FIR 3303, Introduction to
Fire Prevention
Course Syllabus
Course Description
Provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include the history and philosophy of fire
prevention, organization and operations of a fire prevention bureau, use and application of codes and standards, plans
review, fire inspections, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation.
Course Textbook
Diamantes, D. (2016). Principles of fire prevention (Updated 3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Define the national fire problem and role of fire prevention.
Describe fire prevention organizations and associations.
Relate fire prevention laws, rules, regulations, and codes to jurisdiction authority.
Define the functions of a fire prevention bureau.
Describe inspection practices and procedures.
Explain the standards for professional qualifications for fire marshal, plans examiner, fire inspector, fire and life
safety educator, and fire investigator.
7. Explore opportunities in professional development for fire prevention personnel.
8. Examine the history and philosophy of fire prevention.
Credits
Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.
Course Structure
1. Study Guide: Each unit contains a Study Guide that provides students with the learning outcomes, unit lesson,
required reading assignments, and supplemental resources.
2. Learning Outcomes: Each unit contains Learning Outcomes that specify the measurable skills and knowledge
students should gain upon completion of the unit.
3. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses lesson material.
4. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook.
5. Suggested Reading: Suggested Readings are listed in the study guides for Units I-VII. Students are encouraged
to read the resources listed if the opportunity arises, but they will not be tested on their knowledge of the
Suggested Readings.
6. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications
can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar.
7. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units I-VIII. Specific
information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with
each assignment. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below.
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8. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or
course content related questions.
9. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates.
CSU Online Library
The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases,
journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library
webpage. To access the library, log into the myCSU Student Portal, and click on “CSU Online Library.” You can also
access the CSU Online Library from the “My Library” button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard.
The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail (library@columbiasouthern.edu) and telephone
(1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The
library’s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page.
Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information.
Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other
services.
Unit Assignments
Unit I PowerPoint Presentation
Select one of the following topics below for your PowerPoint presentation:
the historical American fire problem and the current trends, or
the history of American fire prevention from 1600 to 2000.
Once you have selected one of the two topics above, you must address the following:
Define the national fire problem.
Describe the history of fire prevention practices.
Describe the philosophy and timing behind regulations for fire prevention, whether successful or not.
Identify agencies and organizations that have been instrumental in forming fire prevention efforts in the USA.
Compare and contrast the fire problem or prevention efforts to that which other nations have experienced.
Your presentation should be at least 15 slides. A minimum of 10 slides should be used for narration and five for graphics.
This does not include your cover page slide (title, your name, and university name) or reference slide. Your slides need to
be presented in chronological order from earliest to latest in terms of time.
The presentation requires the inclusion of no less than three non-textbook sources (e.g., Internet, associated journals and
magazines (non-Internet sources), and other related books (including associated textbooks), in addition to one source
from the online library.
Assistance with using the CSU Online Library is available from the Virtual Librarian. Click here to access the online help.
Once your PowerPoint presentation has been completed upload the finished project via the unit upload link.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit II Project
Community ISO Rating
For this assignment, you will research your community, and calculate a rating similar to ISO/PPC though NOT using an
ISO/PPC rating scale. For this project, you will be using our own rating scale, which is found in the grid below.
