Public Education

An SJFD firefighter and a child looking at a fire engine.

The San José Fire Department is committed to helping our community stay safe, prepared, and resilient. This page brings together important public education topics and resources. We encourage San José residents to explore the information below and take steps to help protect themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods.

After a Fire

After a Fire: Resources to help you recover after a fire.
Inspecting Your Property: Learn how to safely check your home after a fire, identify possible hazards, and know what to look for before going back inside.
Cleaning Your Property: Learn how to safely clean up after a fire, whether or not you have insurance, and understand the health risks from soot and fire-damaged items.
Temporary Housing: Find out what to do if your home is not safe to live in after a fire, including temporary shelter options and help from the American Red Cross.
Recovering Emotionally: Learn how to cope with the emotional impact of a fire, support vulnerable family members, and find help when needed.
Helping Pets: Find guidance on caring for pets after a fire, including safety tips, emotional support, and resources for injured, lost, rescued, or deceased animals.
Recovering Financially: Get practical steps to help with financial recovery after a fire, including insurance claims, replacing important documents, and salvaging damaged cash.

Disaster Preparedness

Earthquake Safety: Learn how to prepare before an earthquake, stay safe during the shaking, and take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property afterward.
Exit Drills in the Home: Learn how to plan and practice a home fire escape drill.
Pet Disaster Preparedness: Include your pets in your disaster plan by making a plan and creating a pet disaster preparedness kit.
Power Outages: Learn what to do before, during, and after a power outage.

Fire Prevention & Safety

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Learn what carbon monoxide is, how it can harm you, and how carbon monoxide detectors can help prevent poisoning.
Electrical Safety in the Home: Learn electrical safety tips to help reduce hazards, prevent fires, and keep your home and family safer.
Fire Extinguishers: Learn why you may want fire extinguishers in your home and how to use and maintain them safely.
Fire Safety in the Kitchen: Get tips for cooking safely, preventing kitchen fires, and knowing what to do if a cooking fire starts.
Heating Safety: Heating equipment can increase the risk of home fires. Learn simple safety tips to help keep your home safe and warm during cold weather.
High-Rise Safety: Learn fire safety tips for high-rise buildings, including how to plan ahead, respond to fire alarms, and stay safe during an emergency.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Learn how to safely use, charge, and store lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of overheating, fire, or explosion.
Smoke Alarms: Learn how to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home.
Stop, Drop & Roll: Learn what to do if your clothes catch on fire.

Health & Wellness

Child Car Seat Safety: Find a car seat inspection station near you.
Fall Prevention: Older adults who want to maintain their independence and health should take steps to understand and reduce their risk of falling.
L.I.F.E (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) File: Get information on the City's L.I.F.E. File program and how it can help during an emergency.
Poison Prevention: Learn about common household poisoning risks, how to safely store hazardous items, and what steps you can take to help prevent poisonings at home.
Safe Surrender Baby Law: Learn about the Safe Surrender Baby Law, how it works, and how it helps protect newborns when a parent cannot safely care for them.
Suicide Prevention & Crisis: Find support and resources for residents who are experiencing emotional or mental distress.
Swimming Pool & Spa Safety: Learn how to stay safe in and around water.

Opioid Safety & Awareness

Opioid Safety & Awareness Homepage: Find opioid safety information, prevention tips, and resources to help protect yourself and others.
Narcan: Learn how NARCAN can help reverse an opioid overdose.
Opioid Facts: Learn what opioids are, common types, and the risks of using them.
Opioid FAQs: Get answers to your opioid-related questions.
Opioids Overdose: Learn the signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in an emergency.
Opioid Resources: Find resources if you or someone you know is affected by opioid use.
Talking About Opioids: Learn how talking with family, friends, and coworkers can help keep people safer.

Road & Pedestrian Safety

Seasonal & Holiday Safety

Campfire Safety: Enjoy campfires safely with these tips.
Christmas Tree Safety: Learn how to safely choose, decorate, and care for your real or artificial Christmas tree to help prevent fires during the holiday season.
Fireworks Are Illegal: All fireworks are illegal in the City of San José and most of Santa Clara County, including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and other fireworks.
Halloween Safety: Halloween safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
Hot Weather Safety: Stay safe during hot weather with these tips.
Sunscreen Safety: Learn how to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Winter Holiday Safety: Stay safe during the holiday season with these tips.

Wildfire Preparedness

Prepare for Wildfire: Take steps now to help protect your home or property from wildfire.
Defensible Space: Create space between your home and nearby vegetation.
Hardening Your Home: Learn how fire-resistant building materials, repairs, and home improvements can help protect your home from wildfire.
Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Choose plants that can help reduce wildfire risk.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones: Find out if your property is in a fire hazard severity zone.
Wildfire Action Plan: Plan escape routes from your home and get an out-of-area contact.
Emergency Supply Kit: Make a go-bag for each person in your household.
Insurance Preparedness: Review your home insurance policy before a wildfire.
Pre-Evacuation: Make a checklist so you are ready if you need to evacuate.
Wildfire Evacuation: Stay informed about wildfires in your area and know your evacuation routes, evacuation orders, and evacuation centers.

City of San José

Popular Searches

Contact SJFD

Public Education