fAQs

Frequently asked questions

CRR is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce their occurrence and impact. Much of the current literature and training materials suggest that Community Risk Reduction programs use a six-step approach towards development. (Vision 20/20)

CRA is comprehensive evaluation that identifies, prioritizes, and defines the risks that pertain to the overall community. (NFPA 1300)

A Community Risk Reduction Plan is a document that outlines the goals, objectives, programs, and resources used to reduce the risks identified by the community risk assessment. (NFPA 1300)

As described in the Vision 20/20 Risk Assessment Guide, CRR planning typically consists of a six-step approach. Current literature and CRR training materials promote this approach. Some organizations have developed alternative methods, but all methods provide a strategic path to the development of CRR plan.

Six Steps of the CRR Planning Process

  1. Identify Risks
  2. Prioritize Risks
  3. Develop Strategies & Tactics to Mitigate Risks
  4. Prepare the Community Risk Reduction Plan
  5. Implement the Community Risk Reduction Plan
  6. Monitor, Evaluate, & Modify CRR Plan

No, CRR is not simply another name for Public Education. CRR is the integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce the occurrence and impact of local risks.

The National Fire Academy (NFA) promotes the use of the “Five E’s,” in which intervention strategies are listed in one of five different categories (Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response). Using multiple interventions can prevent incidents from occurring, and when prevention fails, can reduce or mitigate the impact of an event. Using a combination of the Five E’s can produce a synergistic effect that is more effective than applying any one individual tactic. Ultimately, they can contribute to the development of comprehensive and effective solutions. (Vision 20/20)

The IL CRR Stakeholder Taskforce consists of member organizations and affiliates that can provide CRR and CRA training classes, residential smoke alarm installation support, consulting and problem solving, conferences and symposia, and other resources. The goal of the Taskforce is to provide individual departments and communities with the necessary resources and assistance that will prepare them to develop their own CRR plans.

For more information about Illinois Community Risk Reduction, contact the IL CRR Stakeholder Taskforce Project Manager, Marsha Giesler.