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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Emergency Communications
System
No emergency call center
Fire Department
Structure
Non staffed
1
Uses direct dial 7 or 10 digit
number to reach either police or
fire ; i.e. 222-1212 or 222-2323 or
901-222-1212 or 901-222-2323
Staffed by first
responders only for
EMS calls; stations
are not open 24/7
2
County 911 system non Enhanced
system; separate police & fire
dispatching
3
County E-911 (Enhanced) system
with central police & fire
dispatching
4
Municipal 911 system; non
Enhanced system; separate police
& fire dispatching
5
Municipal E-911 (Enhance)
system with central call intake
center with central dispatch or
police and fire dispatch on own
after E-911 call is received
Staffed by part-time
paid-per-call EMS
personnel only; one
station open 24/7
Staffed by full-time
paid EMS personnel
only; only one station
open 24/7
Staffed by full-time
paid EMS and fire
suppression
personnel; limited
number of stations
24/7
Staffed by full-time
paid EMS and fire
suppression
personnel; stations
positioned
0
Water Supply
System
No public water
supply
No public water
supply; only “dry
wells” or ponds,
lakes, and streams
for drafting
Municipal fresh water
treatment; no
hydrants
Community Efforts Risk
Reduction
No programs or
enforcement
Annual fire prevention
activities limited to schools
only
Municipal fresh water
treatment; hydrants
spaced greater than
1,000 feet apart
Municipal fresh water
treatment; fire
hydrants spaced
greater than 500 feet
apart
Annual fire prevention
activities and daily fire
inspections of high risk
occupancies
Annual fire prevention and
public fire safety programs
for all audiences
Municipal fresh water
treatment; fire
hydrants spaced 500
or less apart; total
community coverage
Staffed full-time Fire
Prevention Division; annual
fire prevention activities; fire
inspections; fire
investigations & code
enforcements
Annual fire prevention
activities limited to schools
and senior centers
For this project, you will conduct an ISO/PPC “like” analysis of your community. Using a five-point rating scale where 0 is
the worst and 5 is the best, analyze and rate your community’s ability to address the four components used by ISO/PPC
in its rating system. Keep in mind that this rating is similar to, but not the same as, the ISO/PPC rating scale.
Primary differences include: this scale is backwards in that 0 = worst and 5 = best, and greater details are not included in
each of the four categories.
Using the rating-scale grid from above, analyze your own community’s fire service capabilities. If you are a fire service
employee, you will most likely know how your community operates and what services (emergency communications, fire
department structure, water supply, and risk reduction) are in place.
If you are non-fire service employee, you will most likely be able to assess two categories, emergency communications
and water supply, by simply knowing your emergency call system and seeing fire hydrants on the streets. For the two
remaining categories, you will need to call your local fire department and speak to a firefighter, or fire officer, who should
be pleased to answer your questions. You could also, time permitting, take a trip to the fire department and ask for a tour
for answers to your questions.
To finish the project, you will need to construct a grid similar to the one above, or identify each of the four categories with
their corresponding numerical rating number. Once you have analyzed your community and composed your numbering
system, write a brief paragraph for each of the four categories that supports your number selection for each category.
There is no “right” or “wrong” response here, as every student may have a differently constructed community. Your final
paper should be written in proper APA format, and include citations for sources as needed.
You must have a title page, double-spaced, with only the following information written in the center: title of paper, your
name, and university name. No reference page is required, no abstract is required, and no headers are required.
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The finished paper should be a minimum of three pages of written grid/graph and narration; however, not more than four
pages in length. This page requirement does not include your cover page.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit III Research Paper
Code Violations Paper
Background Information: You are to assume the position of fire prevention officer or manager. You are responsible for
enforcement of fire and life safety codes within your jurisdiction (fire service personnel are likely to relate directly to the fire
department’s Fire Prevention Division, while private sector personnel are likely to relate to your organizations Safety and
Health Division).
In your position as Fire Prevention Office/Manager, you have conducted quarterly inspections of all organizational
buildings. During your most recent inspection you have discovered five code violations: one relating to electrical issues,
two relating to structural issues, and two relating to ventilation issues. Specific details for each of the four issues found are
as follows:
Electrical: You find that the incoming supply service is badly worn and in need of immediate repair or
replacement. All apparatus connected is on the organization’s “side” of the incoming power supply and is not the
responsibility of the local power supplier.
Structural: You find that three of the nine concrete support columns in the basement of the main operations floor
(apparatus floor in fire service and production area in private sector occupancy) show signs of fatigue and spalling
of concrete is wide-spread. The second issue is found to be visual cracks and oxidation of several of the steel
trusses supporting the roof.
Ventilation: You find that exhaust from apparatus or machinery (whichever applies) is collecting in the upper level
area of the general working area, which has caused several personnel to experience symptoms similar to carbon
monoxide inhalation. The second issue is the central heating and air conditioning unit, which you find has broken
seals, worn electric wires, and clogged filters.
Task: The purpose of this paper is for you to apply the concepts and information that you have learned in this unit about
the position of a Fire Prevention Officer/Manager. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to use your skills,
expertise, and experience to enrich your response when compiling data that will be used for risk reduction within the
community. You will compose a paper addressing all three code violations given above. You are tasked with the job of
seeking repairs and/or replacements associated to each of the three components given above. The final paper will be
presented to the board or body of your organization with the authority to provide funding for repairs and/or replacement of
components found during your inspection. Your paper should be composed to support the need for funding to correct
these violations.
