Creative Ways Fire and EMS Departments Can Support Their Communities During the Holiday Season

As the temperature drops and we enter the holiday season, volunteer fire and EMS departments have a unique opportunity to not only serve their communities through emergency response, but also through fun, engaging activities that bring people together. Sure, we’re pros at putting out fires, but what if we could also light up our communities with creative ways to give back during winter? Here are some innovative ideas to help your department make an impact this holiday season. Let’s dive in!

Here are the top 10 ideas from the list that will make the most impact while engaging your community during the winter season:

1. “Rescue an Elf” Holiday Event: A scavenger hunt for kids related to fire safety is both fun and educational. It allows firefighters to interact with the community creatively while delivering important fire safety lessons in a memorable, kid-friendly format.
2. Firehouse Friendsgiving: Hosting a community-wide “Friendsgiving” at the firehouse fosters inclusivity and togetherness, offering a place for those who might be alone during the holidays. It also helps position your department as a caring and central part of the community.
3. Firefighters’ Christmas Light Contest Judging: Being the official judge for a neighborhood Christmas light contest is a great way to combine festive fun with safety reminders about holiday electrical setups. This activity connects firefighters with residents in a lighthearted way while still promoting fire safety.
4. Gingerbread Firehouse Competition: A gingerbread-building competition is family-friendly, builds community connections, and draws people to the fire station. Plus, it’s a great way to show that firefighters are more than just first responders—they’re also part of the holiday spirit.
5. Holiday Smoke Detector Drive: Swapping out old smoke detectors for new ones is a life-saving initiative that can prevent holiday-related disasters, especially when holiday cooking and lights are involved. It’s a practical, proactive way to protect your community.
6. Winter Emergency Preparedness Kit Drive: Providing emergency preparedness kits with essential winter items helps families stay safe during power outages or severe weather. It’s a valuable service that highlights the department’s role in keeping the community safe year-round.
7. Santa’s Firefighter Delivery Crew: Delivering gifts via fire trucks not only spreads joy to local children but also fosters goodwill and positive interactions with the community. It’s a visual, memorable way to demonstrate that firefighters care about their neighborhoods beyond emergency calls.
8. Warm Winter Clothing Drive: Hosting a coat and blanket drive to collect items for those in need during the cold months taps into the community’s spirit of giving and providing an essential service. It positions the department as a resource for community welfare.
9. Holiday Fire Drill Challenge: A fun, themed fire drill challenge encourages families to practice safety while competing for a prize. It’s engaging and ensures that households are better prepared in case of an emergency during the holidays.
10. Firehouse Holiday Photo Booth: Setting up a photo booth at the firehouse for families to take holiday photos with firefighters or fire trucks is a fun, interactive way to connect with the community. It can also serve as a fundraiser or raise awareness for fire safety programs.

As volunteer firefighters and EMS providers, we don’t just respond to emergencies—we’re pillars of our communities. These creative, out-of-the-box ideas are perfect for the winter season, offering ways to connect, educate, and spread some holiday cheer. After all, there’s no better way to support the community than keeping them safe, informed, and feeling like family. Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s make this holiday season one to remember!

Honorable Mentions:

These ideas might not have made the top 10, but they’re still worth considering for creative ways to connect with your community this winter:

1. Fire Safety Storytime in Ugly Sweaters: A fun way to teach kids fire safety while spreading holiday cheer.
2. Virtual Holiday Fire Safety Challenges: Engage families online with fun safety tasks and prizes.
3. Online Giving Tree for Firefighter Charities: Make it easy for the community to give back through a virtual donation system.
4. Holiday “Give Back” Firehouse Workshops: Combine fire safety education with making care packages for those in need.
5. Winter Car Seat Safety Inspections: Help parents ensure their kids are safe during holiday travel.
6. Holiday Lights Safety Check: Offer peace of mind by inspecting holiday lights for fire hazards.
7. Holiday Gift Wrapping for a Cause: Wrap gifts, raise funds, and connect with your community.
8. ‘Snowman Rescue’ Contest: Add some winter fun by “rescuing” the best-built snowmen in town.
9. Holiday-Themed CPR Training: Teach life-saving skills with a festive twist.
10. DIY Decoration Workshop: Get creative with kids while promoting fire-safe holiday decorating.

By Walter Campbell, Recruitment & Retention Strategist

For more insights on recruitment and retention in fire, EMS, and law enforcement, subscribe to our blog and stay updated with the latest strategies and best practices.

Want to boost your social media reach and improve recruitment and retention? First Arriving can help! Fill out our Online Inquiry Form or email?[email protected]?today.