Gear Up for National Fire Prevention Week - October 6-12, 2024

These chimney flue tiles were exposed to a severe chimney fire.

National Fire Prevention Week is just around the corner. Are you ready to promote your business? After all, as a chimney inspection business, you are already part of a fire prevention team, which is the chimney and hearth industries. According to the U.S. EPA, the leading factor contributing to home heating fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily in chimneys (NFPA). How can you advertise your business while educating your customers and the public? Here are some ideas:
Bring it “online”! – what to do during a chimney fire!
Most customers have no idea what a chimney fire is. They don’t know how to watch for an increase in the draft, the clinking sound of breaking clay tiles, the creosote falling into the firebox or oozing into the appliance, and the loud whirring sound as the draft increases. They need to understand that while their chimney may be constructed of masonry or a prefab system, these are designed to vent combustion products and not necessarily the high temperatures and effects of a chimney fire. Post this information on your website and use social media to spread the message. Show your Chim-Scan® Camera in use and the pictures it produces. They may have heard about it on TV or at another venue, but not everyone understands the needs and steps they should take to protect their home and family.
Show it off! - Your van parked in strategic spots, employee uniforms, etc.
During fire protection week, there will be news with fire statistics, firemen (and women), fire stations, and more. Park your vehicle in a public place. At lunch, it might be a fast-food business. Park it where people driving by can see it. Consider putting a QR Code on your van so they can quickly scan your site while waiting for the traffic light or before heading back to work. Leave it out to advertise in other secure locations when you or a team member is off work.  
Teach it! - Kids, civic groups, etc.
Civic groups and kids’ groups are always looking for speakers to put on a presentation. Does public speaking make you feel uncomfortable? You must remember that you are providing a service that has helped reduce the number of chimney fires and likely saved lives. Pass out coloring books or flyers to the attendees. The National Fire Protection Association has a wealth of informational brochures, games, and coloring pages on its website. Go to www.nfpa.org, then to Events, and click National Fire Prevention Week. 
Own it!  - Newspapers, radio talk shows, TV Stations, etc.
Offer to demonstrate your Chim-Scan® chimney imaging camera. TV shows and newspapers love to have local news during this event and filming a chimney inspection adds interest. Radio talk shows are another great venue for spreading the word this week. Most homeowners don’t know the difference between types of creosote. They likely don’t understand that an all-night burn isn’t always a good idea. You own the information; share it!
Give it your all! - Drawings for smoke extinguishers, smoke alarms, CO Alarms, etc.
During Fire Prevention Week, run daily drawings on your social media accounts. If they “like” your posts, put them in the hat for a drawing for a free fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, and/or CO alarm package.
National Fire Prevention Week is one of our industry's busiest times. This year’s theme from the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is “Smoke alarms: make them work for you!™” During this time, fire prevention is on people’s minds, and some fire departments may talk about chimney or heater fires. It is a great chance to tell your story and share some of the knowledge you’ve gleaned as part of the chimney fire prevention team.

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The Chim-Scan© J3D Cameras and 211 Monitor are high-quality commercial grade scanning equipment made in Iowa.

Our J3D™ Camera provides views from 0 to 90 degrees. It also provides continuous rotation without holding a button.