For nearly 70 years, not a single child in an American school has fallen victim
to a fire-related incident. This remarkable achievement can be attributed
to the implementation of comprehensive national policies that effectively
ended fire-related tragedies in our schools. A well defined “fire code”
meticulously followed when constructing new schools, rigorous fire code
inspections, the installation of alarms, water sprinkler systems,
instructional signs, regular drills, trained marshals, increased numbers of
inspectors, fire department visits, hydrant checks, and active community
engagement are just a few elements that underscore the extensive scope
of the fire prevention strategy in America. The lives lost in the past have
laid the foundation for a system that now saves countless lives. This
perspective resonates widely within the general public. It is time to
harness the essence of this successful strategy and use it (or incorporate
it) to protect our children from the escalating pattern of violence. The
ultimate solution lies in PREVENTION.