LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is highlighting Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent avoidable emergencies and strengthen emergency response across the state. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed January 19 through January 25, 2026, as Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Week in Michigan. The week coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is recognized as a National Day of Service.
CRR Week emphasizes that the most effective emergency response begins long before a 9-1-1 call is ever made.
“Michigan continues to make meaningful progress in keeping families safe,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By focusing on prevention, preparedness, and partnerships, we can reduce emergencies and strengthen the ability of first responders to protect our communities.”
This year’s CRR Week theme, Emergency Response, Ready Before the Call, highlights the direct connection between prevention and response. Today’s fires burn hotter and move faster than ever before due to changes in building construction and the materials used in modern home furnishings. This modern fire behavior leaves families with very little time to escape a house fire, while first responders across Michigan face increasing demands from preventable emergencies and repeat 9-1-1 calls. Proactive prevention efforts help reduce these risks and support faster, safer, and more effective emergency response when seconds matter most.
“Fire moves fast, and communities must be ready before the call,” said LARA Director Marlon I. Brown. “Reducing risk through prevention and preparedness strengthens emergency response and helps ensure first responders have the time, tools, and capacity to protect Michigan communities when it matters most.”
“When we reduce preventable emergency calls, we improve emergency response for the entire community,” said State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes, who also serves as Director of the Bureau of Fire Services. “Community Risk Reduction is not just education. It is a strategy that makes residents safer and gives firefighters and responders the time and capacity to focus on life-threatening emergencies.”
Community Risk Reduction is a holistic approach that applies prevention strategies across the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentive, and Emergency Response.
In Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) alone, Michigan fire departments responded to more than 1,012,420 incidents, reflecting a more than 70 percent increase over the past 10 years. This growing demand places increased pressure on local departments and underscores the importance of reducing preventable emergencies before they occur.
Key Strategies That Strengthen Emergency Response
During CRR Week, LARA and its Bureau of Fire Services (BFS), and MI Prevention highlight approaches that connect prevention to stronger emergency response, including:
Reducing Preventable 9-1-1 Calls
Communities can prevent fires and injuries before they occur through smoke alarm installations, home safety visits, fire escape planning, lithium-ion battery safety education, and targeted outreach to residents at highest risk.
Using Data to Drive Prevention and Resource Deployment
Incident data and local risk assessments help departments identify hazards, guide outreach, and deploy personnel and resources more effectively.
Strengthening Partnerships Across Sectors
An effective emergency response relies on coordination among fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement, public health, schools, senior centers, and nonprofit organizations. These partnerships help reduce repeat emergencies and better serve high-need populations.
Engaging the Public in Preparedness
Residents play a vital role in emergency outcomes. Michigan encourages families to:
• Practice a home fire escape plan
• Know two ways out of every room
• Test smoke alarms monthly and install alarms with 10-year batteries
• Safely manage lithium-ion batteries
• Learn about how quickly modern fires can spread
Michigan’s Commitment to Community Safety
“Community Risk Reduction is directly embedded in Michigan’s MI Prevention program, reflecting our commitment to reducing harm and improving outcomes,” State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes said. “Investing in prevention and preparedness strengthens emergency response and saves lives.”
Fire departments, public safety agencies, schools, and community partners across Michigan are encouraged to participate in CRR Week activities, including public education events, home safety visits, youth programming, and data-informed outreach efforts.
Learn More
Residents and agencies can access CRR resources and safety information at: https://www.CRRWeek.org and https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bfs/miprevention
For additional information, contact the Bureau of Fire Services, MI Prevention section via email at LARA-MIPrevention@michigan.gov.
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