More than a million fires are reported annually, with approximately $11 billion in property damage and the loss of thousands of lives, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). No wonder Fire Safety is a top-selling awareness event that happens twice annually. National Fire Prevention Week occurs the week of October 9 (Sunday through Saturday). July hosts National Fireworks Safety Month, coinciding with both outdoor grilling and fireworks across the country. You are positioned to help spread the word with educational promotional products throughout the year.

To successfully sell fire safety products, it’s important to be an expert on fire safety observances and the promotional needs of fire departments. When meeting with fire chiefs, present a fire safety sample kit with printed and electronic sales sheets. Here are five more tips to become their Fire Safety Promo Specialist.

1. Learn the market. Fire prevention professionals see a lot of kids, teens, adults and seniors for fire safety talks, demonstrations and events. Fire safety presentations are most successful when educational promotional products are offered to attendees. Choose items that fit the age and mindset of the audience.

2. Call your local fire department to schedule a meeting by the first week of August. This allows time for customized products to support October events.

3. Research fire safety trade shows across the country, such as the NFPA Conference and Expo and the FIVE Fire In Vehicles Conference. Sign up to be a vendor at these national shows and/or local events near you.

4. Demonstrate your fire safety knowledge, including the history of fire safety and National Fire Prevention Week, which is hosted by the NFPA. Proclaimed in 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge, Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1911 and serves to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.

5. Partner with a knowledgeable vendor. For example, Fields Manufacturing has a wide variety of products to support Fire Safety. Prevention-themed coloring books (#CB1101), crayons (#FP2000), temporary tattoo books (ABT#103), fun sticker rolls and rulers are top sellers for fire departments visiting local schools. Pocket Sliders (#2110) and Pocket Calendars (#9503) are a great way to get fire safety information out to teens, adults and seniors. Also effective are flashlights (#626) and clip-on flashing lights (#610). Add a drawstring backpack or tote bag to keep it all together.

To unlock the potential of this market, Fields Manufacturing has assembled an array of sales tools. Dave TenEyck explains: “Fields offers a free marketing service that includes samples and idea decks. You can request a Fire Safety Kit and also have your company name and contact information branded on fire safety sales flyers.” TenEyck promises: “We’ll get you ready to sell Fire Safety August 1st!”