Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Fire prevention month means education becomes a priority for the McAllen Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction (C.R.R.) team, which is on the move at local schools with life-saving fire safety messages.
On Monday, October 13, 2025, the McAllen City Commission issued a proclamation recognizing National Fire Prevention Week, highlighting the ongoing commitment to keeping families and students safe. Unlike other cities that observe fire prevention for just one week, McAllen’s new initiative spans two months, reaching schools across the city through educational programs, demonstrations, and interactive lessons.
This year, the C.R.R. team is raising the bar by introducing the Life and Fire Safety (LAFS) Program which combines education, entertainment, and community involvement to help students build lifelong safety habits. “We’re moving beyond traditional presentations,” said Lt. Erick Alaniz, C.R.R.O./AEMT with the McAllen Fire Department. “Our focus is to teach students real-life safety skills, from knowing how to call 9-1-1 to practicing home escape plans, in a way that’s fun, memorable, and effective.”
Lt. Alaniz recently visited the Frisco Fire Department to study their hands-on “Safety Town” program, which integrates classroom learning objectives for grades 1–5 with real-world safety simulations. He also traveled to Coppell, Texas, as well, where he participated in their Life and Fire Safety Education Conference, a nationally recognized model that uses creative performances including clown characters to teach children critical fire safety lessons.
McAllen’s version of the program introduces its own cast of safety ambassadors, Rescue Rob, Cadet Joshy, F.F. Sinfuegos, and Freddy the Fire Truck, who will visit schools to help bring the lessons to life. The long-term goal is to expand the initiative into a Safety University, where local students can engage in immersive, age-appropriate safety education year-round.
Key components of the C.R.R. school-based fire safety initiative include:
• Community Risk Assessment: Identifying hazards and vulnerabilities in school environments.
• Fire Safety Education: Teaching prevention, escape planning, and emergency response.
• Code Enforcement & Outreach: Ensuring safety compliance while engaging parents and staff.
• Evaluation: Measuring success and continuously improving program impact.
By empowering students and educators, McAllen’s C.R.R. program aims to reduce fire incidents, enhance safety awareness, and promote resilience across the community.
To schedule a school visit or coordinate media coverage, please contact McAllen Fire Department at (956) 681-2500 Ext. 2569 or email Lt. Alaniz at Erick.Alaniz@mcallen.net