Your paper should be a minimum of three pages, but no more than five (not including the cover page or reference page),
and include the following:
A minimum of one page should be devoted to your mission statement.
A minimum of two pages should be devoted to three components: electrical, structural, and ventilation.
Be sure to provide detailed narration to explain your plan to undertake each of the three components
Keep in mind that your narrative must be straight-to-the-point. Avoid long rambling narrations as these tend to distract
attention and often lead to confusion and misunderstanding of purpose and functionality. Remember that you are the head
of this newly formed bureau, and you want to impress your leadership with your knowledge, academic ability, and
occupational experience.
You must reference your textbook, an article retrieved from the CSU Online Library, and a credible website ending in .edu,
.gov, or .org; therefore, a minimum of three sources should be referenced.
Note: Encyclopedias (online or print), message boards, or any source, such as Wikipedia, that can be amended without
educated review are not considered appropriate. Failure to use appropriate resources, or resources that are available in
CSU’s Online Library, can lead to deductions. CSU librarians can help you with your research for this assignment.
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Your sources must be cited and referenced in APA format. Failure to use appropriate resources, or resources that are
available in CSU’s Online Library, can lead to deductions. CSU librarians can help you with your research for this
assignment.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit IV Case Study
Read the case study below, and follow the instructions provided to complete the assignment in its entirety.
On September 13, 2014, you were appointed to your fire service organization (Fire Department) Fire Prevention Division
(FPD). You have been with the department for 10 years—four have been as captain assigned to a fire suppression
company. You were selected from among six candidates because you earned a college degree in fire administration and
management. In terms of seniority, you are number three, with two above you and three below you.
However, seniority was a qualification that was given low priority for appointment as the primary qualification was
education and training. Prior to your appointment, the FPD was staffed by the senior-most captain of the department, who
often did not have any formal education or training in fire codes, standards, or regulations. Rather, that person learned
from on-the-job experience. The Chief of Department has decided to turn-a-new-page and appoint the captain having the
highest degree of education. In addition to your college degree, you have also taken the initiative to obtain a National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) certification as a Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).
The outgoing Fire Prevention Officer (FPO), who held the position for nearly 20 years, bids you good luck. As he turns to
leave the office, he offers these cryptogrammic words, “don’t rock any boats kid!” You settle into your new position with
ease, though the division secretary is a bit uneasy having a new “boss.” You have assured her that “there will not be
‘major’ changes within the division.” Your first two weeks are filled with routine inspections and re-inspections, where you
find no surprises or anomalies. In fact, most of the owners/operators of those occupancies that you re-inspected found
you to be highly knowledgeable, relaxed, and very personable. They gave you high marks and look forward to having an
opportunity to meet you again.
On Wednesday morning of your third week, you have a scheduled appointment for an annual inspection of a small
industrial occupancy that is owned and operated by a highly respected member of the community. The firm has been in
operation since the 1980s, and the owner is a member of nearly all the local business civic organizations as well as major
contributor to charities. You cannot recall any negative press about this man nor his business. You arrive at the firm at the
appointed hour of 9:00 a.m., only to find that the front door to the building is locked, and it appears that no one is on the
premises. You call your office to double-check the appointment time with the secretary, who confirms the time; however,
she ends her conversation with, “You know this man has never given us any trouble, so why not let the inspection pass?”
As you end the call, her words are somewhat disconcerting, leaving you with an onerous feeling that something is not
quite right. You return to your vehicle deciding to wait a bit longer. While sitting in your vehicle, you review the historical
file on this occupancy. Much to your surprise, you find that there has never been a single violation and that the company
is a firm utilizing chemicals for cleaning automotive parts. In nearly 30 years of annual inspections, there is not even the
slightest issue in the record. This is very unusual for a firm reported as storing large drums of volatile chemicals.
