Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Monday through Sunday as Community Risk Reduction Week in Michigan. The week coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is recognized as a National Day of Service.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is highlighting the week as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent avoidable emergencies and strengthen emergency response across the state.

CRR Week emphasizes the most effective emergency response begins long before a 911 call is ever made, LARA states in a news release.

“Michigan continues to make meaningful progress in keeping families safe,” Whitmer said. “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 911 calls. Proactive prevention efforts help reduce these risks and support faster, safer and more effective emergency response when seconds matter most.

“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,” LARA Director Marlon I. Brown said.

“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 a holistic approach that applies prevention strategies across the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentive and Emergency Response.

In fiscal year 2025 alone, Michigan fire departments responded to more than 1,012,420 incidents, reflecting a more than 70% 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.

During CRR Week, LARA and its Bureau of Fire Services and MI Prevention highlight approaches that connect prevention to stronger emergency response, including —

Reducing preventable 911 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

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; and

— Learn about how quickly modern fires can spread.

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.

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.