The FOCUS survey returns to fire departments nationwide
The Center for Firefighter Injury Research & Safety Trends (FIRST) at Drexel University has relaunched the Fire Service Organizational Culture of Safety (FOCUS) survey.
As reported by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), this initiative is supported by FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
It is designed to help fire departments evaluate and enhance their safety culture.
Over 500 departments and 70,000 firefighters have participated in earlier versions of the survey.
The FOCUS survey provides actionable data that departments can use to advocate for essential resources such as staffing, gear, and mental health support.
Combination and volunteer departments needed for research
Data from previous FOCUS surveys showed that combination and volunteer fire departments reported higher management commitment to safety than career fire departments.
To investigate this trend further, the FIRST Center is encouraging additional participation from combination and volunteer departments.
The findings may help better understand safety priorities in these organizations.
The survey is part of the FIRST Center’s broader effort to promote safety across the fire service.
New CANVAS program to expand safety culture research
Alongside the FOCUS survey, the FIRST Center has introduced the Combination and Volunteer Assessment of Safety (CANVAS) program.
Funded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Prevention and Safety Grants, CANVAS builds upon the work established by the FOCUS initiative.
It specifically addresses the needs of combination and volunteer fire departments.
CANVAS aims to provide detailed insights into safety practices and help departments improve overall safety culture.
How to participate in the FOCUS program
Fire departments interested in participating in the FOCUS 3.0 survey can enroll through a form available on the FIRST Center’s website.
The FIRST Center encourages all departments, regardless of size, to take part in this initiative.
Departments seeking further details can contact the FOCUS team directly at focus@drexel.edu.
FOCUS 3.0 safety culture survey now available for U.S. fire departments: Summary
The FIRST Center at Drexel University has reintroduced the Fire Service Organizational Culture of Safety (FOCUS) survey.
Supported by FEMA funding, the survey helps fire departments assess safety culture and identify areas for improvement.
To date, over 500 departments and 70,000 firefighters have participated.
Combination and volunteer departments are encouraged to join to provide additional insights into management commitment to safety.
The new CANVAS program, also funded by FEMA, focuses on improving safety practices for combination and volunteer fire departments.
Departments can sign up via the FIRST Center’s website or contact focus@drexel.edu for more information.