At around 10:15 a.m., a car enters into the parking area, parks near the front door, and a man in his mid-fifties or earlysixties emerges and walks to the front door. You exit your vehicle, walking toward the man who has not taken his eyes off
you and whose facial expressions indicate that he does not recognize you. As you approach the man, you introduce and
identify yourself as the newly appointed FPO of the department. He shakes your hand and asks, “Well now, what can I do
to make your day run a bit smoother?”
You inform him that you are onsite to conduct the annual occupancy inspection. He sneers and states, “There isn’t a need
for that! After all, I run a well-respected business here. Didn’t the other inspector tell you about me? He never had any
issues with my firm, and he and I got along just fine. The place is clean, so why don’t we just call it a day and log me in as
having passed the inspection? What do you say?” You cannot believe what you have just heard. You maintain your
professionalism and inform the owner that you have to conduct annual inspections of all industrial occupancies and an
appointment was made for today.
The owner scoffs at the “appointment,” telling you that the former inspector “made the appointment as a matter of record
as he had done for years, but didn’t bother to come here, unless of course he had gotten complaints, which he never did!
So why bother?” You inform the owner that this is your obligation and responsibility to inspect the firm as it is known to
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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store highly flammable liquids, which abuts a residential area. For the safety of the firm and those who live nearby, an
inspection must be completed.
The owner becomes indignant, and his demeanor changes from sociable to confrontational. He insists that his company
has an excellent “track record” without incident or complaint by neighbors. Still, you apprise him that under local ordinance
and state codes, you must conduct the inspection to ensure that any and all hazards are in compliance with established
rules and regulations. After a bit of bantering back-and-forth, he concedes and allows you to enter into the premises. In
short order, you commence your inspection of the occupancy.
What you find is not only alarming, but unimaginable. There are open 55-gallon drums of petro-based liquids that, to the
best of your ability, you identify as highly flammable and toxic. The ventilation system is inadequate for safe removal of
vapors that are generated by the 15 cleaning process stations. You find that the local fire alarm system has been
tampered with, so that interior early-detection devices are rendered inoperable. There is not an automatic fire sprinkler
system, despite the fact that fire codes have required such a system in all industrial occupancies since 1975, and this
building was built in 1982. You find only three handheld portable fire extinguishers, which are all dry chemical, that are
outdated by four years.
As you continue your self-guided inspection tour, the owner continues his commentary that he has never had any
complaints from workers or neighbors about how he has run his business. You are cautious and do not share your
findings as of yet. Upon completion of your inspection, you have noted well over 45 violations of standards and codes
applicable to this specific occupancy and operation. As you leave, you inform him that his firm is in violation of numerous
regulations and that it may become necessary to shut the firm down until the occupancy is brought up to code. The owner
of course becomes highly irate and states, “That’s what you think! I am well connected in this city! I put people into high
places, and you aren’t about to close me down! We shall see who has the final word here!”
Shaken, yet very confident the law is on your side, you return to our office to prepare a series of documents necessary to
begin the process of addressing the list of violations. You reconfirm that all violations can be cited by chapter and section
of all applicable laws, regulations, and codes. You are now set to write the necessary documents, which will be distributed
to individuals in both the public and private sector.
For the first part of this assignment, you will need to pick one of the following options, and draft a letter. Please click here
to see an example of how a letter of this nature may be formatted.
A letter of notification must first be sent to the owner of the firm, informing him of the individual violations and the
required remedy for each violation. In addition, you must inform him that until all violations have been remedied,
the firm is to remain closed and no one is allowed to enter the building.
A letter of notification must be sent to the mayor of the city informing that office that you have ordered operations
be halted at this firm due to your findings. (This letter is part of a city ordinance requirement).
For the second part of the assignment, you will need to pick two of the following options, and draft two memos. Please
click here see an example of how a memo of this nature may be formatted.
1. A memo of notification must be sent to inform the Chief of the Department of your findings and the action you
have taken.
2. A memo of notification must be sent to inform the Chief of Police that the firm has been closed due to violations
found during your inspection. You are also advising that patrol officers should take notice to report any activity
around or inside the building, as the building has been placed off-limits until all violations have been remedied.
3. A memo of notification must be sent to inform the City Building Inspector of the order to cease operations, citing
your finding of numerous violations, though you do not need to itemize all violations.
