16 Jul 2009

USFA is recruiting for its new 'Hot Topics in Fire Protection' course
Courses will explore new ideas in fire protection

The United States Fire Administration (USFA), Department of Homeland Security, is recruiting students and instructor candidates to attend pilot classes for its new six-day on-campus course Hot Topics in Fire Protection.

The pilot will be offered October 18 to 23, 2009 at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Students will arrive Saturday October 17 and depart Saturday, October 24.

Hot Topics in Fire Protection is intended to help students discover what's new in fire protection by exploring how current events, products and trends apply to you and your jurisdiction.

Learn:

  • How to "scan the environment" and conduct valid research into new technologies, trends, laws and products.
  • How to read, interpret and apply fire protection research, human behavior studies, fire dynamics research, fire protection law and emerging issues.
  • How to identify emerging local, regional and state fire protection challenges; and develop technically-based strategic solutions.
  • How technology develops and can be transferred to solve local issues.
  • What significant changes are in the short- and long-term future for fire protection systems and equipment.
  • How fire protection plays a part in all-hazards preparedness and response.
  • Using modern research tools, and student-centric learning, attendees will learn: how to evaluate technological and human behavior topics that exist in fire protection, the wide variety of research resources available, and how to collect and present that information in a meaningful way that can effect change to reduce fire losses or enhance understanding of new technologies.

Pilots are highly participatory amongst instructors, course developers and students. Attendees are expected to contribute their ideas and expertise to improve course content and delivery. Attending a pilot does not affect a student's ability to obtain another travel stipend within the fiscal year.

For more information and to apply, click here.