Public Service Announcements
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are a valuable tool to reach potential volunteers for the fire and emergency services. Television and radio stations typically use PSAs as a means to fill unsold commercial time or to demonstrate their commitment to a particular cause. As a result, stations generally run PSAs for free.
Fire Corps and the NVFC have created a series of video, radio, and print PSAs to help you alert your community about the need for volunteers in the fire and emergency services and to raise awareness about 1-800-FIRE-LINE.
Video PSAs
Print PSAs
Radio PSAs
How to Place PSAs
1-800-FIRE-LINE Video PSAs will assist your state in targeting potential volunteers through local television or cable stations. North Carolina is an example of how using a video PSA can significantly increase the calls made to 1-800-FIRE-LINE. The North Carolina State Firemen’s Association (NCSFA) used funds from a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant to develop and release a video PSA publicizing 1-800-FIRELINE in their state. Following the release of the video PSA, North Carolina received over 325 calls from potential volunteers to 1-800-FIRE-LINE in the first month alone. Previously, the organization had averaged three to five calls per month.
Fire Corps and the NVFC collaborated with NCSFA to produce two 30-second video PSAs that can be used nationwide. The 1-800-FIRE-LINE Video PSA for Volunteer and Combination Departments can be used to recruit both emergency and non-emergency personnel. The 1-800-FIRE-LINE Video PSA for Career Departments is intended to recruit only non-emergency volunteers.
Consider personalizing the video PSAs by adding your organization’s name and logo. Local television or cable stations may also be willing to donate time to personalize the video PSA as well as the airtime for running the PSA. Refer to the How to Place Public Service Announcements information later in this section for tips on how get the video PSA placed in your state’s communities.
Fire Corps and the NVFC would like to thank the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association (NCSFA) for their generosity and support in the creation of the 1-800-FIRE-LINE Video PSAs.
Video PSA for Volunteer and Combination Departments (WMV format)
Video PSA for Career Departments (WMV format, 8kb)
Print media offers a tangible marketing tool for the public. Fire Corps and the NVFC have created a print PSA in various sizes to assist in publicizing 1-800-FIRE-LINE throughout your state. Personalize the PSAs by adding your organization’s name and logo. Include the PSA in your organization’s newsletter or submit the PSA to state and local publications, such as magazines or newspapers. Media organizations may also be willing to donate ad space. Emphasize the different size possibilities to help secure placement. To learn more about how to submit a PSA to publications, refer to the How to Place Public Service Announcements information provided in this section. Also consider disseminating print PSAs to local departments to be included in their local newsletters and distributed to their local media.
* Note: You can personalize these PSAs by clicking in the editable field: “This message brought to you by Fire Corps”. Then add your organization’s name and logo.
Black and White Ads:
Full Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Full Page Print PSA – Career Departments
Half Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Half Page Print PSA – Career Departments
Quarter Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Quarter Page Print PSA – Career Departments
Full Color Ads:
Full Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Full Page Print PSA – Career Departments
Half Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Half Page Print PSA – Career Departments
Quarter Page Print PSA – Combination or Volunteer Departments
Quarter Page Print PSA - Career Departments
Millions of Americans listen to the radio on a daily basis. Broadcasting 1-800-FIRE-LINE to radio stations throughout the state will allow your association to reach a greater number of prospective volunteers. Fire Corps and the NVFC have provided radio PSA scripts to fit in 15, 30, and 60-second time slots. The scripts may be adapted as necessary. You can also bring greater recognition to your organization by including it in the script. Local radio stations may be willing to donate the time to record the PSA as well as the airtime to run the PSA. Once recorded, your organization should work with the local radio station(s) to develop an airtime schedule.
1. Research Media Outlets.
Make a list of media outlets in your community. Remember to include special-purpose outlets such as school newspapers or newsletters published by civic organizations. Be sure to note any special instructions for submitting PSAs.
2. Identify Contacts.
Once you have made your media list, find the contact information for the person who handles PSAs. This might be the public service director, community affairs director, editor, or station programming director. If you have any personal contacts in the media, ask for their assistance. Use the Organization and Media Contact Information list to organize your media outlet and contact list.
3. Prepare your pitch.
Prepare a packet of information that can be e-mailed, faxed or mailed. This should include:
- A simple memo outlining the problem faced by your community and how 1-800-FIRE-LINE can help. You can use or customize the Sample Memo.
- The appropriate PSA (TV, radio or print).
- Additional information, such as the 1-800-FIRE-LINE PSA Fact Sheet, as well as any local information about your state’s fire/EMS needs and services.
4. Make your pitch.
Persuade your contacts to run the PSA. It is often most effective to make your pitch in person or by phone, and then follow up by email or fax. However, some media outlets have specific guidelines about how and when to contact them. Remember to state the message of your PSA in simple problem-solution terms:
PROBLEM : Resource-constrained fire/EMS departments urgently need more support to protect our community.
SOLUTION: 1-800-FIRE-LINE is a toll-free, national hotline that recruits first responders and non-emergency volunteers.
5. Follow up.
Be sure to note the date and time of the initial pitch so that you can effectively follow up and inquire about its status. If the pitch is made in person or by phone, refer to the date of the conversation. If a packet of information was sent, refer to the date it was mailed or faxed. Offer to answer questions or provide additional information. If your contact commits to running the PSA, find out when and/or how often it will appear so you can track your success.
