EFFECTIVENESS OF FIRE SAFETY EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY RESILENCE AT BRGY .OLD BALARA QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Fire safety education serves as a critical foundation for empowering communities to prevent, respond to, and recover from fire-related emergencies. Through well-structured educational programs, individuals gain essential knowledge on the proper use of fire safety equipment, adherence to emergency response protocols, and the implementation of effective fire prevention strategies. These initiatives not only enhance individual preparedness but also foster a collective sense of responsibility and resilience, ultimately reducing both the likelihood and potential impact of fire incidents within the community. This study will adopt a descriptive qualitative research design to examine the effectiveness of fire safety education and its impact on the community in Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City. A descriptive qualitative approach enables the collection and interpretation of non-numerical data to gain deeper insights into participants’ views, experiences, and perceptions. This method is particularly suited for exploring real-life issues and identifying areas for improvement. Data will be gathered primarily through structured observations and surveys, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on the topic. To promote fairness and minimize selection bias, all members of the target population will be given equal opportunity to participate. The researchers aim to identify meaningful patterns, themes, and perspectives that can inform and strengthen community-based fire safety initiatives. To improve fire safety awareness and enhance community resilience in Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City, the following measures are recommended:

Accessible Fire Safety Training

Offer free or affordable training sessions to equip all residents with essential fire prevention and emergency response skills, ensuring accessibility across all socioeconomic groups.

Sustainable Funding

Collaborate with government agencies and private partners to secure ongoing funding for fire safety programs, including educational materials, safety equipment, and outreach activities.

Comprehensive Education Campaigns

Incorporate fire safety education into community events, schools, and workplaces, emphasizing prevention, emergency protocols, and proper use of safety equipment.

Engaging Educational Materials

Develop and distribute clear, visually appealing resources—such as infographics, videos, animations, and interactive tools—tailored to different audiences, including children and vulnerable populations.

Community Engagement

Promote a culture of preparedness by encouraging residents to participate in regular fire drills, workshops, and neighborhood watch programs, fostering collective responsibility for safety Fire safety education plays a vital role in fostering a culture of preparedness and significantly reducing the occurrence and impact of fire-related incidents. By providing individuals with essential knowledge and skills—such as the proper use of fire safety equipment, adherence to emergency response protocols, and application of effective fire prevention strategies—communities become more resilient and better equipped to mitigate risks. Well-informed communities are not only more responsive during emergencies but also experience fewer casualties, reduced property damage, and faster recovery after fire incidents. Moreover, sustained investment in fire safety education strengthens community bonds, promotes collective responsibility, and contributes to the development of a safer, more adaptive, and disaster-resilient society.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of fire safety education and its impact on the community in Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City. A total of forty (40) participants—comprising twenty (20) community residents and twenty (20) Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel assigned to the area—will serve as key respondents in assessing the outcomes and identifying the challenges of current fire safety initiatives within the barangay.