As a firefighter's spouse for two decades, I understood the significance of the annual firehouse open house. When the pandemic hit, I was determined to find a way to bring a modified version of this crucial event to the community. Drawing on my photography background, I discovered a new technology that could create an immersive, virtual firehouse, allowing people to explore it from the safety of their homes.

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The Duxbury Fire Department embraced the idea, hoping to keep their tradition alive until in-person events could resume. The virtual firehouse was a success, and its impact extended far beyond our local community. We were surprised to see fire departments and citizens from around the world touring our virtual space to learn about our department and fire safety.

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This success sparked a new idea: to continue educating the public online using the platforms they use every day.

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My personal experiences have given me a unique perspective on emergency preparedness and response. I am often asked for advice on topics like preparing for a winter storm or hurricane, as people assume I am as knowledgeable as my husband. This has shown me that the public looks to their local fire departments for guidance.

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Now, by working with fire departments and other organizations, I can help them identify their community's most important questions and provide the answers. Whether it's preparing for a storm, staying hydrated in the summer, or preventing brush fires, I've seen firsthand that effective communication is a department's best tool for keeping a community safe. Ultimately, a safer and more prepared community is a stronger community.