The Redmond Fire Department's Adopt a School program connects three-member crews from nearby fire stations with designated public or private elementary, junior high, or high schools monthly to assist with fire drills, evacuation planning, emergency preparedness, and related activities.
Crews also are available for in-service training before the start of the school year.
Although the crew works predominantly with staff and administrators, the program enables the firefighters to interact with students as well. The program can be adapted for preschools and home-schooling centers. Piloted in September 1999, the program builds better community relationships, leading to better cooperation and coordination, reduced confusion and, ideally, minimized risk of death or injury should a disaster occur.