There will be a total of one letter and two memos, all of which should be included in one Word document. Each letter
should be written in a professional tone on a single page that is clear and concise to the reader. Each letter should have
the name of the person to whom the letter is addressed, your name and title of Fire Prevention Officer shall be affixed to
the bottom. Your letters should be written in APA format.
Each letter is to be written in left-aligned block format and without paragraph indentations. It is understood that the
inclusion of violations need not be cited; therefore, in-text and reference citations are not necessary.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
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Unit V Mini Project
Community Fire and Risk Prevention Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is for you to apply the concepts and information that you have learned in this unit about
the position of a Community Fire and Risk Prevention Officer. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to use
your skills, expertise, and experience to enrich your response when compiling data that will be used for risk reduction
within the community. You will need to consider several components or elements of research and data gathering.
The outcome of your research will provide you with two profiles: demographic and risk. In order to develop a course of
action to be undertaken in an effort to reduce risk, you must first gather sufficient data relative to the demographics of your
community. Once you have gathered and analyzed the demographics, you will move to the second component of
identifying both types of risks: human-created and naturally-created.
This project requires you to act in the position of Community Fire and Risk Prevention Officer. Your final analysis and
narration should be written in a professional and educated format, as this paper might be presented to public and private
organizations, which have input and/or responsibility for pre-planning, preparedness, and mitigation of potential risks and
their outcome as it effects the community.
Part A: Identify your community’s demographic profile. Click here to visit the United States Census Bureau’s webpage. In
the center of the opening page, you will find a box with the title “Quick Facts.” Inside the Quick Facts box is a drop-down
menu titled, “Select a state to begin.” Click on the drop-down menu, and select your respective state of residence. On the
next page, you will find two drop-down boxes, one for all counties, and the other for all cities/towns in your state.
First, select your county of residence. Then, using a Word document, identify all of the characteristics of a Demographic
Profile as found on page 229 of the textbook. There are three primary headings: Housing/Location, People, and Economic
Information. Within these three, there are 16 sub-characteristics. Locate the data associated, or as closely associated, to
each of the sixteen sub-characteristics, and create a demographic profile. Here is an example of how our outcome might
look:
1. Housing/Location
a. Owner or renter-occupied units
b. Age and condition of structures
c. Percentage of vacant/abandoned or blighted structures
You will repeat this format for each of the three primary characteristics, all of which should fit onto a single page.
Remember to use the outline format. If the census data is not available for a specific characteristic, do not invent the data
as doing so will skew the outcome and invalidate your data analysis. Once you have completed this portion, move on to
Part B below.
Part B: Using the same webpage, click the drop-down menu, “Select a city,” and select your respective city/town.
Following the exact same format as used in Part A, create a new page (best to append it to the previous page(s) by
simply tapping the “enter” key, or holding down the “control” (ctrl) while pressing “enter,” advancing line spacing to begin a
new page). Remember to address all three primary characteristics and all sixteen sub-characteristics. Once you have
completed Part B, move on to the final segment-art C.
Part C: For this segment, you will need to rely on your personal knowledge of your community. You must identify as many
potential risks that might adversely affect your community and how your fire prevention bureau could best alleviate the
risks. You will need to first identify all possible risks that would be human-created risks then identify all possible naturallyoccurring risks. You will itemize these risks under their appropriate heading on a new page. Again, you must utilize the
outline format.
You do not need to identify human-created risks possibilities by company name, owner name, or street location. Simply
identify the type of potential risk posed. Include the hours of operation (if possible), the type of risk being posed, and the
area surrounding the location of the risk. Include information relative to potential life-threating risks such as nursing
homes, schools, hospitals, and dense residential neighborhoods.
Once completed, identify potential naturally-occurring risks associated to your specific geographical region. These are
likely to be few in number and should be added to the end of the list from above.
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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Your paper must be a minimum of three full pages and not more than five full pages of written text. You must follow APA
formatting. In-text-citations are not required, however, a properly written and formatted reference citation will be needed.
Part C is understood to originate from your own knowledge of the community; therefore, no citations are warranted.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VI PowerPoint Presentation
Fire Prevention Program
For this assignment, you will be developing a Fire Prevention Program that you will present via PowerPoint. You will draw
ideas from both your occupational and educational experiences and knowledge. These are familiar surroundings, which
are likely to aide in your development of a program of fire prevention and life safety. Provided below is a brief scenario to
get you started.
