with discussion questions and additional activities are also included.
“Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time for people to get involved and take action to improve fire safety,” added Comoletti. “Now with NFPA’s new e-book and app, it is easier than ever to gather a group together to Read for Fire Safety and make a difference.”
Firefighters, parents, teachers and others who plan to Read for Fire Safety during Fire Prevention Week are encouraged to send an email to safetysource@nfpa.org with details about these efforts, such as name, address and location of the event, and how many kids are participating. Tips on how to organize a reading opportunity are available at www.nfpa.org/readforfiresafety.
The storybook app was created by Cupcake Digital, Inc. in collaboration with NFPA. Both the app and e-book are available on Google Play and iTunes, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
About Fire Prevention Week
NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit www.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.
About Sparky the Fire Dog®
Sparky the Fire Dog® was created for the NFPA in 1951 and has been the organization’s official mascot and spokesdog ever since. He is a widely recognized fire safety icon who is beloved by children and adults alike. In addition to connecting with the public through educational programs, he has a very active website, sparky.org, which allows kids to explore and learn about fire safety in a trusted, interactive environment. Sparky the Fire Dog® is a registered trademark of NFPA.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
Subscribe to NFPA RSS News feeds
Contact: Lorraine Carli, Public Affairs Office: +1 617 984-7275