Promoting Safety: Public Education Programs


The Cape Girardeau Fire Department is committed to promoting safe environments and practices, as well as providing training, so businesses and residents can avoid needing emergency services when possible.

The Department currently offers a number of educational programs to better prepare our community for emergency events. Many of these programs can be readily modified to adapt to the personal needs of a group, school, hospital or business. The programs we currently offer are listed below with a description.

Please contact us at 573-339-6330 if you are interested in a program or if you have any questions.

Home Fire Sprinklers
If you are building or renovating a home, please consider home fire sprinklers. Department personnel would be happy to discuss this option with you at your convenience.


Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are installed and existing detectors are checked for proper operation. This is a ongoing program based on economic need and the availability of detectors, since they are installed free of charge. The detectors are donated by various civic organizations and are installed by members of the civic group and personnel from the Fire Department. This is done at various times during the year. The service is free of charge. Individuals may request this service by calling the Fire Department. 

Learn Not to Burn
This is a children’s program covering: Stop, Drop and Roll; EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home); Stay Low and Go; Smoke Detectors; Burn Awareness and Prevention; and other important subjects for kids. This program educates children about fire and burn prevention through lectures, demonstrations, slide shows, hand-out material and active participation. Currently we offer these programs for pre-kindergarten through grade 6.


Basic Fire Extinguisher Training 
Fire extinguishers are the public’s first line of defense in case of a fire, but only if they know how to use them. This class teaches participants to identify the type of fire, select the correct extinguisher and how to use the extinguisher properly. Evacuation plans and emergency notification procedures are also emphasized. Live fire extinguishing is used to complete the training. 

Poster Contest
All 4th grade elementary school students in the City of Cape Girardeau are offered the opportunity through their art classes to participate in the poster contest each year. The contest is held just prior to Fire Prevention Week in early October. The theme for the contest is established by the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week. Prizes are awarded for the posters that best reflect the theme. Judging is done by Fire Department personnel. 


  • Contact Info
  • 1 South Sprigg Street Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
  • Telephone 573.339.6330
  • Email [email protected]