Scenario: You have been a member of your organization’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety division for a number of years,
and you have just completed several college level courses relating to fire prevention and occupational safety and health
with an online university. You have presented your most recent grade records to your supervisor who is very impressed
with your accomplishments. In light of your achievement in these courses, your supervisor has assigned you the task of
creating a formal Fire Prevention and Life Safety Presentation to be composed for presentation to various civic
organizations such as Lions Club, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the local Elks Lodge. Your primary
target audiences will be comprised mainly of adults therefore your presentation must be designed and geared for the adult
learner.
Your supervisor asks you to put together a slide presentation using the Five-Step Program model given by Diamantes (pp.
168-170 of your textbook). Your final presentation will provide your supervisor details of your process used in assembling
the presentation. A minimum of three slides must be devoted to each of the five-steps. Be innovative, creative, and
remember this is the first step in the overall process of creating a presentation worthy of public viewing and interest. This
presentation will be seen by ONLY your supervisor (at this time); however, you must make an impression that confirms
you have the “right stuff” to venture out for formal presentations to civic organizations.
Keep in mind that your organization has never embarked on such a project. You are the first, and as such, you want to
ensure that your supervisor views a clear and concise series of slides. It is intended that once you have mastered the
concepts and mechanics of the five-step process, your supervisor will, in all likelihood, assign you the additional task of
composing a formal slide presentation that will include specific elements relative to fire prevention measures intended to
education the public in both civic organizations as well as the public-at-large.
Treat your PowerPoint slides like any research paper—provide in-text citations and a reference slide for any outside
sources including direct quotations, paraphrased words or ideas, tables and data, and images.
Your completed presentation should contain the following:
A title slide (title, your name, and your organization’s name);
15-20 slides detailing your Fire Prevention Program; and
a reference slide (minimum of three references should be used to complete this assignment, not including the
textbook, and be sure to utilize the Online Library).
Be sure to make use of the Notes area of each slide to contain your own narration, as each slide should be brief and
concise. Notes are used during presentations and are not seen by the viewers.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VII Essay
Standard Operating Guideline Paper
Background Information: You have just been promoted to the rank of lieutenant (or bureau manager if serving in the
private sector) and have been appointed to the Fire Prevention Bureau/Office as the new supervisor/leader. Your
predecessor held the position for many years and had his or her own way of keeping, storing, and maintaining fire
prevention records. You soon discover that records are in total disarray and very few records are properly stored, nor
have the volumes of the records been properly maintained and protected from the environment in which they were stored.
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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You have a bureau crew of four other employees who have had little involvement in the handling of records and you plan
to change that.
Task: The purpose of this essay is for you to apply the concepts and information you have learned in this unit about the
position of a Fire Prevention Officer/Manager. This assignment provides you with the opportunity to use your skills,
expertise, and experience to enrich your response when compiling data that will be used for risk reduction within the
community. You will compose a standard operating guideline (SOG) that should address the following components:
provide an introduction into what this SOP is designed to accomplish along with the Mission Statement for this
Division.
proper recording of bureau/office inspections, incidents, testing, re-testing, and re-inspections;
proper storage of all records gathered by the bureau/office; and
proper maintenance of all stored records for the required amount of time as set-forth by local, state, and/or federal
rules and regulations.
You should be clear, concise, and ensure that the SOG addresses each of the three bulleted components given above.
The final SOG packet must contain a minimum of one full page for each of the three components listed above; no
component can have more than two full pages of text.
Keep in mind that your SOG narratives must be straight-to-the-point. Avoid long rambling narrations as these tend to
distract attention and often lead to confusion and misunderstanding of purpose and functionality.
Remember, you are the head of this newly formed bureau and you want to impress your leadership with your knowledge,
academic ability, and occupational experience. Be innovative and creative; however, be sure to utilize a variety of sources
that must include your textbook. Your final paper will become your SOG to be used and referred to in your day-to-day
operations.
To better help you in the formatting and completion of this assignment, please click here to see a template which can be
used to help you in composing your SOG.
Your sources must be cited, and referenced in APA format. Failure to use appropriate resources, or resources that are
available in CSU’s Online Library, can lead to deductions.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
Unit VIII Essay
This final project paper will utilize many of the sections of material you have studied during the duration of this course.
