BCFPD creates informational clearinghouse on district activities

Through a series of news articles, community-based feature stories, interactive applications and links to public safety agencies nationwide, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District (BCFPD) officials have created an informational clearinghouse on fire safety, district activities and events at bcfpd.org.

The district's website was designed with public safety in mind. Its purpose is to provide information that, according to its home page, helps residents "be safer and more knowledgeable in the area of fire protection."

"The District strives to provide accurate, relevant information on a range of fire safety topics that will help protect the residents and businesses we serve," fire chief James Arie explains. "From articles confirming the effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems to details about the fire department's property inspection program, our goal is to offer information that residents may apply directly to their own fire safety efforts."

Website highlights include:

• Virtual tours of the three fire stations that serve BCFPD residents

• Community News' page that features BCFPD news updates. Late-breaking content is also posted on the district's home page

• Community features that highlight the district's and fire department's support for community-based initiatives

• Photos/virtual tours of fire department vehicles

• Bios on BCFPD trustees

• FAQ section

• Web links to regional and national public safety agencies (such as the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, and the United States Fire Administration), and online magazines, including firehouse.com and National Fire and Rescue (nfrmag.com).

The number of website visitors has tripled in the last 15 months, with the district introducing new content on a regular basis. As of June 2010, nearly 45,000 visitors have learned more about the BCFPD through its website. That figure was only 15,000 in March 2009.

The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District receives emergency fire and medical service from the Barrington Fire Department, which is responsible for protecting the lives and property of district residents through an intergovernmental agreement between the district and village of Barrington. The district serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.

For more information on BCFPD operations and activities, call (847) 304-3600 or visit bcfpd.org.