The Village of Glenview

Fire Safety Public Education


The Fire Department's Public Education Division offers a variety of programs catered to various age groups. For more information on any particular educational program, call Fire Administration at (847) 724-2141. Here's what we offer:

Youth fire safety education in area schools

Pre-K fire safety education

Firefighters teach eight fire safety behaviors and fire awareness skills to children age’s three to five.

K-5th elementary school fire safety education

Fire safety education at this level is based on escape planning programs. Behaviors taught include, but are not limited to:

  • stop, drop, cover and roll
  • good fire-bad fire
  • crawl low under smoke
  • kitchen fire safety
  • testing and proper smoke detector maintenance

Training and services

Premise Alert Program

The Illinois Premise Alert Program (Public Act 96-0788) provides for public safety agencies in the State of Illinois to allow people with disabilities, special needs, or both to provide information to police, fire and EMS personnel to be kept in a database. The information provided can be used to offer guidance and assistance to public safety workers in responding to and assisting those persons with disabilities or special needs. Families, caregivers, or the person with a disability or special needs may provide this information. 

Heimlich maneuver

This life saving procedure can be taught to food service operators and other interested parties upon request.

Blood pressure readings

Need your blood pressure checked by a trained professional? Paramedics are staffed at all five fire stations and would be happy to take your blood pressure free of charge. This service is available at any Glenview fire station; stop in today!

Block parties

We welcome the opportunity to meet our residents on this informal basis. Firefighters demonstrate their tools of the trade and provide insight to some of the mysteries of our job: why firefighters cut holes in roofs and break windows; how much water is on an engine, and why fire engines are red. There is a high demand for fire department apparatus to visit neighborhood block party events. We attend as many possible with advanced notification. Block parties and other appearances are done as an in-service detail.

  • Block party applications can be found here.

Fire station tours

We open our doors to interested groups that want to view our fire stations. An age-appropriate fire safety message is included in ALL fire station tours. Every visitor leaves with a better understanding of fire department operations and the Big Rigs. To schedule a group visit, please contact Fire Administration. If you want to visit your local fire station, you can walk in anytime.  If we are not out on a call, a firefighter would be happy to provide a tour of the station and its apparatus equipment.

Smoke detector installation

We will install smoke detectors and replace batteries for individuals who may not be capable of doing so themselves.

Fire extinguisher training

This hands-on class is offered to local business employees only. Different types of fire are discussed, as well as how to choose the correct fire extinguisher. Using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep),  employees are instructed on proper and safe use of extinguishers.

Home fire surveys

Home surveys are conducted on an advisory basis only. When asked, we will provide tips and instruct the homeowner on a home fire escape plan. This plan should include multiple ways out of the house, designating a family meeting place and discussion of smoke detector placement.

Outdoor barbecue and grilling safety

 Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. A grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard.  Read the safety tips below.

Important links

Emergency disaster preparedness

What is an emergency? An emergency is when time and resources are in short-supply and more than a routine response is needed to save lives, protect health, safety, property and the environment.

What is a disaster? A disaster is when there is severe danger in an area, not enough resources, and big losses that disrupt the social and/or economic structure to the extent the community cannot function normal.

For information about preparing for emergencies and disasters, visit these web sites

First aid and CPR training

Information regarding First Aid and CPR courses can be found here:

Tornado tips

Every year communities big and small are terrorized by these natural disasters, creating millions of dollars in property damages. Tornadoes, however, can endanger something far more precious than property---our lives. The best way to prevent disaster is to prepare for it. Read and familiarize yourself with the following definitions and tips:

  • Tornado Watch vs. Warning – A watch means weather conditions are right for a tornado and one is expected to develop. A warning means a tornado has actually been sighted – listen closely to reports and take protective cover immediately.
  • Pick an uncluttered place where family members can gather if a tornado is heading your way. It could be the basement or a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest level.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have time to go to the lowest level. Pick a hallway in the center of the building, where there are no windows.
  • Assemble a disaster safety kit containing the following necessities: first aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, boots, work gloves, rain gear, and blankets.
  • Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to overturning in strong winds. If your trailer park has a community center, go there. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert and shield your head with your hands.
  • If you are in school, go to an interior hallway on the lowest level. Avoid auditoriums and gymnasiums, or other spaces with wide, free-span roofs.
  • If you are in your car when a tornado is sighted, leave your vehicle immediately. Do not try to outrun a tornado Seek shelter in a nearby ditch, ravine or culvert and lie flat.
  • Set up a family separation plan in case of separation during a disaster. Establish an out of town family member or friend to be your family contract.
  • For additional severe weather preparedness tips visit the National Weather Service.

 Tornado sirens located throughout the Village are activated by the Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center (GPSD) to alert those outside that a tornado has been reported near the Village. Portable weather alert radios (NOAA Weather Radio) that turn on automatically when activated by the National Weather Service are available at many retail stores.