You will make use of your own personal observations and occupational experiences to enhance both quality and quantity
of the final paper.
Whether you are employed in the public sector of safety or the private sector of safety and health management, your
expertise and knowledge of dealing with other human beings will provide you with ample value in producing the finished
paper.
Task Part I
In your Introduction to this essay please discuss what you learned after completing the first seven units to include a
description of the relationship between the contents of this course and your present occupational position or your desired
future occupational position.
Your relationship between concepts and knowledge to your present or desired future occupational position should be
limited to a minimum of one page but should not exceed two pages.
Task Part II
Discuss how the concepts and knowledge, along with standards and professional qualifications, you have gained in this
course relate to the following professional occupational positions:
fire marshal,
plan examiner,
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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fire inspector,
life safety educator, and
fire investigator.
Your explanation of the concepts and knowledge related to the five positions should be limited to a minimum of two full
pages but should not exceed three pages.
Include specific references to specific topics found in the textbook (e.g., fire prevention and protection methods, fire
protection systems, and record keeping and preservation). These are but a few of the possibilities. Do not limit your paper
strictly to the example given.
Your paper should be in APA format and include both in-text and reference citations. Your sources should include:
textbook, related journals or magazines, and related sources from the Internet.
Information about accessing the Blackboard Grading Rubric for this assignment is provided below.
APA Guidelines
The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the
primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain
papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated
grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU’s Citation Guide by clicking here. This document includes examples
and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center.
Grading Rubrics
This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each
rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each
level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your
efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics
because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities.
Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is
possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have
Assessments).
The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I’s Discussion Board submission instructions.
The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit
Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment.
Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics
are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the
Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be
submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting “Tools” and then “My Grades.”
Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your
Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades.
Communication Forums
These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students.
Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in
the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below.
Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums.
Ask the Professor
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions.
Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration,
additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students.
Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal
accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a nonpublic nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the
professor within 48 hours.
Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus,
assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information.
Student Break Room
This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should
always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to
share assessment answers.
Grading
Discussion Boards (8 @ 2%)
Essay (2 @ 11%)
PowerPoint Presentation (2 @ 10%)
Unit II Project
Unit III Research Paper
Unit IV Case Study
Unit V Mini Project
Total
= 16%
= 22%
= 20%
= 12%
= 10%
= 9%
= 11%
= 100%
Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT)
The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule,
you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted.
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
Course Schedule
By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this
schedule for reference as you progress through your course.
Unit I
The Basis of Fire Prevention
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 1: The Basis for Fire Prevention
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by Saturday,
11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
PowerPoint Presentation by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Unit II
Public and Private Fire Prevention and Protection Organizations
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 2: Public Fire Prevention Organizations and Functions
Chapter 3: Private Fire Protection and Prevention Organizations
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Unit III
Fire Prevention and Plan Review through the Codes Process
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 4: Fire Prevention Through the Codes Process
Chapter 5: Plan Review
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Research Paper by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
Unit IV
Fire Protection System Testing and Inspections
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 6: Inspection
Chapter 7: Fire Protection Systems Testing
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Case Study by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Unit V
Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction through Investigations
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 9: Fire Prevention Through Investigation
Chapter 14: Community Risk Reduction
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Mini Project by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Unit VI
Fire Prevention through Public Education, Awareness, and Forum
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Course Schedule
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 10: Fire Prevention Through Public Education, Awareness, and the Public Forum
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
PowerPoint Presentation by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
Unit VII
Fire Prevention Record Keeping and Other Functions
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 8: Other Fire Prevention Functions
Chapter 11: Fire Prevention Records and Record Keeping
Suggested Reading: See Study Guide
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Essay by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Unit VIII
Fire Prevention Personnel and Financial Management
Review:
Read:
Discuss:
Submit:
Notes/Goals:
Course Schedule
Unit Study Guide
Chapter 12: Personnel
Chapter 13: Financial Management
Discussion Board Response: Submit your response to the Discussion Board question by
Saturday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Discussion Board Comment: Comment on another student’s Discussion Board response by
Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
Essay by Tuesday, 11:59 p.m. (Central Time)
FIR 3303, Introduction to Fire Prevention
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